Category: Feature of the Week

by White Eagle Greetings! I’m in prayers and positive thoughts all is well with our growing family and friends with all that’s still happening with this world wide COVID-19 pandemic. Another person of color being murdered by the deceased police. Mr. Floyd is another example of struggle and conflict that could bring change and clarity to this country, to this world, and if not now, then when?! Will his murder be of one more of the millions of millions of blacks that were stolen and taken and carried away wrongfully and intent to keep? To a land that has used

by MD I was born June 19th, 2003 in Sacramento, CA.  I was raised in Meadowview, South Sacramento.  At age two, I saw my mother killed by a stray bullet.  I remember it like it was yesterday.   I was playing a game, while my mom was packing for our move.  There was arguing outside, then a pop.  The last thing I remember was my mother’s face before she died.  I will remember that day forever.   After fighting for custody, I ended up living with my dad, his girlfriend, and her daughter.  I guess you could say I had

by JS Born July 16,2001 in Hayward, CA., but not even two months after I was born did I move to South Sacramento where I grew up for seventeen years and ten months. On my fifth birthday I got my first go kart and to this day I still have it and I still rip up race tracks.  One of my struggles in life was I hang around the wrong crowds. Every time I hung out with my friends I get caught up on some B-S that I never meant to get caught up in.  When I was nine years

by John Clark Hello! My name is John Clark. Today I came across some literature here in reception at Delano, NKSP called Kid Cat Speaks (inside the San Quentin News). In it I read where there exists a program where I can write something that might be read to some young men in (juvenile) custody called The Beat Within. The topic is suggested, this month it’s “Comfort Zone” so I’m going to step outside of mine and speak from the heart. Please read and listen:  A comfort zone can be found almost anywhere that you can get some peace. For

by SP Well, it all started the day I was born. 2001, September 27, my birthday. I don’t remember too much from when I was young, but then again no one does. But I do remember a couple of details. I remember when I was seven years old, that year I didn’t have a birthday party. This year I didn’t either, but I will get back to that later.  Anyways, I was born in Sacramento, at Mercy San Juan Hospital. I was born in Carmichael, but I moved all around Sacramento all my life. I lived in almost every city

by JJ It started 2002 in August, on the 8th, at 11:42pm. I was born on the same day as my grandmother on my dad’s side. Eighteen more minutes and I wouldn’t have. She was there, hoping I would be born on the same day she was. My dad was there supporting my mom.  I don’t remember too much due to the fact I was so young, but my aunt tells me I was obsessed with dimes. She said I always had one in my hand and when I didn’t I was asking for one. I’m not sure when I

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