Thank you, Humans of San Quentin, for creating space for incarcerated people like me to have our voices heard and our humanity recognized.
Dear Humans of San Quentin,
A story is never just a single story. Like every human, every story shines differently depending on the light you hold it up to. My story, our story, began at San Quentin, traveled across the country to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, made a quick stop in New York City, and came full circle to where it started—all beginning on the pickleball court in the San Quentin exercise yard.
That day, I saw something I hadn’t seen in 34 years of doing time—Diane, the founder of Humans of San Quentin, playing a thrilling pickleball match with other incarcerated men. From 100 feet away, I could feel the frozen belief of “us versus them” melting away. After the game, Diane offered me her paddle and invited me to play. Hesitant, I looked at Alex Ross, who encouraged me, “Come on, I’ll be your partner.”
I didn’t know I was speaking with the founder and one of her incredible team members. After the game, they invited me to write about my life and attend one of their weekly meetings. I showed up with a half-scribbled, heart-wrenching story about my childhood in foster care. Laura Wilson, moved by my story, encouraged me to explore the richness of my past to capture my humanity. I then wrote about my experience cutting hair for free in prison.
With Michael Moore’s guidance, I aligned my story with the mission of Humans of San Quentin, and it was published on your website. The support I received made me feel connected and humanized in a way I hadn’t in years. Laura then encouraged me to submit my story to *The Sun* magazine, where it was published in their July 2024 edition. Last week, I participated in a storytelling workshop by the Moth at San Quentin, where I shared my story with a live audience. Thank you, Humans of San Quentin, for creating space for incarcerated people like me to have our voices heard and our humanity recognized.
Sincerely, Chris
Click this link to hear Chris share about his experience and read his letter of appreciation:
