CCWF’s hosts first annual LGBTQIA+ Pride walk and ball-a-thon

In June, the first annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Walk and Ball-A-Thon at Central California Women’s Facility brought high energy from the masses. The event allowed participants to show support and raise funds for local LGBTQIA+ non-profit charities in the immediate area.

All the facility yards moved towards the gym, where participants were directed to sign in and get their numbered placards. Music filled the gym with positivity and the work that went into this event truly showed.

Outside sponsors brought celebrating spirits as well. Sisters Warriors Freedom Coalition came in full force to show their support. 

“As a gender justice organization that is led by former/current system-impacted persons; we find so much value in being privileged and honored with an opportunity to come inside of CCWF to celebrate Pride,” Nicki Martinez stated. “As we work toward true liberation and freedom for all- we must not only do the work with legislation and create policy. We must always stay connected to the voices of those most impacted.” 

Martinez added, “As we celebrate Pride and stand up for equal rights; the right to love, the right to be a valuable human being and to be treated with dignity and respect. We are Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition and we will keep coming back to fight for women, non-binary and transfolks of all genders.”

The resident executive body chairperson Kanoa Harris-Pendang brought his jovial spirit and brightest smiles to embrace participants as they readied for the walk to begin. Opening up the morning through introduction of the executive body as well as outside guests segued into Stephanie Erends giving instructions for the walkers to proceed to the outside track area.

The track area gave sight to laughter, face painting, posing for pictures and an all-around good time. Even as numerous “yard downs” [a facility emergency alarm] nothing could shake the good vibes. The sun was beating down as participants and guest walked lap after lap circling and showing that the spirit of Pride was in full effect.

There were 200 participants that walked for Pride with Mary Kruppe making the 20 lap mark the highest, Holly Ramos came in at 18 laps and Erica Hitchcock and Maria Serrato came in third place with 17 laps each.

Basketball players had their time to shine as well. The three on three athletes were in top form. Winners did not receive a chicken dinner; however, the deafening applause and high fives were given to Zar Hornsby, Rayshawn Hart and M. Davis who schooled the other team with their amazing feats of athletic ability.

“This is festive, unifying…a good vibe. Showing up for events to support peers is important especially our LGBTQIA+ community,” said Nina McQueen, who had a front row seat to the action on the court shaking her head stating

Janelle Monroy added, “This makes me feel validated, we don’t have to hide who we are and what we stand for. We’re not just pretty faces. We actually have feelings and voices that matter.”

The event was not always easy to get underway. 

“This event belongs to the community. It was the community that came together to make it happen,” Kanoa gingerly stated. “It was because of the community that it was successful. Today was a good day. There is nothing we can’t accomplish without a vision, pure intentions, peace in our hearts inclusion of all, unity and empathy.”

Rousing the crowd were amazing speakers who brought truth, heart, and wisdom to the crowd. One such speaker was Kelli Blackwell who reminded the audience of what Angela Davis said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I can no longer accept.” This gave over to loud thunderous applause.

The day took on special meaning for Bethlehem Desta who shared “I use them/them/theirs pronouns and I am a program coordinator with the Ella Baker Center for Human Right.”

 EBC is located in Oakland, CA and is named after Ella Baker, a brilliant Black hero of the civil rights movement. EBC is dedicated to redirecting resources away from prisons and punishment and towards opportunities that make our communities safe, healthy and strong.

“I was motivated to join EBC’s work for a number of reasons: as a Black member of the LGBTQI community I’m aware that the communities I’m part of, and that my loved ones are part of, are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system,” said Desta. “So, my investment in this work comes out of a desire to commit to solidarity work. I know that none of us are safe and free until all of us are safe and free. 

“I was really honored to attend this first annual Pride event, because to me Pride represents the ongoing struggle for queer and trans liberation. And, this movement work has been and continues to be led by queer and trans people resisting policing and criminalization, especially Black trans women and trans women of color,” Desta concluded. 

The event for the CCWF’s community brought to the forefront the meaning of unity and hope.

The group Music Madness brought the house down through the lyrical genius of Medeon, who free-styled his original work “Imagine That.”

“Change is real. I came to prison with a violent unhealthy mindset and made the choice to continue in my path of criminal behavior. After 17 years of being incarcerated and being a negative influence for so long,” Medeon said, pulling from his own experiences. His truth gave his music the edge it needed to hit the spirit as well as the ears.

“In 2019, I really began to do the work and work on myself. I realized that the only way I could become anything worth saving and deserving of second chances is to look at myself,” said Medeon. 

Kelly Savage-Rodriguez from Drop LWOP is no stranger to the residents’ commitment to being better. As a formerly incarcerated person of CCWF, she knows that the struggle is not only real. It is active.

“It’s about representing everyone. We want to make sure everyone feels supported. Drop LWOP and California Coalition Women’s Prisoners look past any previous circumstances and see the individual for who they are,” she said. 

Gratitude was shown not only by the participants, but also by the CRM (A) Heather Betts who understood how special this was.

“I am looking to help bring programming to give residents the tools to be productive members of the society they return to,” Betts said.

The Walk for Pride certainly makes the case for more of these types of events to take place. The laughter, fellowship and overall fun left an indelible mark on the spirit of CCWF. 

“I’m really glad this was a success. All three yards promoting unity. It helps me show upper management that we are capable [of] fully ‘functioning’ in a way that creates a healthy environment,” said Betts.

The executive body: Kanoa Pendang-Harris-Chairperson; Maria Alaniz-Vice-Chairperson; Kristin Rossum-Secretary; Chase Tittle-Sgt. @ Arms and Ava Fey-Public Relations thanked Warden De La Cruz and all support staff for the opportunity to show Pride in the CCWF way.