The King Of Rap

by Delandreas, Year 1, Issue 1 As I sat in juvenile hall, I worried and thought about 2Pac who was in intensive care at the time. I thought for sure he would survive the terrible tragedy which happened to him in Las Vegas. Now that 2Pac has passed, his death really worries me because of the life he led. I always wondered when something went down with 2Pac (shootings, rape, running his mouth, and talking shhh in his raps) if it would come back on him? I see his death as a tragedy, because he was a man who had

Continue Reading

2Pac Spoke The Real

by Francis, Year 1, Issue 1 2Pac was as real as a person could get! Like all of us, he had a good side and a dangerous side. He was a ghter in my eyes. The good side of 2Pac was that he always told the truth. The truth is so important because we who listen to his music have much respect for him. Even his gangster side spoke about the reality of my streets, the daily horrors of alcohol, drugs, women, killin’ and gangbangin’. When I hear that 2Pac died, I got so sad. The thought of him being

Continue Reading

The Beat Within – Writing Workshop for Teens

Topics will be presented for teens to discuss and write about. The writing can then be submitted for possible publication in The Beat Within – a magazine of youth writing and art from the inside. 3:30-4:45PM  every 1st & 3rd Friday FOOD!  (if you arrive at 3:30PM) The latest issue of The Beat Within will be available for those who submit to the magazine! When Friday, September 16, 2016 - 3:30pm - 4:45pm Friday, October 7, 2016 - 3:30pm - 4:45pm Friday, October 21, 2016 - 3:30pm - 4:45pm Friday, November 4, 2016 - 3:30pm - 4:45pm Friday, November 18, 2016 - 3:30pm - 4:45pm Where Eastmont Branch 7200 Bancroft, Ste 211 Eastmont Town Center Oakland, CA  94605 Phone: (510) 615-5726 See

Continue Reading

Dear Diary

by Xiomara Gonzalez A person doesn’t realize that no matter what it is that they’re going through, “this too shall pass.” I didn’t see things this way for a long time. That is, until one time at about three in the morning, I woke up to a noise I’ve never heard before. I listened and realized someone somewhere nearby was crying. This cry was that of a wounded animal. It sounded so sad, my heart sank and broke into a million little pieces. She didn’t know this, but for the whole time she cried, I sat there silently and just

Continue Reading

No Jails

by Young E Freedom for all Equality Happy faces Regardless of your race No tears Moms, Dads, Grams, Gramps, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins happy to have all family In one place A safe world No drive by shootings No gang violence No guns Just peace, love, understanding And good conversation To work out our differences. No corruption. Is it possible? Maybe. Where do we start? In our homes With our family? In the schoolhouse With our classmates? On the block With our neighbors and friends? At the job With our colleagues? Or, on the bus With strangers? Sure all the

Continue Reading

The Beat Within / The Crime Report

Greetings friends, This past weekend, The Crime Report, based in New York City, picked up, posted and featured our dear friend and colleague, Michael Webb’s piece, “The Little Boy Who Lost His Dream.” A wonderful piece of writing from a determined individual whose goal is to help others see a better way. This piece is also featured in this week’s issue of The Beat Within, 21.35/36. Michael Webb is a juvenile lifer, who co-facilitates and participates in The Beat Within’s monthly writing workshop inside San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA. We cannot wait to share this news with Michael. http://thecrimereport.org/ ‘The Little Boy Who

Continue Reading