Lucy, Mason, and Talia spent time sharing why  Humans of San Quentin funding matters and what happens when people invest in stories, education, and human connection. In this reel, they share what they’ve learned and why support makes this work possible.

If you can see it, you can manifest it. Jewell writes about homelessness at eight years old, prison, persistence, and meeting the mentor who told him he believed in him. The best way to predict your future is to create it.  Incarcerated: 20 years Housed: Jefferson City, Missouri

“I was not a bad kid. I was never out of the norm. I did not deserve it.” From foster care abuse to becoming a Silver Gloves state champion at 10, he shares what he lived through and why staying in school still matters. Jesse, 45 Incarcerated: 16 years Housed: Soledad, California

“I don’t need a gang, the gang needs followers like me to exist and evolve.” John wrote The Hell With a Gang to challenge gang culture and reach even one young person before they follow the same path. John, 55 Incarcerated: 23 years Housed: Mule Creek State Prison, California

At the Rotary Club in Petaluma, Adelaide and Laura were given the opportunity to speak about why this work matters and the importance of changing the narrative around people in prison.

Art is one of my biggest passions and one of the most effective tools that I have to help deal with this stressful prison environment. prison can be very stressful, so these coping tools have become a very important part of my rehabilitation. Michael, 32 Incarcerated: 12 yrs

“Art is more than just art. I’m committed to using it to support people, stand up for human rights, and reach the youth.”  Peter, 35 Incarcerated: 8 years

Before he was known as an exhibiting artist across the U.S., Erick Maciel was a nurse. Today, from inside San Quentin, his artwork appears in galleries, museums, and public collections. Erick is one of the artists featured in the upcoming Humans of San Quentin tarot deck.

Meet George Coles-El, known as Mesro the Human Sun. An artist and activist inside San Quentin, he uses graffiti inspired art to push conversations about social change and prison reform. Mesro created six cards for the Humans of San Quentin tarot deck. Presale coming soon.

Artist Mark Cadiz donated tarot cards for a series to Humans of SQ. Each card features a bird representing survival, freedom, or reflection like geese who’ve adapted to prison life. "Art is a creative medication for me. As long as I have the tools, I am free." In for 36 years

Justin from Central California loves the outdoors, sports, and a good sci-fi story, but what matters most to him are the people waiting for him. "I have two kids that I live for."

What happens when ten artists inside San Quentin State Prison are asked to create a tarot deck for the world? Over the past two weeks, we’ve been introducing you to each of them. Ten artists. Ten stories. One original tarot card set created entirely from inside prison walls.

What would a tarot deck created inside prison look like? Tony deTrinidad turned to the birds he sees every day on the prison yard. A pigeon becomes The Fool. A swallow becomes the King of Cups. A hawk becomes The Devil. Meet the artist behind the Humans of San Quentin tarot deck.

Not every act of giving comes in the form of money. Greg created his artwork as a way to give back to the mission of Humans of San Quentin, hoping his work invites people to pause, reflect, and simply enjoy the moment. Gregory, 43 Incarcerated: 3 years

After 42 years in prison, Air Force veteran Mark Stanley-Bey witnessed the COVID outbreak from the front lines while helping move incarcerated people into isolation housing. Today he honors those lost by giving back through his artwork. Read more stories: humansofsanquentin.org/stories

He entered prison at 16. Prison taught him how to be an inmate. Years later, Randy Thompson is the Art Director for Humans of San Quentin helping others inside share their stories. "I wasn’t learning how to be a man. I was learning how to be an inmate." Age 30 Incarcerated 16 yrs

After 19 years in prison, Sean reflects on the people who stood beside him, the faith that carried him through, and the second chance he never stopped believing in. Freedom is never just one person’s story. It’s the story of every person who refused to give up on someone.

Inside prison, Deontae writes about time, inequity, and purpose. “Too much time in the way I wonder will you be here to stay. We have a chance to create, our art works save a life, we speak light.” Deontae, 34 Incarcerated: 3 yrs Housed: Valley State Prison, California

Inside prison, Deontae writes about time, inequity, and purpose. “Too much time in the way I wonder will you be here to stay. We have a chance to create, our art works save a life, we speak light.” Deontae, 34 Incarcerated: 3 yrs Housed: Valley State Prison, California

“It brought color to a colorless environment. It brought light into the dark.” Drew, incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison, shares how painting helped him survive isolation and rediscover purpose. Drew, 43 Incarcerated: 10 years Housed: Mule Creek State Prison, Ione, California