San Quentin News

08/18/2025

https://vimeo.com/1110804964?fl=pl&fe=sh

Former editor in chief of San Quentin News Marcus "Wali" Henderson remembered by his colleagues and friends.

05/03/2025

Celebrate World Press Freedom Day with us!

Yet this year, organizations that work to support a free press behind the walls in California have good reason to feel optimistic. That includes us.

04/03/2025

Check out the latest happening in the prison journalism space

Since 1887, prison publications like The Prison Mirror at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Stillwater have shared residents' stories in an effort to promote free expression and initiate change within the justice system.

10/14/2024

I'm always happy to share good news, and nothing beats coming home!

Over the last 14 years Edmond has been working on himself. He has been involved in self-help groups, vocational training programs, creative content courses and audio engineering. He is currently finishing off his sentence serving as an incarcerated firefighter.

I'm glad that Edmond will be home soon and eager to see how his experience helps shape the stories that he is eager to tell. If you would like to be a part of the community alleviating his reentry and promoting his career please consider donating

Edmond Richardson is a talented journalist and filmmaker who has… Jesse Vasquez needs your support for Welcoming Edmond Home: From Incarceration to Filmmaking

08/02/2024

https://youtu.be/YqwhjBackIE

08/01/2024

https://mailchi.mp/080451a32d18/inside-scoop-2024-october-9th-10571071

If you're in Northern California we'd love to share an insightful evening with you. There's so much potential locked up behind prison walls that one of the best ways to highlight them is through their own media training programs and platforms.

Curious? Come check us out and hear about the future of incarcerated-led media programs and how they make a difference in reducing recidivism and changing informing perspectives.

We are excited to invite you to Inside Scoop, our annual event and fundraiser where we can share with you Pollen Initiative’s current and new endeavors. We’d love for you to join and bring family and friends to learn about the Pollen Initiative’s impactful programs that empower and uplift the ...

07/31/2024

You’re Invited - https://mailchi.mp/080451a32d18/inside-scoop-2024-october-9th-10571071

07/25/2024

Let's Play Two for a Cause! 🌟

Join us on July 27th for a doubleheader between the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies at the Cable Car Barnstorm event! This isn't just about baseball—it's about coming together to support the Pollen Initiative. With every ticket sold through our site, $5 goes directly to empowering and amplifying voices based out of San Quentin.

Whether you're part of a rec league, a sandlot crew, or a vintage baseball club, we invite everyone to step up to the plate for a great cause.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy America’s favorite pastime while making a meaningful difference. Secure your tickets now and let's hit it out of the park for the Pollen Initiative!

Get your tickets today and be a part of this unforgettable event: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/CablecarBarnstorm

05/30/2024

https://mailchi.mp/friendsofsanquentinnews/the-rise-of-pollen-9370223

The journalism guild participants at the Central California Women's Facility are well on their way to producing their own publication. Check out their initial stories

03/27/2024

Yesterday, I had the immense privilege of witnessing a transformative moment at the Central California Women's Facility (CCWF), a beacon of hope and empowerment for incarcerated women and individuals.

Warden Anissa De La Cruz passionately reaffirmed her dedication to not just offering these women a platform, but ensuring their stories—and the stories of their communities—are heard loud and clear.

The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a groundbreaking media center, a first for CCWF. This new venture represents more than just equipment and space; it symbolizes a fundamental shift towards inclusivity and empowerment.

Otilia Pineda, one of the guild members, shared a powerful testament to the significance of this initiative: "Early in my life, I learned that women were seen but never heard... This media center signifies a turning point for many of us, an opportunity to finally have our voices heard."

Echoing the weight of this milestone, Pollen Initiative's Editorial Director, Kate McQueen, reminded us of the profound responsibility that accompanies the freedom of the press. Citing Alan Barth's famous words, she highlighted journalism as "the first rough draft of history," underscoring the impact and legacy that the stories from CCWF are set to leave for future generations.

Amber Bray, reflecting on her 26 years at CCWF, underscored the stark transformation this media center represents: "When I came to prison, we had little to no programs... Now, with this media center, the world will get to see what is going on at CCWF through our eyes."

The narratives and insights that will emerge from CCWF's media center promise not just to enlighten us but to challenge and inspire.

I'm excited to see all the great journalism and content that will come out of CCWF.

If you've provided support for these efforts thank you! And if you are looking to get involved in amplifying these stories and making a difference let us know

Subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed: https://polleninitiative.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e82c5d022faf0828959a9e6b4&id=a9f3b7a77f

02/29/2024

I often wonder how I have 357 friends on Facebook but only 70 contacts on my phone but I guess that's part of the mystery that makes life worthwhile, right?

What isn't a mystery is the importance and impact of prison journalism in America today. Now that we have infinite amounts of information at our finger tips we're able to really know whatever we really want to know. So, if you want to understand prisons and the systemic issues that perpetuate them you should consider subscribing to a newsletter. Ours is pretty good but any is better than none so take your pick.

Thanks to anyone who reads it even if you aren't one of the 357 Facebook friends

The incarcerated members of San Quentin’s Native Hawaiian Religious Group cannot go to their homeland, so they brought Hawaii to San Quentin through their annual Makahiki celebration. Click here to read more by Joshua Strange.

02/13/2024

This will probably seem like a short discussion because it's such a richly complex topic. If you have time and are interested about learning how the First Amendment is exercised, restricted and regulated in prisons here's your chance.

Register for this free event provided by Eastern State Penitentiary
https://www.easternstate.org/visit/events/justice-101-does-first-amendment-apply-prisons