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I disconnected from my past and reconnected with my inner self.

I am the voice for despair, yet I rise and maintain. Born addicted during the crack pandemic of 1987, I’m from the house of pain—gunshots, loud screams. After the fetal incident, I was never the same. At the age of seven, my family and I witnessed a murder-suicide in our ghetto residence. The poverty I witnessed has no glory—my people are living to die, as if in a hurry.

Now, I’m held in captivity, but my mind is unchained. A parent’s presence is more important than a tree full of presents. My destiny is that of a legend, far from a peasant. I disconnected from my past and reconnected with my inner self. In my society, children are unwanted by their parents. No matter what, I transcended through adversity. We’re not seeing life through the same window. I am blessed with a release date, and now I am searching for a solid foundation. I value my life by casting away my strongholds and belief system. The consciousness is dynamic and prolific. My artist name is Coly Wit DA 40, and you can find me on all platforms.

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These stories arrive by mail.

Every month, a physical envelope arrives at your door, postmarked from San Quentin Village, California. Inside, you will find original artwork, writing, and recipes from real contributors, along with a personal letter from me, Diane Kahn, founder of Humans of San Quentin, about the people who made them. You read it. You keep it.

Every piece comes from someone serving a sentence. Every piece reminds you they are so much more than that.

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