Help Needed: How The Leopard Can Possibly Change It’s Spots.

Thoughts Beyond the Wall

by J.C. Riley #288310

Can a Leopard change its spots? If it does, what would it look like? Do we use detergents to scrub it clean? Or do we dye the cat’s fur to cover the spots. That would indeed be “Change”, but would it still be a Leopard?

This is the complexity of the questions we’ve asked ourselves about a Criminal Justice System not designed for Rehabilitation. A Criminal Justice System not intended to Motivate positive Change or recognize Incarcerated People as Human Beings. In order to understand WHY the Criminal Justice System operates this way, to understand what could help create Change, we must first explore the true function of the Criminal Justice System.

Or why the Leopard is Spotted in the first place.

When a Prison opens in the State of Michigan, as in other states in this country, it creates an entire Economic System for cash…

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New Year, New Work!

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  Ceramic Dove

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  Leftover Christmas Candy

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  Art Supplies

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  Vogue Theatre

Influential

Thoughts Beyond the Wall

By: Joseph Green

“If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming I help you become that.”- Unknown

This quote reminds me of the words spoken to me by my lovely and beautiful grandmother. She has always treated me as a man and King. My beautiful grandmother has been one of the biggest contributors to my growth. She has ALWAYS been by my side. She has encouraged me to take accountability and responsibility for my life. Today she still pushes me to be great despite my circumstances.

When I think about the influential people who have helped me throughout this journey of growth and maturity, I’m humbled and so grateful to have many to choose from. However, I think that this is the perfect time to give my grandmother her roses and…

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How do I plan to make a positive impact in the lives of others this year?

Thoughts Beyond the Wall

By: Joseph Green

How do I plan to make a positive impact in the lives of others this year?

“We must educate ourselves and our children to the rich power of knowledge which has elevated every people who have sought and used it. We must give the benefit of our knowledge to the elevation of our people.” – Hon Elijah Muhammad

I started my post with this quote from a great and powerful man because I wanted to reinforce the importance of obtaining knowledge. As well as the power you obtain once you acquire it. It’s impossible to make a positive impact in the lives of others if you lack knowledge. What could you share that’s conducive and productive?

Our actions are guided by either ignorance or wisdom. The consequences produced are either negative or positive. If I lack the knowledge of SELF, God, devil, economics to name a few…

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Help Needed: How The Leopard Can Possibly Change It’s Spots.

My Voice- D. Newsome

Thoughts Beyond the Wall

(A Composition)

“MY VOICE … The verbal expression
Of all that I am inside,
Through ‘Thoughts Beyond The Wall’
No longer has to hide.

”MY VOICE … If I choose my words carefully
And speak with discretion,
Will allow society to see
I now move in a new direction.

“MY VOICE … Once confined
To a prison cell,
Can now reveal conditions
Of a living hell.

“MY VOICE … For over seven years
Screamed with pain,
From solitary confinement
And no help came.

“MY VOICE … At that point
Was muzzled & gagged,
Belly chains, leg irons
Mouth stuffed with a rag.

“MY VOICE … Booms Now!
Without orders of: ‘Hold it down’,
From Officers in solitary
With a menacing frown.

“MY VOICE … Now that it has
Your attention,
Will expose things
Once beyond your comprehension.

“MY VOICE … If you listen real close
You’ll hear the sound’
Of…

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BREAKING BARRIERS AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: OUTSIDE OF THESE PRISON GATES (PART 1) BY:TITU$ BANK$

Thoughts Beyond the Wall

Unfortunately, there is no manual or guide book to help those,who are in our lives or come into our lives to prepare them for this journey we’re facing while being incarcerated. Most relationships (Family, Friends ,and Significant Others) dwindle away over time and become memories, but there is a small percentage that literally stands the test of time. “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (GENESIS 2:18). FINDING INSPIRATION, MOTIVATION, EMPOWERMENT, AND VALUE FROM THOSE WHO ARE INCARCERATED:

Opening up to someone new can be difficult, because we all fear starting over and trying something new or different. However, we should take time to reflect on ourselves before we emerge into a new friendship or relationship. Sometimes we get caught up in temporary love affairs that come with hurt and heartache when it’s all said and done. You must…

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Mental Struggles

Sharing an essay from Mr. Green who has courage and insight from “Thoughts Beyond the Wall”

Thoughts Beyond the Wall

By: Joseph Green

In this post I want to be honest and transparent about my own personal mental struggles in hopes of shining the light on the struggles that so many others endure in my situation and even those who are not incarcerated. Yet they are apprehensive to talk about it. Prison is a very dangerous place but it’s main objective and design is to break the mental mindset of everyone that enters its doors.

Coming into this system I had no doubt that physically I could protect myself. I was equipped to handle whatever…so I thought. I didn’t know the amount of stress it would play on me mentally. I was tough on the outside but on the inside I was being mentally broken down. My reality was, I was falsely accused of a murder. I had to watch my beautiful black mother fall victim to her own mental…

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