deathrowinmates.org
Papyrus Collective
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The Unseen Gems Around You!

Amazing what time and pressure brings out in a lost generation of young men whom a nation has let down, who became a product of their environment. With no positive role models to look up to because our past two generations of men were stripped from our lives. Trying to put food on the table, undereducated, and lacking the job skills, teen parents surrounded by a hood of poverty.

But let's not let that be the reason 'cause diamonds are found under extreme pressure. I only wrote this because a young man I am fond of shocked me with an article he wrote called Product of the Enviornment (may2013/vol.16/issue 70) in Compassion Newsletter. That made me feel a sense of pride! That our people are not out of this fight to save our kids and the next generation of black men who are at risk!

We still have a voice and can be heard, and have a positive effect on those we call our own seed and those who do not have a feather and needs a little word of encouragement. That the hood is not "all there is" out there in this world.

I thank God that I am able to use my situation to keep my four little brothers focused on the bigger picture. That prison is not all it's cracked up to be, like there is no glamor in this modern day slave ship. We are all not lost, just misguided kids who need a little encouragement to get over the hurdles we call life. There are still men out there who have a voice but have not been given the chance to use it to promote solidarity!

How about you? It took me 35 years to open my mouth! I know I was called! And I know for what, now. And the powers that be have surrounded me with the right people.

In truth and solidarity!
C. Chism #T-34897