(Cell Sessions is a new initiative for Humans of San Quentin — performances that present the free and the incarcerated making music together. Recently, Michael attended a performance, and these are his reflections.)
All people – free and incarcerated – are in some stage of healing. Healing together with common courtesy and sacred dignity is the way forward.
I was sitting in the audience of the first recording of “Cell Sessions,” a music production presented by Humans of San Quentin, where staff and residents perform together. My commitment to sharing our voices here is revitalized and energized by seeing prison staff with residents- people in blue making music together. Cell Sessions is proof that barriers and boundaries are constructed and socially deconstructed. The shared space and scene of sweat on the faces of all performers illustrate the collaboration and hopefulness for what rehabilitation can look like. All people – free and incarcerated- are in some stage of healing. Healing together with common courtesy and sacred dignity is the way forward.
This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing this. I feel the sincerity in every word you say.