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Explore the writings of our humans that write to us regularly! Beyond a single narrative, poem, or story, these authors share writings on a variety of topics, sometimes in the form of long-term series, about their current lived experiences, opinions, and their histories.

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Interview with Courtney

Courtney Rein The Beat Within Teacher inside San Quentin Interviewed by: Rodney, inside SQ staff member about music inside San Quentin Rodney: What is your name? Courtney: Courtney Rein. R:…
December 6, 2024

The Ultimate Resolution: Living Inmate Organ Donor Protocol by Michael

The Ultimate Restitution: Living Inmate Organ Donor Protocol For years, countless incarcerated individuals across the nation have endured the heartbreak of losing loved ones to medical conditions, often stemming from…
November 25, 2024

“My Sons” by James

God gave my boys a father to teach them respect, love, and loyalty. To show them how to stay out of prison. And through them, God’s helping me understand things…
November 20, 2024

“American Dream” by Jeffery

American Dream What is this American dream when coming out of prison?   Past decisions made; we’ve paid the price, yet others abhor our existence even more. What are the challenges…
October 29, 2024

“Moving” by Larry

Overall, it’s better than I imagined.   I was moved from Lancaster State Prison near Los Angeles to Solano State Prison six weeks ago. It was a 370-mile drive north…
September 27, 2024

“Cell Sessions” by Michael

(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…
August 23, 2024

Blog by Shane

It has been an interesting month. Two buildings were involved in a gang war, which resulted in a lockdown and restricted movement for weeks. A bunch of inmates stormed to…
August 19, 2024

“Growth and Wisdom” by Jeffery

The difficulties of this life stem from the choices and decisions I made. Nothing to be compared to the pains I have inflicted on generations not yet born. I was…
July 30, 2024

“Encouragement” by Michael

June 18, 2024 Thumbs up for the successful Humans of San Quentin's appreciation day for all the curious, mindful, socially conscious, and active participants that make Diane Kahn's vision a…
July 9, 2024

“Teaching Inside San Quentin” by Brian King

I had never been inside a prison, much less been anywhere near one. None of my family members had served time; a speeding ticket was about the worst I had…
May 8, 2024

“A Good Change,” by Shane

This is a big change for me, from a maximum security prison where I was inside most of the time and lived in a one-person cell. Now, I'm in a…
May 6, 2024

“What Do I Miss Most About Being Outside?” by Katherine

I don’t believe in giving up because I am a child of God, no matter my mistakes or what I did ten years ago.
December 21, 2023

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