A big hello, and a warm welcome back to another double issue of The Beat Within! We’re here to celebrate the deep, personal, and critical reflections of our Beat Within community, and we thank you for being with us.
For this issue’s editorial note, we’re excited to share the perspectives of Mia and Louis, who have been interning with us through our partnership with Urban High School of San Francisco. Mia writes beautifully about the testimonies that have stayed with her, and Louis’ commitment to advocacy is a crucial component to the movement we’re all engaged in here at The Beat.
Let’s give a warm welcome to Mia and Louis!
Distanced from Fear
As someone who has lost two friends to murder, I have always had conflicted opinions on the incarceration system and incarcerated individuals.
On one hand, I know that the system is unjust and that many people end up incarcerated as a product of their environment or because they were targeted. On the other hand, there is a part of me that fears individuals incarcerated for more serious crimes, and what would happen if there was less of a divide between them and the rest of society. Reading all of this work by incarcerated youth has allowed me to distance myself from my fear, and feel a lot more empathy for incarcerated people.
One writer who particularly moved me was LT. Her writings were the first two that I read and some of the most emotionally potent I encountered over the trimester. Her ability to convey emotions such as pain, regret, and confusion really allowed me to imagine myself in her shoes.
Realizing the humanity behind incarcerated youth so early in the process gave me the ability to fully open my mind and heart as I transcribed. I hold so much respect for LT and other authors who have gone through so much and are still able to stay attuned to their emotions and express themselves beautifully through their writing.
The positive outlooks that I encountered during my volunteer work have also changed my perspective. Hearing about these youth’s aspirations and relationships with friends and family has made me realize that being incarcerated does not prohibit a person from maintaining a meaningful life and meaningful relationships. By getting this new perspective, I was able to see a level of emotional depth in incarcerated people that I had never thought was possible in such a negative environment.
Throughout my transcription, I related to many more of the writers than I initially thought I would. Many of the writers had similar aspirations to me, such as graduating from college. Many expressed emotions or questions in their writing that also plague me as I toss and turn at night.
Seeing this similarity in values allowed me to break down the barrier I unconsciously had up. I may not have realized it, but in my mind, I was living in an entirely different world than incarcerated people. Realizing that this is not at all true has completely altered my perspective.
It was an eye-opening experience to realize that though we may be in totally different environments and have different life experiences, many of these youth and I connected over a variety of matters. For me, seeing my own humanity mirrored in these writers allowed me to feel a sense of community with a group of people that my previous life experiences had taught me to fear.
The empathy and connection I have felt with these writers, though they might not know me, has made me realize more than ever the injustice of the incarceration system. Hearing first-hand accounts about the experience of being incarcerated has made me realize that the environment and system are much most hostile than I ever could have imagined.
Overall, this has been one of the most enlightening, educational, and emotional experiences that I have had throughout my life. I wish that more people had the opportunity or initiative to hear the perspectives of incarcerated people. I am so thankful for this opportunity and hope to continue working with The Beat Within in the future.
-Mia S, Urban High School of San Francisco
Advocating for Change
Working with the Beat within has been a transformative experience for me, deepening my passion for advocating for prisoners’ rights and highlighting the flaws within our justice system. Initially drawn to the cause due to my belief that the justice system is a misguided attempt at rehabilitation, I’ve come to realize the profound impact it has on individuals’ lives, making it even more challenging for them to break free from the cycle of crime.
The irony of the justice system lies in its name, as it often fails to deliver true justice. Instead, it seems designed to entrap individuals, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into society once they’ve served their time. Many fall into this cycle early on due to a myriad of factors such as poor decisions, lack of positive role models, or challenging familial circumstances.
The system, rather than providing a path to rehabilitation, becomes a hindrance to turning one’s life around, especially for those incarcerated during their formative years or those denied the opportunity to further their education.
My involvement with The Beat has intensified my commitment to the cause, as I’ve had the chance to engage with incarcerated individuals on a personal level through their letters.
Contrary to the dehumanizing portrayal often seen in media, these letters revealed the humanity behind the crimes. I found myself connecting with their stories, understanding the challenges they face, and empathizing with their aspirations. Some of the most poignant moments came from letters discussing family and friends, shedding light on the heartbreak of being labeled a lost cause and abandoned — a fate perpetuated by the very justice system that should aim for reform.
Among the letters, there were instances that required a departure from the impersonal tone traditionally used in responses. One such letter detailed a person’s involvement in gang violence, expressing a belief that they would meet a violent end on the streets. The heartbreaking apology to their son prompted me to break character and respond as a fellow human being.
I urged the writer to reconsider their path, emphasizing the love for their son as a reason to seek a different, more positive direction. While I hope my response resonates with the individual, the grim reality is that the impact may be limited, highlighting the systemic challenges ingrained in our justice system.
Responding to these letters, while often enjoyable, presented its own set of challenges, particularly when faced with the weight of the emotional content. Encountering sorrowful narratives required a delicate balance between upholding the prescribed response format and acknowledging the genuine human emotions expressed. This duality underscored the harsh realities faced by those within the system and reinforced my determination to be a voice for change.
In conclusion, my journey with the Beat within has strengthened my resolve to advocate for prisoners’ rights and reform within our justice system. The firsthand exposure to the personal narratives of incarcerated individuals has humanized their struggles, making it even more apparent that the current system perpetuates cycles of despair rather than fostering true rehabilitation.
It is my hope that by sharing these stories and advocating for change, we can contribute to a justice system that lives up to its name, providing genuine opportunities for redemption and a chance for individuals to rebuild their lives.
-Louis, Urban High School of San Francisco
Thank you, Mia and Louis, for your words and your service. We’re inspired by the young people of your generation who remain open to new ways of thinking, being, and knowing, and who commit themselves to the liberation of all people.
We celebrate you, our Beat Within writers, readers, and community members, for your commitment as well — your commitment to this work, to each other, and to your own growth and process. The Beat Within is honored to share this journey with you, and we thank you for the time and work you put into make this publication possible. We hope you enjoy our latest, 29.09/10!