by Kenny York, San Quentin State Prison, CA When I was your age I never thought I would be in prison with a life sentence for murder. I have been in prison for fifteen years now and let me tell you it sucks. It was just going to be a quick robbery, fast and easy, in and out, nobody gets hurt. Just like in the movies I watched or the rap songs I listen to. The attempted robbery quickly turned into a murder though. This is an example of the inherent risk/danger that is always present when you are committing
Continue ReadingLiving My American Nightmare
by Jaime Lopez Hello, my name is Jamie Jezzuel Lopez. I was born in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico. I immigrated to the United States in 1999 when I was seventeen years old. I left my mother, older sister and younger brother looking for a better future. My single mother worked everyday, but the money she earned was not enough. We were poor. My first job in the United States was gardening in an apartment complex. I later worked in maintenance. The satisfaction of being able to help my family was great. However, my education and school was always on my mind.
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Volume 28.19/20
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 28.19/20
Greetings to our Beat writers, readers, and community members. We’re thrilled as always to bring you our latest publication of The Beat Within. Every other week when our issue goes to print, we’re in awe of the writing and testimony that comes forth from each person we have the privilege to publish. This issue brings lots of great writing on tough times, dealing with stress, how we define justice, finding hope, and honoring the special women in our lives. Our editorial note for this issue comes from our Managing Editor, Simone Zapata, who has been connected with The Beat for
Continue ReadingA Quote To Hold Onto
by Adriana, San Mateo “If you’re not practicing, somebody else is, somewhere, and he’ll be ready to take your job.” -Brooks Robinson I like this quote. This is a quote I hope to hold onto and remember. I want it to motivate me in times when I’m being lazy. Definitely words from someone wise, it’s a dog eat dog world out there and there’s always someone ready to take your spot. This quote is good for people in school because of the “practicing” idea they touch on. This quote definitely makes me think about my own schooling because, honestly, I’ve
Continue ReadingFacing My Problems and Moving On
by Nikk, Santa Clara Personally, I put most things behind me relatively easily, simply because I understand that I can’t change the past or what I have already done, only what I’m gonna do in the present and future. This doesn’t mean I don’t have regrets or wish I could go back, and occasionally these thoughts and feelings will resurface. And it is human nature for this to occur and to self-blame. But at some point, after beating yourself up over something, you just have to realize that it’s not doing anything or changing anything other than affecting your mental
Continue ReadingPandemic of Hopelessness
by Chad “Get Right” Fitzpatrick, Correctional Facility in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota What do you think of when you hear the word, “Pandemic?” I bet the first thing that comes to mind is COVID. Right? But what about hopelessness? Does that even cross anyone’s mind when they hear the word, “Pandemic?” Probably not, why? Because people don’t see hopelessness or if they do they don’t care or even just don’t know how to treat it and slow it down like we did for COVID. Have you ever felt hopeless about something to some degree or another? I sure have, even
Continue ReadingIt’s Been A While
by Efren Bullard, Ironwood State Prison in Blythe, CA I know it’s been a while since my last letter, but I’ve been hard at work trying to regain my freedom. The court has granted me an attorney under 1170.95 for resentencing and so far, I’ve had three court dates and the next court date is this month May 18th, 2023. As I pray for everyone at The Beat Within and all the incarcerated youth, please do the same for me. We are on the Step #10 of CGA: “We continued daily to take personal inventory of ourselves, and whenever wrong,
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Volume 28.17/18
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 28.17/18
Hello to our Beat Within readers, writers, and community members. We’re here with another stellar issue of this publication, made possible by the hard work and passion of the many writers, volunteers, and editors that we’re blessed to know and collaborate with. We’re always in awe of the depth, vitality, and authenticity we encounter each week by engaging with the work of our youth. This issue’s editorial note comes from our Program Associate, Alyssa Maanao, who has hosted workshops all over California, and currently is the lead facilitator for Sacramento County, as well as does many other things to keep
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