Skip to main content
Introducing

Jesse, 43

Incarcerated:
21 years
Housed:
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
Located in
San Quentin, California
A smiling man with extensive tattoos on his neck and arms holds a bouquet of colorful roses.
May 15, 2023July 1st, 20251 min read

I haven’t seen my mom in 21 years. She suffered a lot of abuse and trauma and she is the strongest person I know.

I am serving 200 years to life for attempted murder. I haven’t seen my mom in 21 years. She suffered a lot of abuse and trauma and she is the strongest person I know. She makes me laugh every time we talk and says she’s holding on until I come home. I live my life to honor her love without violence. I love you mom! And to all moms and women everywhere, we lift you up. Happy Mother’s Day from the Humans of San Quentin.

A muscular man with tattoos on his arms and neck, wearing a white tank top and grey shorts, smiles while crouching against a plain wall.
A muscular man with tattoos and a white tank top performs a push-up while sticking his tongue out, with exercise balls in the background.
A muscular man with extensive tattoos on his arms and neck, wearing a light-colored tank top and a watch, smiling against a plain wall.
Portrait of Milo, a man with extensive tattoos on his arms and neck, wearing a white tank top and a watch.
A woman with long hair smiling while holding a young child who is also smiling.
A portrait of a smiling man with a beard and extensive tattoos on his neck and arms, holding a bouquet of colorful artificial roses.
A muscular man with tattoos on his arms and chest, wearing a white tank top and dark shorts, performs a push-up on a red and black exercise mat in a gym.
A smiling man with a beard and neck tattoo stands in front of a stone fireplace decorated with Christmas stockings and a red bow.
Jessie Milo smiling, wearing a white tank top and a red beaded necklace, with visible tattoos on his neck and arm.

Tags:

📬

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.

📬 Join the Mail Club

Leave a Reply

Receive more inspiring stories and news from incarcerated people around the world.