Meeting Favianna Rodriguez

by Efrén Paredes, Jr.

"The voice of the individual artist may seem perhaps of no more consequence than the whirring of a cricket in the grass, but the arts do live continuously ... they outlive governments and creeds and societies, even the very civilizations that produced them." (Author Unknown)

Monday, April 7, 2008, I met Favianna Rodriguez, internationally renowned muralist, graphic artist, printmaker, and political activist. Favianna attended our Latin American Spanish-Speaking Organization (LASSO) monthly general membership meeting as a guest speaker.

As an activist, Favianna was one of the founders of the EastSide Arts Alliance, an organization that supports Oakland neighborhoods through art programs. She has also helped to make available performance, studio space, and affordable housing units. She is a co-owner of TUMIS, an East Oakland-based design firm that provides design, technology, and communication strategy services for social justice and nonprofit organizations.

Favianna co-founded Visual Element in 2001, a graffiti arts program that trains young artists in the traditions of muralism and graffiti for social change. She coordinated recruitment, instruction, and retention of young graffiti artists of color, ages 17-20. She has developed a street-based arts curriculum and fundraised over $75,000 annually from city grants, foundations, and private mural commissions.

While in Michigan, Favianna was doing a residency with Michigan State University Department of Arts and Humanities. She met our Latin American Spanish-Speaking Organization (LASSO) sponsor who invited Favianna to attend our monthly LASSO meeting and present about the activism and social justice work she does through art and printmaking.

Before Favianna presented, I spoke to the group about the importance of art, particularly as it relates to the struggle for social justice. I told those in attendance that art is a powerful expression of who we are and our views of the world. It is a culmination of experience, history, and culture — it is a vivid expression of life itself.

Through art we convey our vision, dreams and hope. We preserve the memory of our people for generations to follow. We are also able to shape the consciousness of the global community. Each piece of art is a tentacle with boundless measure.

As Suzanne Lacey, Executive Director at Museum Without Walls, puts it, "Artists as reporters represent their world. Artists as experiencers give tangible form to their feelings about the world. Artists as analysts look beyond the immediate to reveal hidden universal truths. And artists as activists help us see the world in new ways."

During her presentation Favianna covered a broad range of issues. I couldn't help but quickly recognize that she is totally committed to social justice and the elimination of every form of discrimination. It was also clear that she is passionate about the causes she supports and is unapologetic about her positions. Favianna says her work "reflects a growing national consciousness that speaks to the contemporary urban barrios, rebelling against racism, homophobia, sexism and corporate irresponsibility."

During her presentation Favianna shared several colored copies of artwork she has done. Everyone in attendance received a copy. She also shared art she is making available for free to be used for noncommercial activist purposes. They will be available online and in a new book Favianna co-edited titled "Reproduce & Revolt: Radical Images for the 21st Century."

She told us the story behind each piece of artwork she graciously shared with us, and explained the various processes she uses to create them. Her presentation was very interesting and captivated those who were in attendance. What began with Favianna saying, "I'm going to tell you a little about myself," concluded as a 45-minute political art discourse.

The range of topics that Favianna included in her presentation was vast. Sometimes it included subjects about femicide, day laborers, and genetically engineered food, other times she talked about politics, the Olympic Games protests, and upcoming events she would be a part of.

Favianna spoke to us on the day that members of The Ruckus Society climbed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to support Tibetan independence. Members of Ruckus hung two large banners that read, "One World, One Dream: Free Tibet." San Francisco is the only city hosting the Olympic torch in the United States. Favianna is friends with members of Ruckus and has collaborated with them on projects in the past.

Listening to Favianna speak about the social activism she does was a great experience. I felt proud to be in the company of a person truly motivated to do all she can for the advancement of people worldwide. She is acutely aware of the many facets to social activism and the need to maintain an all-encompassing approach to avert any possible exclusion.

Favianna recently wrote in her blog how proud she was to see the unity between Black and Brown prisoners who were in attendance at LASSO the evening she presented. What she didn't know is that not only is there a strong unity of Black and Brown prisoners in the group, there are also White prisoners who regularly attend the meetings and help foster the cohesion that is created.

This is one of the things about LASSO that I have worked so hard to accomplish as the group's president. Having a vast background in social movements, Black history, and Chicano/Latino history, has equipped me with the necessary tools to help develop mutual respect and harmony between every race of people who attends LASSO.

Few people have been able to accomplish this because they lacked the knowledge about various cultures, history, and religions to create a human tapestry that is all inclusive. One must understand the commonalities that people share before they can truly bring them together and create harmonious relationships.

My ability to do this is a much needed skill that can be utilized in society as well. The model that I have created in prison to unify people and teach them how to respect one another and work together will significantly benefit the global community when I am one day released.

It was great hearing Favianna talk about various people she has worked with in Black and Brown communities. I was able to relate to everything she said because vicariously I have shared her experiences. I have always maintained an all-inclusive mentality when teaching people because I recognize the value that this has over employing a narrow approach.

Teaching about various cultures and history helps us better understand each other and appreciate the struggles we share. It helps us realize more and more how similar we are and, rather than be afraid of each other due to our ignorance, we grow closer as a unified body. Segregation breeds evils and is destructive to the human spirit.

I was also grateful that Favianna shared her thoughts with us about gender and women's liberation. They are issues eschewed by many males but need to be discussed. I have always been a strong proponent of the need for women to express themselves and compel others to respect their status in the world.

The mentality that relegates women as second-class citizens or tries to make their roles as footnotes in history is nothing short of disrespectful and oppressive. Having a strong accomplished Latina speak about her strengths and the need to respect and appreciate women in front of a room full of men, particularly in a prison, took courage.

During a conversation with Favianna I learned that she knew one of my supporters and a person I admire, Dr. Elizabeth "Betita" Martinez. Favianna worked closely with Betita for several years on the book "500 Years of Chicana Women's History/Años de Historia de las Chicanas."

According to Rutgers University Press, "500 Years of Chicana Women’s History offers ... a vivid, pictorial account of struggle and survival, resilience and achievement, discrimination and identity. The bilingual text, along with hundreds of photos and other images, ranges from female-centered stories of pre-Columbian Mexico to profiles of contemporary social justice activists, labor leaders, youth organizers, artists, and environmentalists, among others."

Betita is a prominent and highly respected figure in the Chicano/Latino community. She has a long history as a leader in the struggle for social justice. I was able to learn about her experience working with Favianna on the book and about how their historical project materialized.

I made a donation to the Immigrant Rights Poster Project that Favianna is spearheading. An immigrant rights conference is being held May 12-17 in Mexico City. The event is being convened by TIGRA (Transnational Institute for Grassroots Research and Action), SEDEREC (Ministry of Rural Development and Community Equity for the City of Mexico), and CENCOS (National Center for Social Communication).

The event will bring together more than 300 migrant leaders from the USA, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Favianna is collaborating with other artists to create five posters for the conference. She will have 5,000 posters printed of each design to be distributed free of charge to groups supporting immigrant rights all over the world. I chose to use some of the money I received for my birthday to help with this project.

Now when the conference is held I can truly say I helped make it a success. And, whenever I am eventually released, I can begin attending global immigrant rights conferences — and other social justice conferences — as well and be an active participant. It's just one of the many things I look forward to doing one day.

It was an honor having Favianna visit us and be the first group of prisoners she ever presented to inside a prison. We were privileged to have her as our guest and show her that the misconceptions and generalizations often made about prisoners aren't always true. We represented the full inversion of the lies presented in the media.

Who knows, maybe Favianna will even do an art project to memorialize the event one day.

To learn more about Favianna Rodriguez and her amazing work you are invited to visit her web site at www.favianna.com. While you're at it please read her writing, "Please Help Fund This Immigrant Rights Poster Project," and make a contribution if you are able to.■

Invincible Hope Flourishes After 20 Birthdays in Captivity

"Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable."--Theodore N. Vail

by Efrén Paredes, Jr.

Friday, April 4, 2008, was the 20th birthday I have spent incarcerated. I have been separated from my family, friends, and society from my 16th through 35th birthdays.

While this is a very painful and unfortunate reality, I took time to reflect over recent events in my life and the hundreds of wonderful people who have joined my campaign for justice. I used this day to celebrate our campaign, life, and the concept of hope.

I thought about all the great presentations being made about my case across the state, the recent newspaper articles that appeared in The New Citizens Press and The Michigan Citizen, and the radio interviews done by members of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee in California and Michigan.

We have committee members also working fervently in Texas and Tennessee generating support as well. The Fast 4 Freedom concluded with over 100 people who fasted across the globe in support of our campaign. Almost daily, Helen receives communications from people from different regions of the country asking how they can contribute to our campaign.

Last week I was contacted by the coordinator of the newly created organization Youth for Youth Justice. The coordinator, a University of Michigan student, asked me to offer my insight about the juvenile life without parole issue. She also sought my feedback about ways to improve the efficacy of the group.

Youth for Youth Justice is a group of high school students who are beginning to make presentations and conduct workshops about the need to abolish the imposition of life without parole sentences on children. They are currently working on creating a council of youth to include students from high schools across the state. I will be working closely with Youth for Youth Justice to help them raise awareness about the work they are doing.

Last weekend I called and spoke to members of the Saginaw TIME Committee during two presentations made about my case in Saginaw. I also spoke to an activist who was in attendance named David, a former member of the Saginaw city council, and a high school student.

David took a lot of our information, business cards, and postcards and committed to help our campaign. He planned to visit various local groups he is affiliated with to make presentations about the case and get people's support. He was enthusiastic and found it very disturbing that I could still be in prison all these years, based on the facts in my case.

This former city council member volunteered to take my case and appeal to the mayor of the city to get involved and endorse our efforts. He was optimistic that he could also get others involved as well. Having a history of ties with various members of the community will certainly be helpful with the work he seeks to do.

During one of the Saginaw calls I spoke to a high school student, a 15-year-old Latino male. I reminded him that I was his age when I was separated from society and imprisoned. During the course of our conversation he expressed wanting to organize two local high schools around the juvenile life without parole issue so students can become instrumental in ending the practice.

He was very eager to begin circulating information about my case, educating people about the facts, gathering postcards, and helping in any way he can. According to Helen he even posted an image of our banner on his MySpace page. I will begin working closely with this student to help advance the work he is doing. I believe there is a lot of potential in getting students involved in this issue at the high school and college levels.

Helen and I also worked with two college students last week regarding the juvenile life without parole issue. One was a journalism student from Loyola University in Chicago, who was writing a story about juvenile life without parole for an assignment. We provided helpful information and responded to questions the student had on the subject. She learned about me through the TIME Committee web site, www.4Efren.com.

The other student we worked with was from the University of Michigan. He was preparing a class assignment about juvenile life without parole as well. With Helen's assistance I was able to provide him relevant research info and offer guidance with his project. The student learned about me through the Abolish Life Without Parole Sentences for Children in the USA Facebook group.

Contacts like these are a reminder to me of the importance of the work that committee members have done circulating things to thousands of people via the Internet. They post information about my case on web sites, blogs, discussion boards, comment sections, Facebook pages, MySpace pages, and via e-mails. I am grateful for every post that people make. Each one has the potential to reach millions of people and advance our campaign all over the globe.

Needless to say the past 10 days have been very busy for me.

Around my birthday each year family and friends often ask me what I would like them to purchase for me, or ask if I would like them to send me money so I can order something for myself.

My response is almost always asking people to order books for me or periodical subscriptions. I am always excited to receive new reading material. Often times people print articles and information from the Internet and mail them to me to read. I have learned and experienced many things in life vicariously through reading.

This year one of my birthday requests was for family members to create an Online petition, web page, and Facebook group for me to support the approval of a high school charter by the Los Angeles Unified School District board of directors. I learned about this through my friend and supporter, Mario Rocha. He is organizing a grassroots effort to get the charter approved. After just one day I learned that the Facebook group I asked people to create for me has generated over 150 supporters in four days.

Generating support for the creation of an institution of learning for Chicano/Latino children is important to me because I know the children will benefit immensely. Their futures and education are important to me and many others in the Chicano/Latino community. One day I hope to be able to walk through the doors of the school and visit what is destined to become one of the premier high schools in the nation.

In the months to come I hope to devote more time to the development of a rites of passage program for Chicano/Latino youth I have been working on. I have envisioned the program for some time but have not been able to finalize it. My eventual release will allow me to complete the program. It will allow me the opportunity to utilize it, see its application, and gauge its efficacy so it can be finalized and implemented.

I may have lost many years of my life to wrongful imprisonment, but it has never prevented me from helping others along the way. I have often paused during my own campaign for freedom to assist other worthy causes and people. I know how important it is to receive support and assistance for worthy causes. I would be remiss to not assist others, while I have fought so hard to receive the assistance of others.

As human beings we have an obligation to share the gifts and talents we have been blessed to receive. Speaking and writing to help others is a very important contribution we can make. Each is a footprint left in the world we are striving to make a better place for us all.

I thought about this today during a conversation I had with a DOC officer. The officer was observing two prisoners talking and he commented, "Why is he wasting his time talking to [the person's name]? He's always doing stupid stuff. That's a quick way to get a bad rep around here." We were standing on the prison yard at the time.

The officer was referring to one of the young prisoners who is defiant towards staff at times and is argumentative. He is new to the prison system. In the short time he has been here he has managed to accumulate misconduct reports for his errant behavior.

I told the officer I thought that was an unfair assessment of the situation. To characterize the young prisoner as someone "always doing stupid stuff" because he is having difficulty adjusting to imprisonment. I reminded him that man was created to be free and have dominion over the earth, not to be held captive. Incarceration is an unnatural condition that human beings do not seamlessly adjust to. Some people never make the adjustment at all.

This is one of many interesting moments I have had throughout my imprisonment. But, as I always endeavor to do, I transformed the situation into an educational opportunity.

I commented that many of the problems in the world today exist because of similar observations, or perhaps "condemnations" is a more appropriate term. People are too quick to tear down other human beings. Rather than find resolutions to problems they choose to speak ill of others. It requires no effort on their part and creates within them a false sense of superiority to the detriment of others.

I explained that we will never improve the human condition when we engage in behavior that fuels negative attitudes about others. We also foster destructive analyses and perceptions that create a fertile environment for failure. And, the more often it is repeated the greater chance that it will metastasize into a worse situation.

How do we know that this young problematic prisoner isn't a long-term victim of abuse? How do we know he is mentally competent to exercise circumspection? Or that he is even guilty of the crime he is in prison for? I always wonder about the latter question because of my own experience.

Rather than try to examine the various potential causal factors for the young prisoner's errant behavior the officer chose to make negative inferences through the biased lens he used to draw his conclusions.

I asked the officer how he thought the young prisoner could be changed without the appropriate intervention of others. How could he be expected to would learn the error of his conduct or be influenced to change without someone reaching out to him. It is wrong to assume that people know how to improve their lives and desist engaging in destructive behavior on their own. Many people lack those tools inside prison, and even in society. Some people have been in dysfunctional environments all their lives and it is all they know.

My recollection was that the Governor's Visions and Values philosophy in Michigan includes encouraging state employees to foster excellence. Inherent in "excellence" is the concept of redemption and looking for the good in others. The root word of "excellence" is "excel," which means to surpass or do "better than others." As a civil servant that includes promoting courtesy, or polite behavior.

During my imprisonment I have helped many young prisoners. I have helped them mature and learn about themselves and life in general. I know how difficult it was to be young and in prison. I know the challenges they encounter and how difficult it is to adjust to the prison setting.

I told the officer I am certain there have been occasions when staff may have drawn the same conclusions about me that he made because I was trying to help problematic prisoners. I knew it had occurred before because some staff members told me about it after they learned that I was only trying to do something positive. I never allowed that to discourage me though because what I was doing was morally correct. I knew I could make a difference, and I did.

Somewhere along the line people have come to believe it is acceptable to permit human suffering. That it is alright to turn their face to injustice. It is sad and very unfortunate that the moral fabric of society has decayed to this point.

I told the officer there have been numerous times that I have heard prisoners defame the character of officers or other staff members that were undeserving of the scathing remarks made. If I were to adopt the thinking of the officer I was speaking to, I should have just stood there and allowed it to occur. But, I didn't.

Instead, I have defended the character of officers and other staff if I knew the assaults on their character were unwarranted. And, when I have done this I put myself potentially in harm's way each time. It isn't looked upon favorably by other prisoners for a prisoner to defend the character of an officer or staff member. It can result in the prisoner being treated as a pariah or being physically harmed. I never did this because I had to. I did it because it was the right thing to do.

Even knowing this it has not deterred me from expressing myself or speaking the truth. I vowed many years ago to not let this experience compel me to compromise my principles and I have remained faithful to that promise to myself.

After our discussion the officer looked at me and said, "You know, you're right. I hadn't looked at it that way. I shouldn't have said that. We all need a reality check sometimes I guess. Nobody is perfect."

He was right ... "nobody is perfect."

Our conversation just reinforced my feelings about always being honest with people and not letting others or circumstances dictate the course of my life. Being true to myself and others is more important to me than popularity.

Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions in life that aren't popular. We have to realize we will never make everyone happy though. If we go through life seeking fleeting moments of happiness that masquerade as permanence we will be chasing transient illusions our entire lives.

One of the marks of a strong leader is having the courage to do the right thing even when faced with opposition. As a firm believer in the Creator and the revealed Holy scriptures, I have an obligation to the Creator and my faith to do those things that are pleasing in the eyes of the Creator.

"No one can serve two masters." (Matthew 6:24) We are also reminded that, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8) If we live our lives trying to please other people we are not living a life pleasing to the Creator. This is why I can never abandon the idea of redemption and the belief that people are deserving of second chances.

If I didn't employ this philosophy about life I could never help all the people I have. I have to remind myself, "How can I ask the Creator for forgiveness if I don't forgive others?" I must also remember that the scripture says that by the same yardstick we use to judge others, so will we be judged.

Depriving someone of the opportunity to rebuild their life is synonymous with denying them life and robbing them of hope. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Clouds of despair are floating in so many of our mental skies. ... In the midst of hopelessness, there is the need to explore the meaning of hope."

He continued, "Hope is contagious. If you really hope, it has a way of getting over to others, and it generates something with them. ... Hope has a way of firing hope. ... Hope is necessary for life. Hope is necessary for freedom. It is necessary for creativity and for spirituality."

Dr. King delivered this message of hope 40 years ago on March 15, 1968. He delivered it the same day of my arrest (i.e., March 15, 1989).

We can all make a difference in the world. Every contribution has infinite potential. From a prison cell I have affected change in colleges, schools, churches, organizations, and in the lives of countless individuals. If I can impact the world like I do, totally separated from the lives I affect, whenever I am eventually released the depth and breadth of my work will be able to increase exponentially.

The path to self-discovery has been elusive to many for so long. Many don't even know that it exists. Our job is to shine our light into the world so that others can feel the power of its radiance and, like Dr. King said, make it "contagious."■

Fast for Justice for Efren Paredes, Jr., the 300 Michigan Juvenile Lifers, and 2,000 Juvenile Lifers Throughout the USA

This is a call by The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee to join and support a fast during Holy Week 2008 on behalf of Efren Paredes, Jr., the over 300 Michigan prisoners, and 2,000 other juveniles across the country sentenced as juveniles to mandatory life without parole. These are veritable death sentences and have been ecumenically condemned by the international community. In a season of public passion, we are passionate about their freedom and release.

The fast will begin on the evening of Palm Sunday, March 16, 2008 and conclude on Holy Saturday, March 22, 2008. A press conference will be held Monday, March 17, in Detroit at 10:00 A.M. in front of the Cadillac Place complex on W. Grand Boulevard, to declare the fasters' public intercession on behalf of Efren Paredes, Jr., the 15-year-old Latino honor student wrongly convicted of murder and robbery by a nearly all-White jury in Berrien County, Michigan.

The injustice perpetrated against Efren occurred in 1989. He was sentenced to two life sentences without the possibility of parole and one parolable life sentence. The fast marks the beginning of Efren's 19th year of incarceration. To learn more about this injustice you are invited to view our web site at www.4Efren.com.

The fast supports the commutation request recently submitted to Governor Granholm on Efren's behalf and House Bills 4402-4405 currently pending in the Michigan House of Representatives. Enacting the bills would abolish the imposition of life without parole sentences on juveniles in Michigan and provide the possibility of parole to the 300 plus prisoners incarcerated for crimes they were convicted of committing when they were children.

Legislation to abolish juvenile life without parole sentences in Nebraska, Florida, California, and Illinois is currently pending, and efforts are being made to ban the practice in Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Washington as well. Our call is being heard across the nation.

Some fasters will undertake the entire week on water, others on juices. Some people will join the fast by choosing one day of the week to participate. Others will lend their prayer, voice, and presence to this effort of the spirit.

The tradition of Lenten and Holy Week fasting has always been an act of preparation and solidarity with those to be baptized or reconciled to the community in the Vigil of Easter. In the case of people wrongly convicted or unjustly held, it is the community which needs to be reconciled to the prisoner so that justice may be restored. Our fast is to that end.

On Good Friday, the Stations of the Cross walk through the city of Detroit, which begins at noon from St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Michigan and Trumbull), will include a meditation related to these prisoners.

The fast will be based at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. To join the fast, or for details of gatherings and events during the week, contact Rev. Bill Wylie-Kellerman via e-mail at bill@scupe.com or via phone at 313-841-7554.

Give the kids a break

It's time to ease the too-tough, and ill-conceived, sentencing of juveniles.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
By Annette Fuentes
USA TODAY

Vengeance and harsh retribution have been the guiding principles in our treatment of youth in the criminal justice system since the crack-cocaine tinged crime wave of the late 1980s crested and then fell in the mid-1990s. States got tough with laws that allowed the prosecution of juveniles as adults in certain felony crimes, as well as the sentencing of youth convicted of murder-related crimes to life without the chance of parole.

Now a downturn in violent juvenile crime, coupled with more data on the development of the adolescent brain, are prompting some states to rethink whether the harsh punishments still fit the crimes.

The time for change is right, even in cases involving juveniles arrested and convicted of murder and related crimes, such as aiding and abetting a murder. There are rumblings for reform in several statehouses.

In 2006, Colorado led the way by outlawing sentences of life without the possibility of parole for youth offenders. In California, state Sen. Leland Yee just introduced a bill to prohibit such sentences for offenders who were younger than 18 at the time of the crime. His measure would allow judges discretion in sentencing. Absent a national movement for juvenile sentencing reform, the battles are often being waged by individual legislators such as Yee or through grassroots activism in states, such as in Washington, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska and Massachusetts.

Why should we change course now?

First, look at crime trends. For a decade, violent and property crimes by juveniles have fallen nationwide. In every category of crime from violent felonies such as homicide and rape, to property crimes of auto theft or robbery, juvenile rates have been steadily falling, according to the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics:

• For murder and non-negligent (not accidental) murder, the number of people under 18 arrested dropped from 1,224 in 1997 to 710 in 2006. That's a 42% decline. For those over 18, there was a 13% dip.

• Youth arrests for theft fell 45%; for aggravated assault, by 21%; auto thefts, by 53%.

• Arrests of young people for violent crimes fell by 20% from 1997 to 2006.

Experts see various reasons for the dramatic drop: the end of the crack-cocaine epidemic and its attendant violence; effective policing strategies in major urban areas, especially those that focused on illegal gun possession; and generally rosier economic times.

But it was during the height of the earlier crime wave that today's laws were crafted. Criminologists warned of a new breed of juvenile offender, dubbed "superpredator" by John Dilulio, who would bring a "blood bath" of violent crime, according to James Alan Fox. That hysteria proved wrong, as evidenced by the falling crime rates among adolescents and youth.

Biological reasons also provide a strong basis for reform. Current research has identified critical differences between the young brain and the adult one, especially in terms of decision-making skills and impulse control.

These adolescent development issues are what prompted Sen. Yee to spearhead reform in his state. Yee, a child psychologist, told The Oakland Tribune: "Adolescent impulse control, planning and critical thinking skills are still not yet fully developed. Children have an extraordinary capacity for rehabilitation."

Still not convinced? Human Rights Watch provides a sobering analysis in its recent report titled, "When I die, that's when they'll send me home." It reveals that in California, 227 people in prison today were sentenced to life without parole when they were juveniles, and all but four were sentenced since that state passed its sentencing law in 1990. Of those, 45% did not commit the actual murder. They were convicted as accessories to murder, often as lookouts during a robbery gone awry.

Another argument for reform: According to data from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at the Department of Justice, about two-thirds of youth ages 16-17 who committed crimes as juveniles including assaults, theft, and vandalism did not commit crimes into their early adult years, ages 18-19.

Advocates for crime victims have staunchly opposed sentencing reforms such as Yee's, and that's understandable, says Elizabeth Calvin, co-author of the Human Rights Watch report.

"What makes it difficult when you are talking about a crime like murder, which is so horrible and causes so much pain to families and communities, is that it doesn't help their pain if the offender is a juvenile," Calvin says. "But sentencing laws and how we treat our young say a lot about our society."

In some cases, youth convicted of brutal crimes might not be deserving of consideration. But at a minimum, for those 45% identified by the report as convicted of accessory to murder, there is every reason to believe redemption is possible.

Justice strategies for juveniles conceived during a crime-wave hysteria shouldn't become the template for our society, and life-without-parole sentencing is a good place to start.

Let's replace Old Testament retribution with New Testament redemption. After all, if young people don't deserve a second chance, does anyone?

Annette Fuentes is an adjunct professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and a member of USA TODAY's board of contributors.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080213/opledewednesday.art.htm

Elena Herrada Message to TIME Committee Members About Efren's Recent Letter to the Committee

January 31, 2008

Dear friends,

I am writing to mention to you that Efren wrote a piece about butterflies and seeds, which he sent out broadly. It is a very introspective, reflective piece. What moved me most about reading it, though, was the idea of Efren imagining the beauty of such things, to which he has no access.

Efren is mining the depths of his imagination and heart to keep his spirits centered and balanced after a lifetime of incarceration. The fact of his innocence, of course, is a painful reminder of terrible injustices that surround us everywhere. There are people who knew he was innocent when they sent him away, and people who were not sure of his guilt when they cosigned his fate with those who committed this child to prison.

The steadfast faith he shows in his efforts to get justice, and inevitable subsequent freedom, should inspire all of us. He is not bitter and he is not self obsessed. He thinks about the world and people and conditions, and writes his reflections for us to share. He is aware of life's gifts, even from his prison cell. The mystery of life, of God's presence in the world, of the possibilities, are not lost on him. He is a person of inestimable intelligence and depth. It takes a great thinker and a disciplined soul to seek solace and find peace in a situation he did nothing to deserve.

My heart is heavy with the events of the world today. It saddens me to see our country continue in this terrible war, based on lies and greed, and the devastating effects it has on its victims around the world. It demoralizes us sometimes to think that there are people not only getting away with murder, but sending others off to do it for them. And taking our jobs and livelihood in the process, causing us all to live diminished lives. Demonizing people who are forced to cross the deadly border to escape conditions created by the same corporations that loot the world's resources.

We are standing with the people on the losing end of these deals every day. And that is where we'll stay. In these battles, there is only struggle, rarely closure or victory. But Efren's spirit inspires me to stay on the path of justice, to keep fighting even when there is no victory in sight.

It is in the spirit of gratitude for people like all of you, and Efren, who keep going, that I write to you and thank you for your gifts of energy, faith and continued renewal. The joys of life are found in those we travel with, and I am deeply grateful to know you all.

Elena M. Herrada

Seeds and Butterflies: Symbols of Life and Transformation

by Efren Paredes, Jr.

I want to thank each of you for attending the TIME Committee meeting on Saturday, January 26, 2008 in Lansing. You had a very productive meeting and you filled the North Star Center with positive energy.

Our meetings are the building blocks for new ideas and help us improve our campaign for justice. As we work to educate ourselves and others about my case we continue to expand our circle of influence and make a compelling case for my release.

I was unable to call in to the Saturday meeting as hoped because the phone system was off at the facility I am housed. I was really looking forward to calling in. This is one of many disappointments I have encountered over the years. I remained strong though and did not let it consume me. I took comfort in knowing that those attending the meeting knew I was there in spirit. I also knew everything was in good hands.

Last week our Detroit Committee convened a wonderful meeting which included members of the media from The Michigan Citizen and National Public Radio (NPR). I was fortunate to call in to that meeting and communicate with those present. It is always a pleasure to hear your voices, engage in dialogue with you, and exchange ideas.

I am encouraged each time you convene on my behalf because I know every meeting gives birth to a multitude of innovative possibilities. Each of you possesses a wealth of potential that can germinate into the key that delivers me from the dismal cages that hold me captive.

Seeds represent potential. They are symbols of regeneration. Each time we observe them we are reminded that life springs forth from their core. They are an ecumenically recognized part of creation that are revered and an integral part of everyone's life.

Maria used beans during her opening remarks at the committee meeting to illustrate how we can distribute work and lighten our burdens. She discussed the significance of beans to Mexican people and them being the embodiment of sustenance.

After the meeting, the following day, I spoke with one of our committee members and friends, Scott Elliott. Scott told me that everyone who attended took some of the beans home with them as a reminder to continue spreading our vision and nurturing these seeds of potential.

During our conversation Scott told me that he is going to take the beans he received and plant them around the Berrien County Courthouse where I was unlawfully convicted. He plans on also planting them around the police department and throughout various parts of the city of St. Joseph where my arrest occurred.

To Scott, whenever the beans take root and begin to grow they will remind him of me and our campaign for justice. And, they will be sprawled throughout the entire city; tiny symbols of my spirit and the wonderful work done by the committee.

To reinforce the powerful message that lies in the beans/seeds that I heard about from the meeting something interesting occurred today when my mail was delivered. My newspaper was slid under my cell door accompanied by a letter from a prisoner friend housed in the upper peninsula, along with a card from an address that didn't appear familiar.

Curious what was inside the card-sized envelope I briefly studied the address, realized I was sure I didn't recognize it, and then I proceeded to open it. Inside I discovered a card. On the cover it said, "I bought a seed bank for you" with a photograph of a small hill of large seeds that look like beans. Inside the card was the message, "Dear Efren, we are thinking of you and wish you very well." It was signed by 10 people.

According to the card, the investment of a seed bank was made in my honor. It is part of Oxfam America's gift program that gives in two ways: by providing a symbolic gift for the recipient of the card, as well as supporting people in need. The inside of the card says that Oxfam saves lives, helps people overcome poverty, and fights for social justice.

I received the mail just as I was about half-way into writing this message. In many ways, the sender of the card mailed me a gift of life which arrived very timely. They wouldn't know that though since I didn't receive it until well over a week after they mailed it. Typical mail delays in prison. I was thankful to receive it though and it brought a smile to my face.

Later that day I had the opportunity to speak with another one of the individuals serving a life without parole sentence who was sentenced as a juvenile. Like me, he has strong family and friends supporting him. He just arrived at the facility on Friday.

This individual and I had corresponded through the mail for several years but never met each other personally. This was the first encounter we had in person. And, I don't believe it was a coincidence that we met at this particular time.

We discussed several issues related to the juvenile life without parole legislative hearing from last week and the various facets of our individual campaigns. I learned that he submitted a commutation request in March 2007 and still has not received a response. His request was prepared by a parole board consultant his family hired for him. He agreed to share it with me tomorrow so that I may perhaps receive some helpful ideas about its preparation.

During our discussion I told him I was nearing completion of my commutation request and told him the approach I was utilizing. He agreed with what I told him but urged me to review his request to ensure I explored other ideas as well. I, of course, agreed to do that.

One thing I strive to do is make informed decisions. Only a fool would prepare something haphazardly and rush to submit a document that will greatly impact their life. Careful deliberation is essential in any decision that alters the trajectory of our lives.

Later that evening I attended an Indian Nations United (INU) meeting and our sponsor brought in several hand drums for us to play. INU is a cultural organization dedicated to the preservation of indigenous culture and history.

The 10 people in attendance formed a circle and we drummed for a half-hour. It is always a great experience when we do it. The unification, energy, and peace generated is always refreshing and has a healing effect.

All of the oldest known religious rites used drumming as part of the shared religious experience. According to master drummer Babatunde Olatunji, "The sound of the drum resonates with an inner chord that vibrates through your whole body, so that when you go through the act of drumming, you are energizing every cell in your body."

When people are surrounded by drums played in unison a phenomena called entrainment takes place. The organization The Primal Connection writes that, "The vibrations of the drums cause the cells and fragmented electrical impulses of the body’s nervous system to smooth out and line up with the rhythm. This is the state of mind where healing begins and a sense of well being comes to the forefront."

Drumming tonight allowed me to clear my thoughts, feed my spirit, and release a considerable amount of stress. It was therapeutic and the vibrations washed away the negative energies. The opportunity to drum couldn't have come at a better time.

Tonight I selected one of the drums I had never used before too. It was covered with brilliantly painted butterflies; symbols of transformation. Some were depicted flying, others delicately sitting on freshly grown flowers.

After several weeks of prayer, intense thought, countless hours of research, conferring with several others similarly situated, speaking with members of the committee, etc., the time has arrived to complete the final steps of the commutation request.

I am hopeful it can be submitted this week, but if not it will be submitted next week for sure. There are factors beyond my control which could compel that. I am not able to put anything directly in the U.S. Mail mailbox. Everything we submit for mailing goes through the prison mail room which then turns it over to the U.S. Postal Service after they process it.

I share all this with you to invite your prayers and ask you to join me in spirit this week as I steadfastly work to complete this very important project. While I have been under a considerable amount of stress as I have worked on it, I have done my best to stay on course and not allowed people or things to scatter my focus.

Seeds and butterflies were the last things I focused on tonight before completing this writing. Life and transformation. Hopefully the coming days will manifest this in my life in a very powerful and profound way.

Like the butterflies, my spirit waits to be finally lifted from this experience so I can join all of you one day and be physically present at a committee meeting. Finally free and working to fight other injustices.

Message to Supporters of Second Chance Legislation (Michigan House Bills 4402-4405)

The following message was read to one of the TIME Committee members over the phone when they spoke with Efren last night. He asked us to share his message with everyone.

Dear Second Chance Legislation Supporters:

I would like to personally thank you for attending yesterday's House Judiciary Committee hearing regarding House Bills 4402-4405. It meant a great deal to me that you took time out of your busy schedules, braved the cold elements, and drove through some of the inclement weather to support this very important legislation.

I had the opportunity to receive feedback from people who were fortunate to attend the hearing. By all accounts it went very well and the spirit of those supporting House Bills 4402-4405 was resilient. You have much to be proud of.

The hearing was a historic event. It is the genesis of what will eventually manifest into sentencing reform that abolishes the imposition of life without parole (LWOP) sentences against juveniles in this state. Our collective efforts and voice of consciousness will help us restore the human treatment of children and respect for their inherent dignity.

Your efforts and dedication to this campaign are deeply appreciated by all those adversely affected by the existing juvenile LWOP sentences that have been meted out. On behalf of the over 300 people whose lives you valiantly fought to save from the clutches of Michigan's death penalty equivalent yesterday, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you.

I commend the persons who spoke at the hearing in support of the house bills. You were each courageous and your messages resonated with those in attendance according to those I had the privilege to speak with about the hearing. You were able to deliver powerful heartfelt messages that are certain to be given serious consideration in the deliberation process over the bills' final outcomes.

I want to also thank those who support the house bills who were unable to attend the hearing. Your spirit was felt and the work that you do for the campaign does not go unnoticed. Without your tireless efforts and support we would not be enjoying the progress we do today. Every endeavor in this movement counts. We are all one part of a enormously powerful collective body of progression.

We will prevail in this matter because we stand on the side of justice and the protection of human rights. We will not jettison our children, and we will persist paving the way for them to enjoy a future of freedom from further human rights abuses.

Sincerely,

Efren Paredes, Jr.

Web Site: http://www.4Efren.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/4Efren

The Injustice Must End (TIME) Press Release About Michigan House Bills 4402-4405
http://www.scribd.com/doc/1406009/The-Injustice-Must-End-TIME-Committee-to-Free-Efren-Paredes-Jr-JLWOP-Press-Release

Efren's Letter to House Judiciary Commitee About Michigan House Bills 4402-4405
http://4efren.blogspot.com/2008/12/efrens-letter-to-michigan-house.html

Abolish Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentences in the USA — Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=75640820

Abolish Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentences in the USA — MySpace Group
http://groups.myspace.com/jlwop

TIME Committee to Free Efren Paredes, Jr. Press Release About Michigan House Bills 4402-4405

The Injustice Must End (TIME)
Committee to Free Efren Paredes, Jr.
P.O. Box 858
Battle Creek, MI 49016
Web Site: www.4Efren.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/4Efren

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee to Free Efren Paredes, Jr. opposes the imposition of life without parole (LWOP) sentences on children. We do not support abandoning the inherent dignity of children, and view LWOP sentences for children as a human rights violation.

We believe in redemption and assert that persons who are convicted of committing crimes when they were children are not incorrigible and deserve an opportunity to one day return to society. It is our prayer that our honorable legislature and Governor will enact House Bills 4402-4405, which are aimed at abolishing the deplorable practice of sentencing children to LWOP.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) prohibits the sentencing of children to death or LWOP. One hundred ninety-two nations in the world have ratified the CRC. Refusal to acknowledge this treaty violates the evolving standards of decency in a civilized society.

Passage of House Bills 4402-4405 will not release a single person from prison. It will merely give these persons the opportunity to one day be given consideration for release by the Michigan Parole Board. It will also breathe life into a procedure previously designed to quell every conceivable notion of hope.

This legislation will also be able to help Efren Paredes, Jr., a Latino honor student who was arrested at age 15 and unlawfully sentenced to two LWOP sentences for the death of one victim, and one parolable life sentence for the charge of armed robbery. Efren did not commit the crime and was in no way involved. He will turn 35-years-old in April and commence his 19th year of incarceration in March.

Efren's accomplishments while in prison are exemplary and his conduct outstanding. For the last 12 years Efren has maintained employment with Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund (MBTF) as a certified Literary Braille Transcriber, and he has received no misconduct reports during that time. Efren has also worked to reduce youth violence, helped educate others, assisted others with the development of social and critical thinking skills, among other productive things.

Throughout his incarceration Efren has demonstrated continued growth, maturity, and stability. We are very proud of Efren and all he has achieved during this very painful and grueling experience within very controlled and restricted conditions. He continues being the positive person he was previous to his imprisonment.

Efren poses absolutely no risk or danger to society. His continued incarceration is a shameful waste of taxpayer dollars and valuable resources needed elsewhere in the state. To date, the State of Michigan has spent nearly $570,000 to keep Efren in prison. We waste $30,000 in public spending each year to keep him incarcerated.

Upon his eventual release from prison Efren will contribute a great deal to society and be very successful. He has a home to live in, strong family and community support, and full-time employment. He will even be able to employ others and help contribute to our struggling economy. Efren and the citizens of this state are well-deserving of this reality.


Abolish Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentences in the USA — Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=75640820

Abolish Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentences in the USA — MySpace Group
http://groups.myspace.com/jlwop

* You can download a hard copy of the actual press release from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/1406009/The-Injustice-Must-End-TIME-Committee-to-Free-Efren-Paredes-Jr-JLWOP-Press-Release