Greetings to our Beat Within community! It’s a pleasure to welcome you back to another stellar issue of writing and artwork from the inside and beyond.
For this issue, our community delves into the complicated feelings that can arise with returning home, what it means to live a healthy life, who we celebrate during this year’s Day of the Dead, how “responsibility” shows up in our life, quotes from John Lennon and Toni Morrison, and much, much more. The weather outside may be getting cold, but the writing in The Beat remains as fire as ever.
As many of you know, we have a longstanding partnership with the Urban High School of San Francisco, which has been a crucial part of our success over the years. It’s hard to believe we’ve been working with Urban students since 1997! We thank our dear friends and teachers, Courtney Rein, Jeremiah Rosenfels, and Katina Papson-Rigby for their valuable support in bringing further awareness to our work, and sustaining our partnership. Without them, we would not have the amazing volunteers and service leaders who play such a vital role in each publication we produce!
We turn it over now to one of our Urban interns, Carter, who reflects on the cycle of hopelessness that the system perpetuates, and the resilience our young writers carry themselves with in spite of it. Please join us in welcoming Carter to the pages of The Beat!
The Power of Words to Transform
My experience responding to incarcerated youth through my work volunteering with The Beat Within has been both enlightening and thought-provoking. Before I began this work, I held various foggy notions and opinions about the justice system and incarcerated individuals. Like many, I had a general understanding of the criminal justice system but hadn’t gained the experiences and perspectives of those within it.
I must admit that I had general preconceived notions about the reasons behind incarceration and the individuals involved. However, engaging with the heartfelt and raw writings of these incarcerated youth transformed my perspective in many ways.
One of the most impactful aspects of this work has been the way it humanizes those who are often dehumanized by society. The writings revealed their vulnerabilities, dreams, and emotions. They shattered the stereotypes and misconceptions that much of the world holds, showing me that each has a unique and complex story. It was easy to recognize parts of myself in their writings, particularly their shared desires for connection with their family and those around them, understanding, and a chance at a better life.
The writings often touched on the profound effects of incarceration on the human experience. Many of the young authors expressed feelings of isolation, longing for family, and a deep yearning for a second chance. Reading their words made it abundantly clear that the experience of incarceration goes far beyond solely physical confinement; it impacts mental and emotional well-being, relationships, and personal growth.
One powerful piece that moved me was written by a young person who spoke about the feeling of being invisible to society as if their mistakes had rendered them irrelevant in the eyes of the world. This reflection hit home because it underlined how the system often perpetuates a cycle of hopelessness and despair. It challenged my prior beliefs about the capacity for change and rehabilitation within the system.
My experience of working with The Beat Within has also revealed the harsh realities and challenges many incarcerated youth face. The lack of resources, educational opportunities, and support systems remained recurring themes. It was disheartening to read about their struggles to better themselves while constrained by the system’s limitations.
While my work was emotionally taxing at times, it was equally rewarding. The moments of excitement came from the remarkable resilience and creativity of the youth who shared their stories. It was inspiring to witness their determination to use writing as a means of self-expression and a pathway to self-discovery. It also offered a platform for their voices to be heard and acknowledged, challenging the stigma and stereotypes that often surround incarcerated individuals.
The most enjoyable aspect of this work, however, was the opportunity to hear about a perspective utterly different than my own. Through their writings, I was informed of hopes, dreams, and regrets. This human connection brought an essential dimension to the work. It was enlightening to see how the power of words could be transformative, both for the writers and for me as a reader.
My work with The Beat Within has undoubtedly informed me of new ideas and opinions about individuals entangled in the justice system. It has reinforced my belief in the importance of empathy and understanding when addressing issues related to incarceration.
My experience with The Beat Within has significantly broadened my perspective. It has challenged any of my preconceived notions and deepened my empathy and understanding. The writings of these young individuals have left an irreversible mark on my perspective, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful work.
-Carter, Urban High School of San Francisco
Thank you, Carter, for sharing your thoughts and experiences of working with us, and for bringing awareness to the stigma and stereotypes that so often mislead the community in the discourse surrounding mass incarceration. We wish you the best in your future endeavors, and hope that you stay connected with us!
Thank you Beat Within contributors, we are in constant awe of the strength and growth we see during each and every workshop, and in each and every piece of writing. Your commitment to this work, and to yourselves, deserves a round of applause. The Beat goes on!