​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​BROTHER SHUJA SPEAKS   

 

"​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​I am a 51yr. man, a first time off​ender​, incarcerated for over 30 years, for a 1986 attempted robbery and murder at the young age of 23. I was not the shooter, but I was a witness. For not being able to prevent the murder, I apologize and make amends daily to the victim and her family. For being an inactive witness, I do accept full responsibility, and will feel subsequent remorse and shame within my life sentence until I die. I have maintained a spotless, law abiding behavior record and devoted myself, even behind bars, to providing council and guidance to families, friends and other inmates. A Gift of Love where Angels often do not land, (behind these walls) is invaluable to those who need help the most. I became gravely ill with thyroid cancer in 2004 I am now wheelchair dependent due to a fractured neck in 2007; which CDCR neglected until 2009; surgeons, in a 15 hour ordeal, fused my entire cervical area (neck vertebrae) with steel. I also suffer ankylosing spondylitis which is a life-long auto-immune arthritic disease, causing inflammation and stiffness in my spine and lower back. Through it all I have maintained a positive outlook on life and await my release to return home. I have joined every available rehabilitative and educational program put in my path, currently writing a book, and an excellent self-taught artist, who wishes to share my art with the world. I am setting up an ‘art and greeting card’ non-profit venture, and wish to create a scholarship focusing on People of Color and the Disabled who have a parent(s) incarcerated. Although society has labeled me, I refuse to be that victim of circumstance. I am innocent and it is time for me to contribute back to that same society that had criminalized me and that I forgive; to leave a legacy for my children, friends and future descendents, , through positive networking goals (setting up the foundation to promote prisoners art, books and life stories) , that will mark my path as a successful Black Man and not a statistic, to empower other inmates and families trapped into the Prison Industrial Complex. I thank you for your presence, time, and support."

Artist Corner

IN THE NEWS

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