Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingMonth: December 2019
Ed Note 24.51/52
Greetings readers and writers of The Beat Within! We’re back to highlight reflections of our high school student interns, who transcribe pieces that come to us through adult institutions for The Beat Without section. This issue we welcome two students from Urban High School of San Francisco, Georgia and Robert. Georgia writes about the way her transcriptions have have changed her perspective: people’s crimes do not define who they are. In Robert’s reflection, we get a small snapshot of the listener that he’s become through his work transcribing for us, and see the profound effect that our writers have on
Continue ReadingApology
by Moguttah I say I’m sorry for that shhh that I done did And I’m thankful for that shhh That you had done when we was kids I’m steady screaming, RIP Heem ‘Cause when he died, we was kids I put my pain in this letter ‘Cause when they hear it, they like, damn Forget live and deceased ‘Cause these ninjas ‘round me wanna live I’ll hate to show out for the hype ‘Cause them people never cared My lil’ brother had a baby I promised I’ll be there When they gave me two years I couldn’t show it, but I cared So much pain in my eyes When they see me they be scared Lost my soul to these
Continue ReadingEverything Is Made of Hope and Chances
by Isela My older cousin Mikaela was planning to overdose on a bottle of pills if she didn’t get the attention she was seeking in our group-chat. Mikaela has suffered from depression for three years now. She’s attempted suicide repeatedly. Mikaela has sent me pictures of her arms right after she’s just cut the surface flesh in attempt to bleed herself dry. In an attempt to kill herself, she takes a chance; a chance that she might live. But how many chances will life give her before death finally decides to claim her? She’s called me saying how much she
Continue ReadingThe Door That Cannot Be Shut
by Kenneth Harris Everybody deserves a second chance and my view is that second chances should be first initiated by the individual. Your second chance is to challenge yourself with an honest inner appraisal and recognition to aspire beyond your present circumstances, environment and intellect. We know the system does not work unless you make a personal effort towards transformation. Crime and punishment, be serious! I spoke to you last year how important it is to settle your mind, take a real good look at yourself, the entire landscape of your dreams and goods, family and the chance you have been forced into. Today let’s call
Continue ReadingDarkness and Light
by David Stanton Jr. (I) Once was a baby, then a small child, and then a young teen, as well as a young adult, but now I am a middle-age elderly adult (being) 60-and-a-half years old, but basically that makes me part of all of you, which is human. Living in this great big world of humanity. And whether you are “male” or “female” sometimes words of Wisdom, can help you change your lives for the (better) especially if you’re going down the (dark roads) of life, and to continue going down the dark roads is, (insanity) so please listen
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About this campaign For 24 years, The Beat Within has been providing incarcerated youth and adults with consistent opportunities to share their ideas and life experiences in a safe space that encourages literacy, self-expression, critical thinking skills and healthy supportive relationships with the community.
Continue ReadingVolume 24.49/50
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 24.49/50
Greetings readers and writers of The Beat Within! It’s been a while since we’ve published the voices of our hard working high school interns, who often transcribe pieces that come to us through adult institutions, published in The Beat Without section. We’re happy to welcome Catherine who has been working with us over the past few months. In her reflection, Catherine talks about her ability to relate to the writers she encounters, regardless of how she and the writer appear on the outside. Thank you Catherine for your contributions and believing in our mission. Relating On An Emotional Level The
Continue ReadingWhy Does Justice Keep Passing Me By?
by Bobby Bostic Justice sounds fair. It is a good concept. It is a great word, but hundreds of thousands of prisoners such as myself wonder when will we ever find justice. Why does this word allude us? Why doesn’t the Constitution apply to us? All of the so-called “just” laws on the books sound good in theory but we keep seeking justice but she seems to escape our grasp. The only people that we see getting even a little justice is those who are wealthy or have family connections. The vast majority of us feel like we will never
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