See LA Times Op-Ed by Back to the Start Cofounder, Edwin E. Chavez

We are excited to share Edwin E. Chavez, one of our distinguished program coleads and tireless social justice advocate, wrote an provocative and heart wrenching Op-Ed that was published in the LA Times.

Chavez shared his story and reflects on his experiences being incarcerated, his journey writing to right the system, and the personal impacts of the current administration's treatment of immigrants. In 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed California Assembly Bill 1306, which prevents transfers into ICE custody once an incarcerated immigrant is granted parole or compassionate release. Chavez shared the painful reality of his older brother Gabriel who was granted parole after 32 years of incarceration, only to be delivered into the hands of ICE. He goes on to share the impact on his family and how he is similarly trapped "between the cement walls of two distinct prison worlds".

See full article here 🔗