-Kelon, San Quentin State Prison, CA
In giving a voice to the juveniles and those who experience the writing workshop, The Beat cradles the soul safely. I say this as a fifty-year-old man in his twenty-sixth year of incarceration, whose desire and need to speak often fell upon ears of misguided guidance.
What I witness from The Beat is the opportunity for one to speak their truth. It’s not to glorify a lifestyle or ideal but rather speak truth from their experience.
Often times what the youth in juvenile hall imagine is the truth that shapes the lens of their reality. So, when I see drawings or read writings that denote some sort of image I can understand. Because, how shocking is it to finally be in the presence of others who truly want to hear you? And if but for a couple of hours you can take your mask off and set it to the side so you could be seen from the heart.
It takes time for an individual like myself and others, who have been cast aside to believe someone and accept it from them, that they care. Week after week The Beat Within does that. They show up in a space, create a container and hold you within that container as long as you can allow them to.
They hold you with such emotional strength that nurtures the soul, encouraging balm for the heart to soothe the scars of neglect. The Beat is a force that is experienced on a level that others wish they could operate from. And yes, I still show up like the juvenile version of myself. I was lost in his hurt, pain, and neglect, wanting to be seen and scared of trusting it when I am going through hard times.
The Beat Within holds the space safe for me to walk in and walk out with one more healing suture (stitch).