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 ReadingAuthor: mpau@thebeatwithin.org
VOLUME 21.35/36
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingDear 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 ReadingNo 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 ReadingThe 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/ http://thecrimereport.org/2016/09/02/the-little-boy-who-lost-his-dream/ We are truly
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VOLUME 21.33/34
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingThe Little Boy Who Lost His Dream
by Michael Webb Back in the early 1970’s I watched my favorite TV show Emergency. As a child I dreamed of becoming a fireman just like the firemen on Emergency. Every time the bell would ring and the big red shining engine fifty-one would leave the station on a run, I would imitate it with my firetruck. Also, I pictured myself going to rescue a stranded person or putting out a fire. As I grew older the innocence I once had as a child became lost. That was when my neighborhood became heavenly infested with drug dealers and violent gang
Continue ReadingTurning It Around
by Brandon It is never too late to turn your life around. Through your whole life many opportunities will approach you to change your life around for the better but it will be up to you to want to change your life. No one can make you do anything but it is up to you to realize what’s best for yourself. Personally, my plan is to graduate high school and then go to college for as long as it takes to become a nurse in the medical eld. Stanley Tookie Williams, a man who was incarcerated for several years on
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VOLUME 21.31/32
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingIncarcerated Youth ‘Must Accept Our Mistakes’ / The Beat Within / The Crime Report
Greetings all! Today, The Crime Report, based in New York City, picked up, posted and is featuring the thoughtful commentary from workshop participant, Daniel. It is a pleasure to see Daniel’s hard-work featured today on The Crime Report website. We have been working closely with him this summer in creating this amazing piece, Incarcerated Youth “Must Accept Our Mistakes.’ Daniel participates in The Beat Within from the Solano County Juvenile Hall in Fairfield, CA. Incarcerated Youth ‘Must Accept Our Mistakes’ http://thecrimereport.org/2016/08/02/the-beat-within-we-must-accept-our-mistakes/ Homepage http://thecrimereport.org/ If you missed last month’s post, ‘Prison Swallows Your Deams,’ here’s the link… http://thecrimereport.org/2016/06/28/prison-swallows-your-dreams/ Thanks for your time and support.
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