Fearless

by Miguel Quezada Being willing to go alone requires being fearless in the face of the unknown and being courageous in the adversity of the world saying, “you will fail”. My lack of con dence was because I had learned one way of life. That was to be down with my homies and neighborhood. The beliefs I adopted were those things we learn in the neighborhood: loyalty, trust, honor, respect; these values were real and I would have defended them with my life. This belief system was and is powerful and at that time I lacked the courage to break away

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A Simple Photo That Means a Million Words

by Bryce There are many things in my life that I own and cherish. From childhood trophies and items my lovely parents got me, to simple things as pictures and blankets my grandmother would make me. Out of these things I tend to cherish and remember the pictures the most. It is more than just a simple picture, it is a photo that means a million words and memories. Something that I will carry with me for the rest of my time living in this world because when you lay your eyes on that picture, it paints a whole world in

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Make Up Your Mind

by Melvin Jones Made up my mind No matter how much I was abused I was done crying Didn’t matter if it was an extension cord, a belt, a coat hanger, a Hot Wheels race track a fist in the mouth, a kick in my stomach, a slap I wasn’t gonna shed a single tear I was done crying I was done denying That it wasn’t my fault As the blows rained down on me I simply detached… racing For the dark crevices of my mind There I sang and danced to songs That spoke of God rescuing me How this

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Makings of a Man

by John How do you define a man? The law considers all boys to be men at age 18. But I feel age plays a minimal role in achieving manhood. A man is not defined by his age, but instead by his values, morals, and most of all his actions. For example my father is 18 years older than me, but I truly believe I am more of a man than him. Here’s why. Real men hold woman at high value, they nourish and protect women, and show them the utmost respect. A real man would never degrade a woman, let

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To The Beat and Beat Readers

by Jesus Trujillo This letter is written to anyone who needs or wants a change in life. I hope that my experience can keep you from walking the same path as me. I’m twenty years old serving a fty-years to life sentence, which means I won’t be eligible for parole until I serve fty-years, and even then my parole isn’t promised. I was seventeen years old when I got arrested, and to be honest each year that passes I regret my mistakes more and more. It sucks to spend any birthday in prison but that’s my reality. In a couple

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A Message To Others

by Daniel My name is Daniel and I’m about to be 17 years old. I’m facing 12 years for aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon. You guys really don’t seem to understand the bad decisions you are making. It doesn’t just affect you, it affects the others that are around you; your family and friends to be speci c. It’s disappointing to see these kids that are fteen and sixteen years old serving life sentences without chance of parole. Think of how your mom feels about you being locked up. Think about the bad example you are setting for

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THE BEAT WITHIN/JJIE

Hello friends, I am pleased to share with you The Beat Within’s latest piece that was picked up by the JJIE (Juvenile Justice Information Exchange).  The following piece, was written by one of our faithful writers, Michael Webb. Michael has been a consistent participant in our monthly writing and conversation workshop inside San Quentin State Prison.  These workshops were initially open to only juvenile lifers, but given the popularity, the classes are now open to all eligible men on the yard. Our latest class has over 30 participants. We are certainly thrilled to be in partnership with the JJIE which is based at Kennesaw State University near Atlanta, GA.

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