San Quentin Storytelling Event Photos...and Trailer Sneak Peek!

As you remember, in January our program held an inaugural storytelling and commencement event. As promised, below are photos of the event you’ve been waiting for, featuring panelists as well as some notable members from the writing program sharing their stories.  We have dozen more photos also, so feel free to reach out if you would like to see more.

**Along with the photos, here is a sneak peak of our event film trailer for was directed by Emmy Award winning filmmaker Jacob Kornbluth**

Back to the Start will also be releasing the film and hosting film viewing events so look out for future announcements!

For those interested in collaborating with us or sponsoring film viewing events, contact us at info@backtothestart.org or click here: https://www.backtothestart.org/partner-with-us 

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Just in case you’ve missed out here’s a short summary of the event:

Attendees gathered in a lively chapel, where over a dozen incarcerated musicians performed festive music. The event included family members of graduates, such as Juan Haines' brother, and featured opening remarks from Jenny Espinoza, Michael Callahan, and Juan Haines. W. Kamau Bell, an Advisory Board Member, shared personal anecdotes from his visits to San Quentin.

The first Storyshare group addressed themes of racism and addiction, with Jessie Milo presenting a poignant poem. The second group focused on foster care and education, featuring Alex Ross's emotional piece on his struggles with illiteracy. Following the groups, a health panel, including Dr. Jeff Grant, Dr. Palav Babaria, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, and Dr. Kristine Madsen, discussed the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

The third Storyshare group, led by Edwin Chavez, emphasized inclusion with Tranquillano Figueroa's heartfelt recounting of his childhood in Mexico. Jessie Milo's poem, “Who among us,” reflected on shared humanity. The fourth group highlighted family relationships, culminating in a moving testimonial by Jason Jackson.

The policy panel, moderated by W. Kamau Bell, included Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula, Chesa Boudin, Eric Morrison-Smith, and Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, who shared insights on the costs of incarceration and the value of investing in children. 

The event concluded with certificate distribution by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, prompting a standing ovation. 

To see the whole recap of the event click here: https://www.backtothestart.org/post/recap-of-san-quentin-storytelling-and-public-awareness-event