Pollen Initiative opens Media Center at CCWF

The first ever Media Center was opened in the California Correctional Women’s Facility. Approximately 24 incarcerated persons, outside guests, and administration filled the local visiting area for the historical moment.

The March event highlighted the long awaited chance for the CCWF residents to have the platform and equipment to speak out in totality on the many events and struggles the incarcerated persons within the largest women’s facility has had to endure.

“It is a great honor to support your stories. Your stories need a gigantic microphone,” said Kate McQueen, Pollen Initiative Editorial Director, in the clearest sentiment of this huge endeavor.

San Quentin Media Center and Pollen Initiative helped inspire this hope for the incarcerated individuals within the community of CCWF. The visiting room was filled with laughter, networking, and a special kind of gratitude. Emotion was evident on every face that enjoyed this moment of rejoicing.

The day began with the speeches and resident Nora Igova, a peer in the new starting journalism guild and media center cohort was the Master of Ceremonies.

“My Bulgarian accents is a perfect way to overcome the obstacles of public speaking,” said Igova, joking. She then introduced Acting Principal Michele Quintana who has been instrumental in enriching the lives with in the community. Quintana has been a big influence over the past nine years overseeing the academics in CCWF.

Jesse Vasquez, Executive Director for Pollen, the Friends of San Quentin News, and Wall City Magazine was the man with a plan who had a crucial role in the structure and believing in the need to uplift CCWF residents’ voices. Without Vasquez’s perseverance and tenacity, the Media Center would not have been a success.

Another speaker, formerly incarcerated Richard “Bonaru” Richardson, stood with poise and power, making a point to serve the incarcerated people. Richardson’s speech had a huge impact on the importance of the ceremony. He spoke highly of his peers. It was a real and an emotional highlight.

“We need people to see the B.S. that’s going on inside of here, so we can get the stories out,” said Richardson.

He spoke inspirationally of how important it was to him to get all CCWF residents out of prison and continue to spread their voices. Residents Amber Bray and Othelia Pineda were two special speakers.

Both incarcerated individual are starting the first cohort of the Journalism Guild and Media Center. Each spoke of the impact they wish to have on their community using their voices to empower and to embrace. Bray is the prison’s Executive Chair on the Inmate Advisory Council.

She wishes nothing but to highlight all the great things that are done within the institution. For so long, she has worked hard to be a voice for the inside community.

Now with hope for change and the Media Center, Bray was excited to have and outlet to spread the change and not be overlooked. “What we do matters and the people here matter,” said Bray.

Pineda shared the same sentiment for reaching out to her Mexican American people. She expressed the importance of “providing a voice to those who often feel ignored and forgotten.” Her goal is to bridge the gap of culture to gain mutual respect within and outside of the community walls.

The rest of the evening was a great surprise as the guest and participants were all escorted to “D” yard, through the work exchange for the ribbon cutting ceremony on the new Media Center. During the walk, everyone was filled with excitement and questions. All the outside guests had questions about the program and how it was in a women’s facility.

The sun was warm, but it was a nice day out. For a moment, the residents felt like they were not in prison. It was like a walk in a park and talking to people interested in their daily lives.

But it was the sound of keys from a correctional officer opening the gate that caused a rude awakening for most of the incarcerated participants as everyone awaited to proceed to the new Media Center.

Everyone reached the big red bow that shimmered down the center’s doors. It was a slight delay as people patiently awaited the big silver scissors so Warden De La Cruz could cut the ribbon. All heard the “snip snip” of the scissors as the attendees waited in anticipation enter the building. It took a minute but the Warden did succeed.

There were cheers and claps, as people started to walk over the threshold. It was oohs and aahs as they entered. The smell of fresh paint was appreciated as proof of the time spent to prepare for this moment. Blue streams of ribbon hung from the door, as the crowd entered the new room. There were brand new computers and inspirational quotations that lined the walls. It was a priceless moment.

The little room was filled to capacity with individuals and a small bookshelf of great resources courtesy of McQueen. It was a moment of sheer joy. All the attendees gathered around to take pictures under the Media Center’s banner.

Each participant was excited to take in all the glory of what is now a start to freedom with the power of voice. The moment was special in so many ways as residents and supporters shared their hopes for the future.

“I never thought this would be possible,” resident Kristen Rossum said, as a friend with tears in her eyes stood in awe taking in the new journey that awaits.

CCWF’s Creative Director Jesse Delgado, said something that struck the most endearing of statements throughout the journey of this historic day.

“Maybe we can teach film throughout the country, CCWF being the foundation of what possibility brings,” Delgado said. “I never knew this was the largest women’s facility and I now realize how forgotten the woman are and how the men always pop up.”

Delgado said he almost knew what it was like to be incarcerated. At the age of 16, he felt the turmoil of what could have been and almost found him faced with jail. He learned to appreciate prison because of his experience. This is the reason why he believes so much in the power of film, as well as in giving back.

As the end of the day drew near, the excitement was still high. People were having fun, talking media and taking pictures. Some people stood off to the side to observe. It was a feeling of sharing. Public Information officer, Monique Williams circled the room snapping pictures. It is an awe-inspiring moment to see everyone networking within the environment.

There is hope that this is just the beginning and a journey that will provide a voice for all.