Humans at this Location
Kit, 45
Thank you Lord for the wisdom of the fox; had I continued on the destructive path of an angry wolf, I would have never discovered the narrow path which leads me home – FREEDOM!!! I was found suitable for parole on July 8, 2022.Marcus, 33
Are you still there? I won’t let go of her hand But the water whisks me awayAaron, 33
Taking care of puppies is like taking care of children; you have to be mature, responsible, and available at all times outside of being able to train puppies.
Michael, 71
I believe children should learn how to cook: bake bread, cookies, and simple cakes using a humble kitchen stove. Both boys and girls should learn it. Learning to cook and bake gives children a sense of self-esteem and pride in their accomplishments: I'm so smart, I can learn anything!
Dale, 67
“I thought I knew the pain of being alone, but I didn’t really.”Eric, 30
“She was unique and beautiful on a celestial level, and I was privileged to have been humbled and tamed by such an amazing woman.”Jared, 40
“Introducing dogs into an environment that, at times, could be incredibly depressing and hopeless has brought about a transformative change in our community. Simply put, it has brought us all a touch of humanity.”
Chase, 28
"He is changing so many lives in here, he has definitely changed mine, and I can’t wait until he changes somebody’s life out there as a service dog."
Travis, 33
"It is softening my heart in a hard place."
Roger, 45
"My goal once home is to rebuild community trust and dependability by being a voice and advocate for struggling and troubled youth."Jose, 42
“When I run, I don’t count my laps. I just enjoy it. I put my earpods in and listen to some music, I forget that I am in here. I put myself in a moment where I am not in prison, a moment where I am enjoying my running and I get to be healthy and positive and have something to look forward to.”
Raheem, 46
"As each bird flew off with a piece of bread, I would get the feeling that I was doing my part, that I was playing a small role in a much larger picture. In the process, I couldn’t help but think that they were flying off with a piece of me too."
Liliana “Lily”, 30
“I witnessed an awe-inspiring sense of beauty and tranquility…”
Mike G., 28
“Today after a lot of healing and participation in self-help groups, I finally feel free.”
Chris, 53
“It was about the six seconds of compassion that my foster sister showed me and the courage to let her compassion flow through me.”
Michael, 40
“What I do know and am sure of, is that night despite being discarded by family, left to fend for ourselves, scared, uncertain of our future, and up against the world. We banded together, faced whatever came our way, and prevailed as a family.”
Jesse, 37
“I’ve seen people lose themselves in here. Prison can change people for the worst. I never wanted that to be me.”
Jorge, 35
“Whether my mom knew it or not, the seeds she planted long ago started to bloom later in life.”
Tony, 50
“I don’t want to grow bitter and dark, yet I can feel my mind slipping further and further down the rabbit’s hole turning my warm heart into ice.”
Albert “RU-AL”, 59
I’m going to make history as well as leave a positive legacy for my great, great, great grand kids.Tyrone, 53
"I’m proud of myself. I thought this dream was impossible."Pedro, 69
"For me it’s a way to start giving back to my community. In my case, my community starts here."Carlos, 57
“I have shared the thrill of victory and felt the agony of defeat, yet in each instant I always grew from my experience.”
Zach, 31
"When I walk, there is a grace about my stride that my clothes can’t hide."
Sirrel, 39
"I felt the weight of sin and the death that lies in this body."
Javier, 31
“I’ve learned that if someone gives me an opportunity, I can accomplish a lot”Amir, 73
I stayed out of prison for five years and came back with a life sentence for attempted murder. For the first time I looked at who I really was.
Zach, 31
If a negative thought comes at you, deflect it like a ping pong ball. It will keep coming back but keep deflecting it.
Kevin, 58
I enjoyed every smile and assumed joy that another human being received as they came upon a free Sunday newspaper on top of the newsstand.
Todd, 60
Education and my desire to be a better man became my saving grace. It allowed me to continue to foster a solid foundation with my daughters.
John, 64
My fear is that I will not get a second chance to use all I know after prison.
Timothy, 46
I wanted to remember my mom with good memories, and the good person she was.
Larry, 44
Certain struggles that every young person needs to go through to find out what it really means to be an adult. I never went through that. I was a boy inside a man's body.
Arsenio, 60
I looked for God in several religious groups but never found Him. So, I cowardly evaded justice by running to Mexico after committing my last crime in 1993.
Michael, 57
The car flipped three times. Shawnee asked, “Are you girls ok?” Mika said, “Sami’s not here.” They had to search for her in the dark.
Adrien, 29
Make peace with the parts of your life. Making peace makes life easier.
Regal, 62
When you know your purpose on this earth And you know your true value Then you know how much you truly are worth
Anthony, 38
She told me I was a great writer and that my pen would get me out of the… pen.Kaomang, 35
I was born hearing for a short time and became deaf after I got sick. My mom was 14. I was born in Thailand and lived in a refugee camp in the mountains.
Greg, 49
After the first bite, I was overwhelmed with emotions. I’m sitting at the table in a crowded chow hall with tears running down my face.
Carlos, 38
Everything about prison is designed to break the very essence of a human person.
Terrance, 34
I call my mom everyday to make sure her emotional, mental, and spiritual life are intact. My mother and I have walked through drifts and tribulations together.
Anthony, 57
The best part was seeing how happy my customers were. I really thrived when customers gave me the freedom to do what I thought was best.
Clayton, 31
I learned to face my past head-on by writing, speaking, and accepting all that happened, I could have done this so years ago and prevented a life sentence.
Logan, 35
My last relationship blessed me with a boy and girl. Through the years Mariah is the one person who stuck with me.
Demetrius, 56
I’m no saint nor an angel. I want to be around genuine, caring, optimist people. I am just trying to be the best me.Odell, 57
Art is essential to me; it’s a part of me. Even when I was working seven days a week, I did art. Even when I was working in a garage with cars, I did pin-striping.
Osbun, 73
I was blind to the harm my actions caused, blind to the criminal foulness that I constantly enforced on others. By the time I got my first gun, I had already become a human monster.
Vincent, 58
My street name is “Sly,” not by gang or negative slang, but because I was caught, at the age of four, trying to scoop out peach cobbler from under the crust, like I saw my uncle do, and got busted by Grandma.
Cory, 36
I had just walked out of the county jail from doing a possession charge term in Houston, Texas. As I walked up the street, I had no hope left.
Jesse, 43
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.
Randy, 29
It was the first time I felt peace. She sat close to me in the visitation room, her head on my shoulder. I felt safe, at home.
Jon, 42
In a place known for death and destruction, I found life and meaning. Along the way I have found my voice and discovered my academic abilities that are now leading me towards a whole new future.Anthony, 34
I have two amazing children. One with us, the other with the Lord.
Ben, 51
My 11-year-old son saved my life with his unconditional love. I kept telling him I was sorry for not being there. We had a great visit. Afterwards I wrote to him telling him sorry again. He said, “Dad, you can stop telling me sorry. I forgive you. All I want is for you to do good and get out as soon as you can so you can get to know me.” I felt this weight lift off my back that held me down all these years. I’d always wanted and searched for unconditional love.
Shelley, 48
I had an unstable childhood built on violence, abuse, PTSD and lack of education.
George, 76
Today at 76, I have seen enough darkness. I know this darkness can only be dissipated by the light of truth and love.
Jonquil, 36
I'm a self-titled hopeless romantic. I see love as the most exhilarating thing any person can experience.Darwin, 62
I find art itself to be inspiring and self-expressive; magical in such a way as to draw or paint myself into any imaginary setting… A quiet peaceful place to breathe, to meditate, to be still… to marvel at the reflection given by the water. To watch the sunset and sunrise.
Jeffrey, 59
I want to be a productive member of society, not one that brings destruction. I’m putting this into practice. I am working to help people in the outside world through my art because I want to make amends to all those I have hurt.Ronald, 48
No matter how others may look down upon me because of my mistakes that put me in prison, they can never take this memory away from me. Trophies and medals become old and tarnished but love never loses its shine!
Jocelyn, 32
I look forward to making a name for myself as an African American transgender artist.
John, 47
Every day on my way to school I’d pass by one particular homeless man who always greeted me with a smile and a kind word.
Kelvin, 61
I am a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, from Richmond, California.
Michael, 40
We were called to love one another to value others more than ourselves.Jose, 53
The passage of time has given me the opportunity to mature and become more knowledgeable, empathetic and compassionate. It has taken many years of self-analysis and reflection for me to be able to reach inside to my very soul and reveal my true self.
Douglas, 54
Laughter helps me remember the warmth of the sun when the chill of loneliness becomes almost too much to bear.Kunta, 28
At first, I didn’t even notice that I was easing the hurt from my soul. Even though I am not fully healed, I have come a long way and I am doing a whole lot better. So, I continue to write, healing my soul.
John, 40
I wanted something better. I wanted to go home. I realized I wasn’t worth anything doing bad. I embarked on a journey of transformation. I took control of my life and destiny.
Paul, 64
Life is a play. We play many parts, when the curtain is drawn, what will it all mean? Peace is a process, not an acquisition.Daniel, 60
To this day I don’t ignore warning bells in the back of my head. If I suspect wrong-doing, I say something. Please don’t be afraid to say something if you see or suspect something wrong. Please.
Shahen, 32
My wife and kids are my motivation to continue to move forward in a positive and healthy manner. Even in prison I want to be a positive role model and have a positive impact in their lives. I don’t want them to follow in my footsteps.
Ken, 52
At the time those pictures traveled all over the world and that night was the first time they would be shown in the US. It blew me away, to say the least. My picture was the most viewed and the most liked.
Henok, 44
Playing the violin taught me perseverance and the art of playing different varieties of music.
Miguel, 43
I’ve decided one way for me to give back is to tell my story through my writing. Today I’m truly successful because I believe in my abilities to achieve.
Delvon, 32
I watched her grow up in pictures and now she’s raising me. A daughter raising a dad in prison.
Christopher, 43
Today, I’m a peaceful person since coming to prison. I live by a code of ethics I’ve learned from Odinism and Islam: courage, truth, honor, fidelity, hospitality, industryness, self-reliance and perseverance.Demiantra, 40
Everybody I thought I knew and cared about seemed to take the approach that I died. But, the reality is - last time I checked, I am alive. The pain and suffering that I've dealt with throughout my life has shown me I am very much alive.
Marcus, 25
I'm currently using this time to better myself and put a smile on [my mother's] face. Even though I am serving a life sentence I continue to break barriers. I refuse to let this prison sentence bring me down.
James, 74
One of my greatest regrets is missing my grandchildren growing up. I was thrilled to be a grandfather, I would have been a great one. I missed it all.
Albert, 55
My son died when he was 16. He was playing football and was hit in the head, three days later he died. I was in Salinas Valley State prison at the time, man that was the ugliest feeling in my life. I knew I had to change my lifestyle and I had to start caring about myself and the impact I was having on others.
Alex, 83
It was the summer of 1962 and my first year of clinical training for seminary. I was 23. I heard San Quentin was accepting people for training ministers and priests for a 12-week program.Darren, 59
Forty plus years of sharing a tiny cage was like an anvil around my shoulders, that I was unaware of until it was gone. Other than being sick with covid twice, my quarantine was a good thing.
Raymond, 48
I never want to see a child grow up lost like me. I express remorse to help others. If I believe, I can achieve.
Michael, 55
My journey to true self acceptance has indeed been crazy, humbling, and not by any means easy.
Osbun “OG Walt”, 78
This is not my first time in prison. In 2006 I was sentenced to four years. I told myself I would never step foot in this prison again. But once again here I am.
Noah, 50
I should be dead, but for some reason I'm not. I want to do something with the time I have left that is important and helpful to others.
Jose, 32
I can’t change my past decision or where I came from, but I change where I am going.Christopher, 57
I came to San Quentin with my bag of hate and prejudices fully intact. Not really thinking of change. I'm not saying Moe is solely responsible for opening my eyes, but he became part of the solution, not the problem. Moe became my best friend and I am still blessed by his presence.
Christopher, 28
I'm now very considerate and learning a lot from these classes on how to be a good man with integrity. I want my freedom after I get these skills. I have a lot to live for. I have a lot of self-worth and dignity that I haven’t had before.
Jim, 73
I was saved by the bell. The chow hall bell, signaling that dinner was ready. As soon as our door opened, he bull rushed toward his former cellie. He angrily tried to pick a fight with him.
Robert, 44
It’s not easy to come to the point where you want to change your mindset. It can be a mentally painful process. I still have a lot of fine-tuning to do. It comes in increments, when it does, it feels good. My heart and mind feel nourished.
Greg, 60
Two weeks after the robbery she picked me out of a lineup. I went to trial. I had a good lawyer, yet I was found guilty. I was given three years to life. I felt like I died that day.
Stevin, 63
My satisfaction began during my early stage of advocacy volunteering to amend three strikes.Alfonso, 37
My satisfaction began during my early stage of advocacy volunteering to amend three strikes.
Richard, 66
I am coming up on 16 years of incarceration. I do not know if any of my family is alive or not. I have not seen or talked to them. I don't even know where they are living now.
Douglas, 58
Who were you then and who are you now? I am a survivor and my hope and my prayer is that in telling my story, someone will hear it and know that they are not alone. This is something that we deal with as child survivors. We feel that we are alone and have no one to turn to – especially behind these walls.Daniel, 42
It’s not easy to come to the point where you want to change your mindset. It can be a mentally painful process. I still have a lot of fine-tuning to do. It comes in increments, when it does, it feels good. My heart and mind feel nourished.Douglas, 58
I am a survivor and my hope and my prayer is that in telling my story, someone will hear it and know that they are not alone. This is something that we deal with as child survivors. We feel that we are alone and have no one to turn to – especially behind these walls.
Andrew, 48
What would you tell the old Andrew? "You need to relax from being the foolish person that you are." The person I am today is happy and thankful for the foolish person that I was because through the old me, I was able to learn to be a better person. I am thankful for how this time has changed me. It really opened my eyes and helped me become a better person.
Kelsey, 63
As the years have gone by, I know with more and more certainty that the state of Texas is what God used to discipline my stubborn butt. I needed correction and humility. I also needed healing mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Bruce, 56
A carpenter by trade, I think of myself as a craftsman more than an artist but I do enjoy painting. I have a deep love of the ocean and all things nautical.
Orienthal, 48
As the years have gone by, I know with more and more certainty that the state of Texas is what God used to discipline my stubborn butt. I needed correction and humility. I also needed healing mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Wayne, 63
The difference of the last couple weeks is just crazy! I’m unloading on you because you’re the only one I've got. I'm working on a Tree of Life to share with you.
Jorge, 37
We always want to help when we get out, but we forget that we can help in here, like Edwin and Miguel are doing in our society in here. A lot of us don’t know how to do it and express what we are going through and need help to get it out into the world and change the image that is given to us.Crandell (Ojore), 54
“In a place of darkness and stagnation, I shine like ten thousand suns, but it is the light and love of my fellow humans that ensure I continue to thrive.”Lamavis (Shorty), 53
“My first piece of art was a card that I sent to my mother as a Mother’s Day Gift. She asked where I got the artwork and I told her that I drew it. She said, “Do more of that!” and my art career was born.”
Eddie, 61
Every day, I know that I'm the one to blame, I see the picture clearly now. Stand strong, firm and solid, and I'll defeat this maze. I'll come back to you, my silent one.
Raul, 46
“When officers learn to dehumanize people they become desensitized to basic conditions in them: fear, hope, want and sorrow. We cannot allow ourselves to be viewed as non-entities.”
Erick, 36
Art is a passion of mine where I can be creative and help someone else feel joy and satisfaction in what I draw and design, for them to feel a positive emotion. I was missing that in my life and they may be missing that in their life.
Robert, 60
Prison is like being in a time vacuum where life has ceased. Neither moving forward or backward, alive but deceased. Prison is like a sack into which each day, each hour, drops another stone. Bending the spine until the tell-tale crack.Anthony, 24
“Where I'm from it’s hard to truly be yourself when you have so many voids to complete your self-worth.”
Richard, 48
“It is vital that we must build trust with the outside world, and that the only way to do so is by sharing our stories, and putting a Human face to those of us who reside in institutions”
Scott, 51
“I have heard stories like this from several men in prison over the years, how great it was and that they have grown close, shared many visiting days together, and built wonderful relationships with their children and grandchildren. This, however, would not be my story.”
Adriel, 43
“I knew by the age of 5 that I was born in the wrong body. But I couldn’t tell that to my parents, because the machismo was running rampant in my home. If you were born a boy, you acted like a boy.”
Martin, 35
“After taking pictures, talking, eating etc. we are listening to music and I catch myself multiple times in disbelief that I am finally free. I notice everything is changed and different and new to me.”Edwin, 45
“My mom has 6 kids, 5 boys. Two are doing life, one was murdered. Half a rotten apple is how she got the deal. “
Paul, 61
“My life is more than half over. It feels like I was born here in this cage, and when I die it will be my mausoleum.”
Johnnie, 41
I've made it through the years, I've lost family and friends.Warren, 58
Coming back to San Quentin in 2019 was surreal. My first [and only previous] time home was in 1981.Milton “Tone”, 29
My family isn’t perfect by any means. But I’ll take precious over perfection anytime.
Carl, 57
“It was hard for you to navigate the intricate dynamics of relationships on all levels. From the earliest days there was no way that you could form the importance of trust, empathy, confidence in self and so forth”Eddie, 46
It was September 15th, 2021. I was sent to AD-SEG for a P.R.E.A. investigation. The word of a transgender-woman put me in shackles, yet when her story changed to my benefit, those facts went unreported.
Albert, 57
“I’m often asked, how can I smile so much when I’m on death row for a crime I didn't do and so I tell them: it's my faith in Jesus.”
Pheng, 45
“Take this gift of life given you and create a future for the family awaiting your arrival. Persevere and you will achieve.”
Dr. Marez
“I certainly feel that victims on the other side do not get the support they deserve mentally and financially.”
David, 27
I am forever grateful to the officer who arrested me, he changed my life forever. Every single day I wake...
Lani, 41
She taught me that no matter what my circumstances are, I could always make a negative situation into a positive...
Mark, 66
I was on the front lines moving incarcerated people into isolated housing when COVID hit us hard. Some of...
Michael, 44
I asked the Lord to forgive me for all that I’ve done to others and to give me the strength...Miguel, 51
I’ve learned to open up, and love myself. To respect and be kind to every human being, no matter who...My, 40
My spirit has been broken, but I haven’t lost my soul – yet. I have been buried alive for the...
Miguel, 28
I live a life in recovery and searching my past for clues as to my imprisonment. I abstain from trouble...
Patrick “Jimmy,” 36
I met and got snagged by the woman of my dreams. We made the decision to get married and...Steven, 51
Believe me when I say this: I was a kid living in an adult world – all on my own....
Steven, 33
I want to raise awareness on mental health, emotional and cognitive behavioral understanding, and take our power back. Our...
Maurice “Reece,” 36
I like to express my views about social justice through body movement, language and dance. If you want to check...
Adriel, 46
My dad. He meant the world to me. He was my hero.
Juan Luis, 29
Juan Luis told his story with poetry.
George “Mesro”, 43
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world indoors for the physical distancing required for safety from infection. Coping Skills Even...
Kevin, 57
When you lose someone in prison who made life more cool in this messed-up-way to live, it’s a big loss....Michael 59
Empathy was a hard concept for me to receive initially, since I had become a selfish shallow type of man....
Joe, 36
I am a high functioning autistic, and here they treat me as an equal and I’ve been able to...
Raheem, 45
I want people to look at me, as a human being, I have made mistakes, but I am not...
Louis, 48
I realize that I’m proud of myself, because I’m not running from my pain. I have a peace within myself...
Larry, 44
They see me as an inmate, a person who has no real value. I was born in Oakland, CA, During...
Rayvion, 22
I am always learning something and someone is always learning from me. Here I am with my boy, Kells. When...
Rodney, 59
Until I earned my degree I never thought that I would be a person who’d care about others. This is...
Mark, 43
When I put this uniform on I’m not a prisoner anymore – I’m an athlete. I’m daydreaming about freedom before...Timothy, 51
I am still feeling the shine from holding my nine month old grandson for the first time this morning in...
James, 49
I did not know how addictive the street life was. On the real, I could not escape it. I’m kicking...Thomas, 54
I’m just enjoying the day, eating an apple, the sun is shining. I’m going to work in a substance abuse...
Demond, 48
This is my comedian friend, Durr. He’s always telling jokes and I wonder how he keeps smiling after spending more...
Anthony “Bootsy”, 59
I feel blessed and privileged to see 12 inside guys play the Golden State Warriors and entertain 2,000 guys in...Fateen, 43
I’m happy to be leaving the captivity of prison – the nasty food and small cells, the limitations of movement...
Dre, 54
Being able to have communication with understanding and knowledge is a key factor, it makes it easier to survive in...Clifford, 62
Mama, you’re the real MVP. I am waiting for the arrival of Kevin Durant, the basketball player. He’s coming to...
Nythell, 44
This opened the door for me to become vulnerable and ready for the long journey of transformation and rehabilitation that...
Dennis, 49
I’ve learned that domestic violence, intimate partner violence isn’t a crime of passion, an anger problem, snapping, losing control, or fostered by substance abuse. It is about power. And control. And it is always a choice.
Kevin, 57
I graduated from high school in 1981. I wore a cap and gown. My family attended the ceremony. I was...Aron, 31
Thanks to Tien, I now have a healthy relationship with my parents. He encouraged me to keep an open dialogue...
Michael, 60
I entered into this world on 3-9-60 receiving lots of love and care, which I would love to share with...
Sam, In-service, Public Information Officer
I think that you’re accountable every day when you put on your uniform, you put on your suit, to come...Terry, 41
My confidence soared and my networking began. With my parole hearing on the horizon, I’m quite eager to see their...
Gilberto, 26
There is healing in sharing, holding in the pain takes you nowhere, but a dark path of feeling lonely...
Anthony, 27
I tried to hold back my tears to be strong but I couldn’t. We all cried and shed tears together...Ramon, 59
From the freeway I saw at the distance the huge yellow building of San Quentin and asked my wife whether...
Anthony, 61
I am a Human of San Quentin. Incarcerated: 22 years My father only had a third grade education and was...
Matthew, 33
I’m ready to be a husband and a dad and a good man. Incarcerated: 6 years Housed: San Quentin State...Robert, 48
We have the choice and the ability to change, it comes from the inside. If I can do it anyone...
Manuel, 35
As I sit here, at thirty five, I find myself putting the pieces together from my shattered childhood. Since 13,...Gerald, 50
My father was murdered when I was seven. I lost my first born son when I was 17. Those were...
Scott, 61
The first time I was locked up, I was six. The state had taken me from my mother and made...
Tyrone, 48
Thinking of all the good times I had why did everything have to go bad from the top of being...
Edward, 44
I’m trying to get out to help [my son] avoid the same pitfalls that I fell into and help him...
