Greetings! We welcome back you readers to another fabulous edition, 25.39/40, of the one and only The Beat Within. This latest issue is packed with wonderful writings and art from our many outstanding contributors and friends. We know there is plenty to read and share, so we are thrilled that you have this latest issue in your hands. This week we have asked our long-time friend and colleague, OT, to write this latest editorial note. There is no need to give you any further background, given OT will take it from here… I was introduced to The Beat Within, a
Continue ReadingYear: 2020
We Can If We Tried
by JL, Sacramento Together, I feel we can do a lot of things. I feel if we could come together as one, or as groups who want to do good, we can change the world. I feel that all people could work together and be something great. We could see what we all have in common to bring us more together. I feel like it’s not a lot of actual racism, but a lot of racially biased people. People believe they are better than a race because the color of their skin, the amount of money they have, their looks,
Continue ReadingI’ll Make Up For Those Times
by AS, Sacramento “My mama always used to tell me, ‘if you can’t find something to live for, you best find something to die for.’” -Tupac Shakur What I think of this week’s quote is I believe in what he says. My mom always told me, “Boy, you got to go find a job.” I never wanted to get a job. I wanted to be out, smoking with my friends, going to parties, trynna look for something to do. Even hang out with girls. I never wanted to take responsibility with my life. I just wanted to have fun. I
Continue ReadingDismantle The System
by Missy aka Infinite Mentality, San Mateo County Concept: The abolition of the criminal injustice system is at the root of designing this mural. Now more than ever the deep wound inflicted upon the oppressed is showing face in a magnitude of ways. The prison industrial complex is the beating heart embedded deep within the mechanisms of these systems of oppression rooted in white supremacist politics. As the University community returns to school this Fall 2020 it is my intention with this mural to spark a deep reflection into an experience many in this community never have come to live
Continue ReadingThe Foster System
by Ulysses, San Mateo I remember when I went into the foster system like it was yesterday. I was at my house with my brothers and cousins waiting for our parents to get home, but my mother didn’t make it home that day. Out of nowhere I see a lot of big trucks and police officers with big guns coming towards my mom’s house. I had no idea what we had done wrong because my mother had a normal life and I never saw my mom rob or steal none of that. I remember my brothers and cousins were taken
Continue ReadingA Problem With Coaching
by Christopher Walton, Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Milton, Florida The first and only time I ever coached baseball happened as a fluke. I went to sign my step son up to play T-Ball at the Tampa Heights baseball complex. While I was in the office, the commissioner of the league, Monty Bostick, asked if I was interested in coaching one of the teams. At the time my schedule was pretty hectic so I initially declined the opportunity right away and went ahead and I said no. A guy walked into the office, smelling as if he’d just finished
Continue ReadingWorld Message
by Eddie M. Vargas Sr., CTF North in Soledad, CA Greetings, First allow me to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you here today and may you all be blessed with good health, happiness, strength and peace of mind and with that allows me to introduce myself. My name is Eddie M. Vargas, Sr. and many people know me as Flaco. I was born and raised in San Jose, California. Currently I am serving a prison sentence of 60 years to life. It’s been rough, but I’d like to take a moment of your time to
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Volume 25.37/38
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 25.37/38
Welcome to another fabulous double issue of The Beat Within! This latest issue is full of thoughtful writings and art, including our winning pieces from our recent Visions Of Reform Issue. A big thank you goes out to our partner the NICJR (National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform) for helping us make this special issue on reform possible. In this latest issue of The Beat we are showcasing the winning essays and artwork from our youth and adults who submitted work for this special issue. We love the pieces and we hope you do too. A big congratulations to
Continue ReadingThe One Person I Trust
by Momma’s Boy, San Francisco My mom was the only person in life that I could trust. She is my everything and she never showed disloyalty. My momma made it to every visit, every court date, and she never missed one phone call. All my life my mom made sure I never wanted anything and I never had to question her about a damn thing because she knew what we had going on. My mom was always one step ahead of me and she knew me more than I even know myself and my mom’s relationship was so tight we
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