Hello friends! We welcome you readers to yet another fabulous double issue, 24.07/08, of writing and art from the inside and beyond. Mark our words, what you are about to read is like no other publication. In our eyes, this is as important of a read as any, especially given the times we find ourselves in, as these thoughtful writers (young and old), free and incarcerated, give it to us straight and on point, their stories and truths as they see fit. If you like what you read, please have a heart and share The Beat Within with a friend
Continue ReadingTo My Brothers And Sisters
by David A. Prado I am writing to you and reaching out to you all with an open heart. As well, hoping that you all listen with an open mind. Just to throw this out there, I am in no way trying to lecture to you. You all solely have the power to make your own decisions. My unhidden reason, why I am reaching out to you, is to share my own life story with you all, in hopes that it helps make an impact on your personality, to at least question the path that you are on currently. Before
Continue ReadingPositive Returns
by Josiah The longest I have been away from home is two years. The challenges and expectations I face after being away from home are emotional and mental irregularity, while feeling distant from the people I am close to, the people I love. The relationship status between me and my family isn’t always the best, but I have no issue following household rules. Concerns I have about going home are me letting the same bad influences and friends back into my life. But, I am not discouraged. I know I have the help and support I need from my legal
Continue ReadingVolume 24.05/06
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 24.05/06
Greetings friends of The Beat! It has been some time since we heard the wisdom from one of our favorite people, OT! Some of you have been asking how OT is doing and where he has been, since the most recent issues of The Beat have featured other thoughtful writers and participants, so this week we invited him back to share his thoughts in this latest editorial note. Without hesitation, he agreed to write the following! We hope you will like! Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to welcome you Beat readers back to another stellar double issue of the
Continue ReadingDear Beat Readers
by Antone Presley My name is Antone Presley. I am a 25-year-old convicted felon for attempted murder. I’ve been incarcerated for three years now and time is moving extremely fast. In early October, 2015 I committed a truculent act, trying to bring harm to a rival gang. Two weeks prior to my senseless crime, one of my friends was shot and killed at the age of sixteen. He was shot twelve times, in the face, which is an overkill. When I got the call, about ten minutes after his death, all I could think about is revenge. I wanted the
Continue ReadingA New Perspective
by King What 2019 holds for me is mostly Camp Glenwood. I’ll be starting my nine-to-twelve-months program pretty soon. I’ve been incarcerated one hundred and forty-eight days and it’s absurd that I’ve got camp on top of that, but it could always be worse. I am lucky to have gotten a new perspective on life, so I could take full advantage of it when I get released. I’m grateful for what I have and think of having a happy, positive 2019. I plan on staying tight with my family and enjoying every hour of my home passes. I plan on
Continue ReadingVolume 24.03/04
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 24.03/04
Happy New Year friends and lovers of The Beat Within! What an honor to have this publication in your hands to read and absorb, with the hope that the following words give you that shot in the arm of inspiration and support. Publishing a print magazine in this day and time – a website, emails blasts/newsletter, social media, and let us not forget the many writing and conversation workshops we lead each week inside various juvenile halls, schools, community based organizations, the San Francisco County Jail and inside San Quentin State Prison… well, it’s a lot of work, but truly
Continue ReadingTo The Beat Within Community
by Ricky Sevier I take great joy and pleasure writing to The Beat Within as I flashback to the early 2000’s San Mateo County Hillcrest Juvenile Hall 21 Tower Road, before the new one was built. I was just starting to write and The Beat Within motivated me, reading poems and stories from other youth and all the way in the back the last few pages were always from people incarcerated in the state pen (adult system), telling powerful and thoughtful stories and poems on another level. Now, I find myself in Lancaster California State Prison. A friend of mine
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