-Malik, Marin My attraction to the streets is knowing that you always have a place to fall back on no matter what. A big part of it is the connection you build outside, and the brotherhoods that are formed. But still, people or no people, the block is always there. Day or night, hot or cold, money in your pocket or broke, it will always be there. Even when your family doesn’t want you home, no friends are picking up your calls, and it’s two-thirty in the morning. I was still always able to go back home, to the streets.
Continue ReadingTo The Beat Within
-Tommy, Santa Rosa, CA Dear Beat Within, I hope that this finds you in good health as well as in high spirits. I’m not sure if you recall, I wrote to you around 2019 or so to give you a reminder that should click… The first book anybody gave me was from you, all the way back in 1996! And the book was “Of Mice and Men…” I’m sorry that I never wrote back! I don’t have an excuse for doing so, and the true Taurus I am, I’m not gone bull shhh you with one. I’m now forty-three and
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Volume 30.37/38
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 30.37/38
Welcome back to another double dose edition of the one and only Beat Within. This week we are celebrating the Great David Inocencio’s Birthday, which just happens to be the founder of this program and magazine. Because of the great David, we are all here in this safe space where we’re all allowed to tell our stories, share our poems, talk about our struggles, and sometimes even laugh with funny jokes and tales. Every time this magazine is picked up and read by someone, you are reading nothing but the authentic truth of the lives of many people like the
Continue ReadingAppreciation
-Uz, San Francisco My time here is almost up, finally. I met a lot of good people here. Three years fly so fast and not gonna lie, it definitely wasn’t too hard. I’m proud to say that I’m almost at the end of this journey, only God knows what I went through all this time. My time with The Beat has been one hell of a ride and I appreciate y’all for being there for me and rocking with me through good and bad. I’ve received a lot of love from y’all and my words can’t explain how I appreciate
Continue ReadingWhen I First Met David
-Jesse, San Quentin, CA I first met Dave in 2018, when the world was a different place. Dave had a perpetual smile and an attitude of gratitude. He reminded me of what a modern-day beatnik, or second generation hippie from the city, would look like. He shook my hand firmly, excitement in his eyes, his first question was of course, “How did you hear about The Beat?” I had just recently been transferred to San Quentin, from Valley State Prison, where I was taking part in a writing class. Upon arrival in West Block, I used the telephone and noticed
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Volume 30.35/36
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 30.35/36
The Beat Within continues to share your stories and amplify our voices with every opportunity. This issue includes amazing stories and reflections from youth and adults alike. We hope you enjoy your own writing along with the stories of your neighbors. We believe that when we share our stories with others, we will discover that there is more to unite us, than divide us. Together we continue to build a more inclusive and peaceful world. With that peace, we enjoy the last days of Summer and get ready for the Fall months just around the bend. We appreciate this time
Continue ReadingStand Strong
-Billy, Santa Cruz I’ve been feeling lost lately. I’m back in my hometown juvie without the older homie. He would help me get through my mental problems. We would talk about stuff that we both go through. People say trauma bonding is not a good way to make healthy friendships, but I say otherwise. I been thinking a lot in my cell about what’s gonna happen with me. It’s overwhelming because I don’t really know what’s gonna happen. To be honest, it makes me scared. I just got to think positive, and I will get through this. To everyone that’s
Continue ReadingIt’s Never Too Late
-Benjamin, Federal Correctional Complex Coleman Low in Coleman, FL Throughout my life, I have been presented with countless opportunities to do the right thing. To act with integrity, to lead with purpose, to honor the people who believe in me, and to walk in alignment with the values I was raised to uphold. For reasons I now understand far too clearly, I often chose otherwise. I don’t offer that statement lightly. I take full responsibility for my actions, decisions that ultimately led me down a path of failure, loss and deep personal regret. I made choices that hurt others, damaged
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