by Eddie Grande, Correctional Training Facility, Soledad, CA Power, how would like to be able to choose your own president? How would you like to be able to choose your own Bills and Laws? Decide who you want seated in office? Who your Governor is, who your Attorney General is? Your Mayor? Police Chief? Head City Prosecutor? How would you like to have a say in what taxes you pay and on what, to have the right to be able to do that is power and a power that is earned by privilege and earned by remaining a productive and
Continue ReadingYear: 2021
How I See The World
by Dylan, Sonoma What do you see? Hmm, what do I see? Well, the world as it is today. It’s a world full of hate, anger, racism, and politics. Why is the world full of anger? Well, because there’s too many stuck up people that are all about themselves. Why is this world full of hate? Because people are insecure about themselves, so they decide to hate on other people. But last but not least, WHY? WHY DOES THE WORLD HAVE RACISM? Well, for a number of reasons. People think that where they were born is where you should stay.
Continue ReadingSpeak Up
by Young A, Albuquerque, New Mexico “You are powerful and your voice matters. You’re going to walk into many rooms in your life and career where you may be the only one who looks like you or who has had the experiences you’ve had. But you remember that when you are in those rooms, you are not alone. We are all in that room with you applauding you on. Cheering your voice. And just so proud of you. So you use that voice and be strong.” – Kamala Harris It is important to have a voice and speak up because
Continue ReadingThe Growing Pains Of A Half-God
by AF, Sacramento Humans. A bipedal primate mammal also known as Homo Sapiens. They are born into this world only to age and die later. While they are walking the earth, they can choose to repopulate and have kids. These kids will grow up and then be the next to wither and die. It’s a non-stop cycle of life. Knowledge has been passed down from generation to the next generation. Starting with who knows what or who, we have evolved. “We” went from Ancient Egypt to modern technology in the blink of an eye. We have created weapons that contain
Continue ReadingHappy New Year!
Our long time colleagues, the JJIE (Juvenile Justice Information Exchange) are featuring The Beat Within essay, “No Longer The Monster But I Feel Like A Fraud,” from our colleague and friend, Josue. This beautifully written, and inspirational piece is a must-read for all, especially our youth, as Josue shares his story as a youngster growing up in San Francisco to who he is today. It is certainly an honor to be working with Josue and to provide this talented teacher and writer a platform to not only share his work in the pages of The Beat Within, but today, thanks
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