by Johnny Rodriguez May this letter be well received in a few years. I am humbly proud to return praying my letter and motivational poem touches your hearts and opens you up to the sobering facts of life. In December of 2013, almost three years ago, I lost a new, yet dear, friend, Alicia. At only fourteen she had been dealing with hardship of a broken home, gangs, and school. She was mercilessly gunned down in the drug and gang infested streets of Compton, California, before even having had the chance to mature out of that wayward life. Within the time
Continue ReadingYear: 2016
Like No One Else
by Zuhaur Muhammad Ali was and still is one of the most in uential human beings of all time. He fought for injustice committed against African Americans. He was the best there is in the boxing world and he proved it by his actions. His name continues to bring joy to other people because that’s what the effect of his entire life is. There is nobody else who has led a life like Muhammad Ali and there was not a single moment when he failed to prove himself. This is who Muhammad Ali is.
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VOLUME 21.25/26
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingThe School of Hard Knocks, an excerpt from the book, Man Up
by James R. Metters Jr. When I was free on the streets I had a problem with people telling me what was right. I hustled in front of churches, disrespected evangelists, and mocked my elders. But now, irony had me in a strong headlock; I wanted to listen. This was a strange mental shift for me and my home boys who were used to me acting a fool. And when I really switched up a lot of the homies started hating. “Eh Jay, what’s up baby boy…where you going?” “I’m on my way to chapel.” I answered. “Is that right –
Continue ReadingShort Story
by Ounce of Game I come from a very cultural Polynesian family. Our values are the second to third things individuals in my family cherish and or respect. For me, this also applies, however, I perceive the point of view differently. I try my best to abide by the rules. I was taught, but as you can see, I’ve tripped up. I’m Tongan, Samoan, Japanese and Chinese. I grew up in various places such as San Francisco, San Mateo, Los Angeles and San Jose. I mostly have memories in San Mateo, on the east side, in a part called Shoreview. My
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VOLUME 21.23/24
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingA Real Friend
by Dortell Williams I had never really thought about what a friend was, much less a real friend. But after thinking about it, and having a lot of bad friends as examples, I know exactly what a good friend is supposed to be. First, bad friends are not really friends at all. There’s no such thing as a bad friend. In reality, there are just good friends and bad people. Bad people will dare you to do dangerous things you don’t want to do. Bad people will let you be the fall guy (or girl) for things that you didn’t
Continue ReadingThanks For Nothing
by Cassie Hey Dad, Thanks for abandoning me, basically when I was little. Thanks for making my mom and me resent you and become jaded when anyone wants to come into our lives. You shattered me at young age, as well as my image of what a man should be. I know you have your own issues, but I’ve always wanted to know why you couldn’t get stuff together, and step up for us and be my father? I guess you being a dead beat was a blessing in disguise, because my grandpa is the better father you could have never
Continue ReadingLife in Prison
by Pao Yang Life in prison is very lonely, stressful, and dark like the black holes in space, which is capable of swallowing all of your dreams and goals. I am able to say that because at the age of sixteen, and through my sel sh actions, I was sentenced to life in prison. I traded away all of my teenage years of going to high school, a chance at driving a car; achieving my goals and career for being in prison, serving a sentence of 25 to LIFE for rst degree murder. I had to become a man in
Continue ReadingPositive Traits
by Revo My predicament has been helping me out positively. Despite my situation being negative, at this moment I’m in the process of learning patience, discipline and self-control. My ongoing incarceration has been assisting me shape the better, stronger me that I have been running away from for so long. Honestly I’m grateful for the adversities I’m facing because without them I wouldn’t be the same person I am right now. While in captivity I never obsess over time. It is a form of self-torture. I use my memories of the past and relive them in my mind. I stretch
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