Meet Orienthal…

…I am human and I want to use my voice and story to bring about change. If you truly want to fight crime, then invest in your communities, especially the prison community.

I was named after OJ Simpson. We have all had our trials and tribulations here in prison. Currently, mine has taken me to a crisis bed. I can say my ‘actual innocence’ was taken from me as a black man being a victim to the system.

Monsters are not born, they are created. I want to earn my certification as a domestic violence counselor. How can a man heal without wise counsel? My logic – if men are a major part of the problem, then we must be part of the solution.

I want to provide mental health services and programs for men who are former domestic abusers. Most men are looking for a way out or asking for help. As a feminist, I believe it takes both partners to help stop domestic violence. A lot of men have been broken and are afraid or ashamed to talk about it. Men need support and services.

I want to earn my bachelor’s degree before I leave prison. I want to create a nonprofit organization to showcase talented men and women across the California prison system, in order for them to earn college degrees. The recidivism rate is lower for inmates with higher education. I want to change the narrative of child abuse, domestic abuse and murder.

I am human and I want to use my voice and story to bring about change. If you truly want to fight crime, then invest in your communities, especially the prison community. 📸