Ooh wee 20 1 print by STS Media

OOH-WEE MAGAZINE EDITOR’S LETTER

contents

4 6

Editors Letter

MeDICAL MARIJUANA

8 12

Being a Committed wife

Emi Rose

Corey Holcomb

Ignorance of the Law

22 35

LOVE NYE

We Are The Movement

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41 43 52

Chipping Away

Charles Crosby Interview

Vee Warren Interview

Pen Pal Review

41 SU

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Vee Warren Interview

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Greetings to all the OOHWEE readers out there with their hands around this latest issue. I’m going to jump right in on a very important topic to us all, especially my brothers and sisters (regardless of ethnic background) that are caught up in the belly of the beast and its daily struggles. So today is Wednesday November 9th, 2016. The day after Election Day. Now if you are a faithful reader of OOHWEE, you know we don’t do the politics and political stories most mags clutter their pages with. Reason being because as editor and chief, I believe that certain things in people’s lives should be kept personal and private. Who you voted for, if you voted or not, all of that is every single individuals own personal business. However, now that Donald Trump has been elected to run the countries agenda, it is what it is! For those who are upset, look at the bright side of things. Trump has showed everyone in the world that if you conspire and grind hard with the right people around you, add some comma’s to your bank account, and you can say, do, and be whatever you want to be if you have the balls and bar none attitude that he has. The people of the United States or the powers that be have made Trump Commander and Chief. So now what? Would anything really have been better with either candidate in office? Would the police across the country stop killing us for no reason if Hillary had won? Would they have stopped incarcerating nonviolent offenders in the masses for years on top of years at a time if Trump had loss? Trump says he wants to build a wall to keep Mexicans out of the country. Yet Mexicans helped build America! Especially on the west coast where you see the Spanish Tudor style casa’s and architectural designs. Instead of building walls I believe we should be building bridges! Bridges that bring all races and creeds of men and women together if for nothing more than understanding and respect for one another as human beings. Until that day comes forth, it won’t matter who is in office. Until we learn to be a people and stand up as one, things you’re complaining about today you will be complaining about tomorrow for years and years to come. Jay-Z once said in a line from Volume 1 album track where I’m from: “and where I’m from fuck government, niggas politic themselves”. Real Shit! Until that day comes to the mentality of the majority of people in this country we will continue to be misled and deceived by set up, circumstance, calculation and design! It’s bigger than us. Much greater than you and me. Salute to Obama for freeing up a lot of men and women during his term in office. I’m not going to speak on what I “think” is to come from Trump, however I will say that “if you’re doing time and looking for any type of relief to come in the form of this political party in the next 4 years….don’t get your hopes up and your head in the clouds. They say that 9/11 was the worst day in Americas History. Some feel 11/9/2016 (around 2 a.m. it became official Trump had won) is the second worst day in Americas history! Regardless of how or what you may feel about trump, just know that upon your release, GET MONEY!!! RUN IT UP!!! Then RUN IT SOME MORE!! Seriously because what I have seen in my lifetime from watching these “so called” elections and political mumbo jumbos over the past 4 decades is what Scarface said years ago; “first you get the money, then you get the power, then the respect”. You don’t have to like a man who stands on principles that don’t line up with what you stand on and vise versa. So long as the respect is there, the two can co-exist in their own lanes. My lane is my God, Family and Finances in that order. In order to level the playing field we must stop crying and complaining about things that we have no control over and start coming together and building legacies for our own families and futures. So many of us wanna be rich financially and don’t even know the difference in being rich or being wealthy! Nikki Minaj is rich, Oprah Winfrey is wealthy. Peace! Sheem

OOH-WEEMAG OOHWEE MAGAZINE STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS RASHEEM ALI PRESIDENT AND CEO WRITER & EDITOR SALES & ADVERTISING ART AND GRAPHIC DESIGN ALAN BOWLES 216-581-4444 STS MEDIA WWW.SMELLTHESMOKE.COM CHARLETTA FLUNDER WRITER AND COLUMNIST CHRISSY DASH HEALTH AND FITNESS JASON POWELL HEALTH AND FITNESS GIANNI SICOTTA AKA YG AKA YOUNG GUIDANCE ENTERTAINMENT HAFICE “RAFEESE” SLADER PHOTOGRAPHER MIKE “GRAPE” VELASQUEZ AD PLACEMENT & MARKETING DIRECTOR DAVID “G-HOST JORDAN IMAGING & PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER

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An Overview Of Medical Marijuana The term “medical marijuana” refers to the use, possession, and/or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes. People who are terminally ill, or suffer from painful or long-term symptoms associated with certain diseases, such as epilepsy, AIDS, glaucoma, and cancer, often request medical marijuana as a form of treatment and/or pain relief. As a general principle, medical marijuana, also known as medicinal cannabis, is no different than standard marijuana. Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is classified as a “Schedule I drug,” meaning it: 1) has the potential for abuse, 2) has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S., and 3) has a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug under medical supervision.

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As such, there is a growing debate concerning the personal medical use of marijuana and its legality. On one side of the issue, some politicians and law enforcement officials would like to combat illegal drug use of marijuana and control some of its affects, such as “wide open sale of marijuana under the guise of medical purpose.” On the other side, some health advocates and other drug legalization groups would like to legalize the medical use of marijuana, believing that the drug is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions.

Medical Marijuana Laws Medical marijuana laws are constantly changing and vary among geographical location. Both federal and state laws make it a crime to use, grow, sell, or possess marijuana. The federal Supreme Court, for example, has stated that it is illegal to use, sell or possess marijuana, even for medical use (in the 2005 case of Gonzales v. Raich). A growing number of states, however, have legalized the use and/or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes; thereby removing any criminal penalties from doctors who prescribe the drug or from patients who use it within the bounds set by state law. California was the first to legalize medical marijuana in 1996 when it passed Proposition 215, also called the Compassionate Use Act. The law allows the possession and cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes upon a doctor’s recommendation.

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington District of Columbia These state laws typically set the boundaries under which medical marijuana may be recommended, cultivated, possessed and used. For instance, states may require written documentation from a person’s doctor affirming that the person suffers from a debilitating condition and might benefit from the medical use of marijuana. Also, states may require people to present this documentation, or “marijuana ID card” prior to an arrest. Other provisions may include limits on the type of conditions, such as HIV and AIDS, and the amount of marijuana that a person may possess, use, or grow. Finally, some states have other specific provisions, such as employee restrictions on the the medical use of marijuana at work and certain ID card requirements and fees. For a breakdown of specific marijuana laws by state, see “Medical Marijuana Laws by State” for more details about state laws allowing for the medical use of cannabis. Medical Marijuana Penalties Penalties for medical marijuana violations may include prison time, fines, or both, depending on the nature of the offense and the state where the occurrence took place. In states that have not legalized medical use of marijuana, the charges are treated as general misdemeanor or felony drug charges. In states which have decriminalized medical marijuana, penalties in the form of prison or fines may still apply, yet offenses are often treated as minor civil infractions. For example, punishable circumstances may include: Possession over a certain amount (in grams); The sale of the drug to others, especially to or from a “minor”;

The cultivation of the drug in states where cultivation is not allowed; and Possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Defenses -- Know Your Legal Rights Patients who are arrested on drug charges might use their medical status as a defense, before or during trial, to help reduce any penalties. In addition, a patient may show a doctor’s recommendation for marijuana to reduce penalties and help avoid jail time or fines altogether. Finally, a patient may want to claim the defense of medical necessity based on the clinical nature of his or her health condition. It is important to check with a lawyer who specializes in medical marijuana cases to learn of your rights and responsibilities concerning the use and/or charges of medical marijuana. The Collision of Federal and State Laws -- A Recent Update There is generally a “tug of war” between the federal laws and state laws concerning medical marijuana. On the one hand, the federal government makes it a crime to cultivate, possess, or use marijuana for any purpose. On the other hand, some states allow the use of marijuana for medical reasons. Generally, in cases where federal laws and state laws collide, federal law prevails, and users of state-authorized medical marijuana may still be arrested and/or prosecuted. The U.S. government shifted its attention to larger drug trafficking issues when the Obama Administration took over in 2009, with the Department of Justice stating it would not prioritize the enforcement of federal marijuana laws on authorized users of medical marijuana or their caregivers. However, the DOJ resumed its prosecution of medical marijuana providers in 2011 and put pressure on publishers who run ads for medical marijuana dispensaries. Conclusion Medical marijuana is a hotly debated issue that affects patients, health care providers, lawyers, and law enforcement officials alike. Because medical marijuana laws vary, it is important to check the specific laws of your particular state. Consulting with a criminal or health care attorney may also help you understand your rights and responsibilities concerning marijuana use or possession

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As of 2016, there are now 28 states in total that have legalized medical marijuana including:

Being A Committed Wife To An Incarcerated Husband Keeping a relationship together under normal circumstances is hard work. Keeping a relationship together when your partner is incarcerated is harder. Most prison relationships fail. Partners who decide to honor their commitments do so with the best of intentions and do so knowing it will be an arduous task. The complexity of this type of relationship is not to be taken lightly, but with planning, conformity, and an acceptance of your new reality. Incarceration does not have to be a death sentence for your union.

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Realize there is a stigma associated with your partner’s prison sentence; a stigma that might attach itself to you, if you let it. It is not your job to make others feel ‘ok’ with the choices you have made in your life. What others think of you, quite frankly, is not your business. Your business is to proudly live your life. Stepping into the role of a prisoner’s wife/partner will be an enormous adjustment. Do not make this adjustment more difficult by hanging your head in shame.

You will experience a sense of loss when your partner leaves the home; allow yourself the time needed to adjust to your new circumstance. Surrounding yourself with a strong support system e.g. friends, ministries, and support groups will go a long away to keep you sane. Do not be afraid to ask for help. There will be days when you feel like you can’t carry on, but a good support system will help love you pass the pain. Incarceration is not an inexpensive endeavor and these expenses will affect your monthly budget. Bills such as postage costs, calls, visitation expenses, packages, books etc. will add up — quick. Figure out your normal monthly budget. Figure out prison expenses; distinguish your wants versus needs and plan, plan, plan. Being prepared will help minimize financial strains.

Staying connected as a family is essential and facilitates your partner’s reintegration in to the family unit. A man in prison is still a man. Keep him as the head of the family. Ask his opinion. Make decisions together, no matter how trivial. Send him pictures of your environment – a changed hairstyle, rearranged furniture, new dress etc. No event is too small. Allow him to participate in discipline of the kids; to participate in their development. Share progress reports and report cards. Schedule calls during homework time. Ongoing familial attachments will go a long way to diminish your partner’s sense of isolation. One of the biggest challenges for a prisoner’s wife/partner is keeping love alive. Your relationship is under new management and will require you to think outside the system. Intimate and honest communication has to be the foundation of your relationship. Letters and calls are dates; prepare for them, savor them. Each word, each action is an offering of the heart. Being a prisoner’s wife/partner will teach you the art of courtship; reminiscent of the days of nostalgic romance where a simple glance or slight touch unlocks the fantasies of your mind. Love is mental. Create rituals only the two of you share. Love is a commitment. Commit to having a boundless love, in spite of the boundaries.

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Every situation in your life — no matter how bleak — has a silver lining but you will need to mature in to this process to see it clearly. Focus on the reasons you stay. Above all else, when facing a high failure rate, strive to be a part of the minority and take pride in saying to the world – “Not us, not our relationship!”

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The Corey Holcomb 5150 Show

Corey’s comedy genius transcends class and racial divides. If you understand English, Corey’s humor will tickle your funny bone. People all over the world can relate to the drama of trying to make a relationship work. According to Corey, a “hunter” (man) being captured by his “prey” (woman) makes for the best comedy ever. Corey offers plenty of advice on how men who have been the victim of a “hostile takeover” by the female in the relationship can take back control. You can believe there is no counselor on the planet who offers the kind of relationship advice and remedies Corey dispenses from the stage. Corey Holcomb’s comedy set is both an auditory and visual experience. His facial gestures alone can make an audience burst with laughter. “I spend a lot of time practicing my stage faces because I need to be able to convey care and concern while I criticize.” Although Corey has a long and diverse resume of successes, he remains humble and approachable. Corey’s film and television credits include independent film “Who’s Watching The Kids,” MTV2’s “Wild ‘N Out,” MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out,” NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” 20th Century Fox’s “Like Mike,” a recurring role on UPN’s “Half & Half,” NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” BET’s

“Comic View,” Fox’s “Mad TV,” Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” Showtime’s “Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam,” Tyler Perry’s “House of Pain,” TV Ones “Rickey Smiley Show,” and plays recurring character Robert Tubbs on Fox’s “The Cleveland Show”! He has appeared in three comedy specials of his own, Corey Holcomb: “The Problem Is You,” Comedy Central Presents: “Corey Holcomb,” and Corey Holcomb: “Your Way Ain’t Working.” Corey was a regular personality on Jamie Foxx’s satellite radio channel The Foxxhole from 2007 to 2011. He currently hosts his own internet radio program, The Corey Holcomb 5150 Show, which began on satellite on The Foxxhole but later moved to CoreyHolcomb.com Corey is currently bringing funny to the big screen with his roles in the movies “Think Like A Man Too,” “Wedding Ringer” and Adult Swim’s TV series “Black Jesus.”

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Going from hanging in the hood to performing comedy on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show,” not to mention the privilege of afterward being invited to take a seat on the “couch” which not many comics are asked to do, has been a long and fulfilling journey. Corey hit his first open mic in 1992 when Adele Givens called him to the stage. He was a smashing success and has been a full-time comedian ever since. He has taken top honors at the Miller Genuine Draft Comedy Search, Budweiser Comedy Competition, Chicago Home Jam, and Laffapalooza. He has appeared at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival and the Chicago Comedy Festival.

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Emi Rose

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OOH-WEE FEATURE

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Ignorance of the Law Is Not an Excuse….Or Is It?

I’m sure by now at this stage in the game most of us are familiar with the saying that “ignorance of the law is no excuse”. Sounds familiar right? Well according to Thomas R. Seigel who is a licensed Illinois attorney and former federal prosecutor that may be challengeable. According to Attorney Seigel and lawyers.com, ignorance of the law can be an excuse in two very narrow situations and you will discover as you read on. Now don’t get it twisted and think this is a green light to do some dumb shit and then play stupid once you get jammed! No that’s not this. And Attorney Seigel hits on the head of that nail in the information here. But there are some of you who are sitting in prison for something that you may honestly not have known was a crime at the time you committed the alleged offense. And there is nothing worse than being in prison wrongfully.

most cases—such as murder, theft, assault, and arson—it is obvious why defendants should not be able to claim ignorance as a defense. But ignorance can, under certain limited circumstances, provide a viable defense to a criminal charge. Let’s look at those circumstances more closely.

Most people are familiar with the legal principle that ignorance of the law is no excuse. This age-old rule prevents individuals from avoiding prosecution by claiming that they did not know their conduct was illegal. In

Sometimes the law criminalizes behavior that might be lawful in some places. For example, it might be okay to park along the shoulder of a particular highway, but in some stretches, the highway department posts “No

The Need for Public Notice State and federal governments cannot pass secret criminal laws and then prosecute an unwary offender. (This only happens in totalitarian regimes and in the novels of Franz Kafka.) Criminal laws must be enacted through a public process in the state or federal legislatures, and those laws must be published in accessible places such as official volumes containing the penal code, or on a government website.

Parking” signs to alert drivers that here, no parking is allowed. These signs give fair warning; without them, drivers cannot be expected to know the rule, and would have a good defense if they are ticketed. Because our government has long-established procedures for making laws known, insufficient public notice is rarely an available defense. However, where defendants are charged with violating a brand new law that criminalizes behavior that is perfectly lawful in other places, those individuals may be able to assert their ignorance as a defense. The availability of the defense, however, will turn not only on a defendant’s lack of knowledge and the government’s lack of notice, but also on the particular wording of the criminal law in issue. Specific Intent Crimes Criminal statutes often require a defendant to have a particular state of mind. Some crimes, such as statutory rape, require no state of mind and are punishable no matter what the offender thought. Other crimes require a defendant to have acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others. For example, a reckless state of mind might be required for a charge of involuntary manslaughter. Where, however, criminal laws require that a defendant must have acted “willfully” when violating the law, a defendant unaware of the legal prohibition may be able to claim ignorance as a defense to the charge. For example, consider a law that requires a business owner to file a certain tax form related to the business. The law says that willfully failing to do so is an offense. In this situation, the owner’s ignorance of the filing requirement might well be a good defense. In fact, it would be the prosecutor’s burden to prove willfulness in demonstrating that the owner purposefully avoided filing the tax form. Sometimes, however, “willfulness” relates only to the defendant’s state of mind during the commission of the act—as the case may be with crimes like witness tampering or child endangerment—and has nothing to do with the defendant’s knowledge of the applicable criminal law. (For example, a defendant might have no idea that contacting and conversing with an adverse witness can be a criminal act; but that is no excuse if the prosecution can show that the conversations affected the witness.) Your attorney will be able to advise you on whether a willfulness requirement in the charge in your case might allow for a defense of ignorance.

In any criminal matter, defense counsel should be able to advise you early on whether the defense of ignorance of the law will be available. Except for circumstances similar to those outlined above, your ignorance is unlikely to help. It may, however, be something your lawyer can highlight as a favorable (mitigating) factor at sentencing, should the case get that far. Questions to Ask My Lawyer • How long has the criminal law in my case been on the books? • Is my alleged conduct lawful in other places? • Does the crime charged involve technical knowledge? • Does the criminal statute require willfulness

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Don’t Stay in the Dark on Purpose Keep in mind that you cannot purposefully avoid learning applicable criminal laws and then take advantage of your ignorance as a defense. If a prosecutor can demonstrate that you “consciously avoided” knowledge of relevant criminal provisions, a judge at trial would instruct the jury that it should treat you as if you were fully aware of the legal consequences of your conduct. For example, if you opened a restaurant and a health inspector gave you a booklet containing the state’s new health laws for food service providers—which you never bothered to read—you would not likely be able to claim ignorance of a criminal provision contained in that booklet during a subsequent prosecution.

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Love NY

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1. Do 100 jumping jacks 2. Do 90 crunches 3. Do 80 squats 4. Do 70 leg lifts 5 Do 60 jumping jacks 6. Do 50 crunches 7. Do 40 squats 8. Do 30 leg lifts 9. Do 20 jumping jacks 10. Run for 10 minutes Ok lets see who is up for this challenge! Here is a workout that consist of 10 routines that you can repeat at least for 2 sets. The goal is to see how many sets you can get up to in 60 days. So repeat the cycle until you can get at least 3 sets or more in! Good Luck!

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Keepin Your Body 100! The 100 Workout

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Bedroom Gangster takes story telling to the next level with its hardcore, pornographic details of sex and hustling. Ex-con, porn star, writer, Big Herc paints a vivid picture of swinging, porn sets, wild parties and hooking up, placing you smack dab in the middle of a triple x movie. Having lived the life, Big Herc keeps it real with his characters and gives you a first hand look from the hood to Hollywood. Available in e-book format on Amazon and Kindle, you can also order the paperback version for $12.00, shipping included. Send money order or cashiers check made out to SWP Holdings, LLC and mail to: SWP Holdings, LLC 10153 1/2 Riverside Dr. #235 Toluca Lake, CA 91602

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Kiara Alba

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END THE WAR ON BLACK PEOPLE PART 1 This includes the end of solitary confinement, the end of shackling of pregnant people, access to quality healthcare, and effective measures to address the needs of our youth, queer, gender nonconforming and trans families. An Immediate End to the Criminalization and Dehumanization of Black Youth Across All Areas of Society Including, but Not Limited to, Our Nation’s Justice and Education Systems, Social Service Agencies, Media, and Pop Culture What is the problem? • Across the country, Black children attend under-resourced schools where they are often pushed off of an academic track onto a track to prison. Zero-tolerance policies — a combination of exclusionary disciplinary policies and school-based arrests — are often the first stop along the school-to-prison pipeline and play a key role in pushing students out of the school system and funneling them into jails and prisons. • Each year more than three million students are suspended from school — often for vague and subjective infractions such as “willful defiance” and “disrespect” — amounting to countless hours of lost instructional time. As a result, Black students are denied an opportunity to learn and punished for routine child and adolescent behaviors that their white peers are often not disciplined for at all. • For Black youth, the impact of exclusionary school discipline is far reaching – disengaging them from academic and developmental opportunities and increasing the likelihood that they will be incarcerated later in life. In addition, current research emphasizes the need to examine the unique ways in which Black girls are impacted by punitive zero-tolerance policies. There are higher disciplinary disparities between Black girls and white girls than disciplinary disparities between Black boys and white boys; yet, Black girls have historically been overlooked in the national discourse around youth impacted by the school-to-prison pipeline. • Black youth are also more likely to experience higher rates of corporal punishment. According to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education, Black students constitute 17.1 percent of the

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We demand an end to the war against Black people. Since this country’s inception there have been named and unnamed wars on our communities. We demand an end to the criminalization, incarceration, and killing of our people. This includes: 1. An immediate end to the criminalization and dehumanization of Black youth across all areas of society including, but not limited to; our nation’s justice and education systems, social service agencies, and media and pop culture. This includes an end to zero-tolerance school policies and arrests of students, the removal of police from schools, and the reallocation of funds from police and punitive school discipline practices to restorative services. 2. An end to capital punishment. 3. An end to money bail, mandatory fines, fees, court surcharges and “defendant funded” court proceedings. 4. An end to the use of past criminal history to determine eligibility for housing, education, licenses, voting, loans, employment, and other services and needs. 5. An end to the war on Black immigrants including the repeal of the 1996 crime and immigration bills, an end to all deportations, immigrant detention, and Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) raids, and mandated legal representation in immigration court. 6. An end to the war on Black trans, queer and gender nonconforming people including their addition to anti-discrimination civil rights protections to ensure they have full access to employment, health, housing and education. 7. An end to the mass surveillance of Black communities, and the end to the use of technologies that criminalize and target our communities (including IMSI catchers, drones, body cameras, and predictive policing software). 8. The demilitarization of law enforcement, including law enforcement in schools and on college campuses. 9. An immediate end to the privatization of police, prisons, jails, probation, parole, food, phone and all other criminal justice related services. 10. Until we achieve a world where cages are no longer used against our people we demand an immediate change in conditions and an end to all jails, detention centers, youth facilities and prisons as we know them.

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nationwide student population, but 35.6 percent of those paddled. In addition, while girls are paddled less than boys, Black girls are more than twice as likely to be paddled than white girls. In the 13 states that paddle more than 1,000 students per year, Black girls are 2.07 times as likely as white girls to be beaten. • Outside of schools, young Black people are criminalized in ways that limit their life chances at every point. 2010 data shows that while Black youth comprised 17 percent of all youth, they represented 31 percent of all arrests. These disparities persist even as juvenile “crime” rates have fallen. Among youth arrests, young Black people are more likely to be referred to a juvenile court than their white peers, and are more likely to be processed (and less likely to be diverted). Among those adjudicated delinquent, they are more likely to be sent to solitary confinement. Among those detained, Black youth are more likely to be transferred to adult facilities. The disparities grow at almost every step, stealing the dignity of young Black people and forcing them onto lifelong pathways of criminalization and diminished opportunity. • For Black girls, the U.S.’s failure to address gender-based violence, which they experience at greater levels than any other group, is paramount to the criminalization they experience. In fact, sexual abuse is one of the primary predictors of girls’ entry into the juvenile justice system, with girls often being routed to the system specifically because of their victimization. For instance, girls who are victims of sex trafficking are often arrested on prostitution charges. The punitive nature of this system is ill-equipped to support young girls through the violence and trauma they’ve experienced, which further subjects them to sexual victimization and a lifelong path of criminalization and abuse. • There is a critical need for a coordinated strategy in local communities that addresses rampant racial disparities in the application of zero-tolerance policies and criminalization practices that impact Black boys and girls. Fortunately, a powerful grassroots movement, led primarily by youth and parents of color, has taken shape across the country to address these harmful policies — but much more work remains. • Tens of thousands of youth under the age of 21 are currently incarcerated for offenses ranging from truancy to more serious charges. Every crime bill passed by Congress throughout the 1980s and 1990s included new federal laws against juvenile crimes and increased penalties against children. Similar trends can be seen throughout state legislation. There is mounting research that children under the age of 23 do not have fully-developed brains and that the cheapest, most humane, and most cost-effective way to respond to juvenile crime is not incarceration, but programs and investments that strengthen families, increase stability and provide access to educational and employment opportunities. Prosecuting youth with crimes is not only cruel; but it also permanently disadvantages them with a criminal

record, which makes completing their education, getting a job, finding housing and growing up to be contributing members of society unfairly difficult. What does this solution do? • Advances a grassroots organizing strategy at the local and state level that centers the work of ending the criminalization of Black youth through a racial and gender justice framework — led and informed by youth and parents. • Addresses state-sanctioned violence that stems from over-policed schools and the deprivation of resources to public schools. • Opens resources for alternative practices like restorative justice as a way to train students, parents and staff to deal with interpersonal conflict. Restorative justice practices are used as an alternative to zero-tolerance policies by helping to build stronger school communities through: 1) Developing effective leadership; 2) Building trust, interconnection and deeper relationships amongst students, parents, teachers and staff; 3) Providing methods to address misbehavior in away that gets to the root cause of conflicts and holds individuals accountable; 4) Repairing harm in a way that maintains the integrity of the community and doesn’t further isolate offenders. • By ending the practice of charging youth with misdemeanors and limiting the ability to charge them with felonies we would save hundreds of millions of dollars annually and provide the opportunity for our children to outlive their mistakes. Federal Action: • Target(s): U.S. Congress and Federal Agencies (Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Department of Justice) • Process: The potential for policy reforms to zero-tolerance and punitive disciplinary practices at the federal level are somewhat limited. In December 2015, the U.S. Senate approved the most recent iteration of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as “No Child Left Behind.” The new law reduces the role of the federal government in education matters and leaves in place punitive high-stakes testing requirements that have been a force behind removing students from the classroom and closing schools in Black and Brown communities, creating a “test, punish, pushout” effect. However, there are opportunities to demand greater enforcement of civil rights violations, particularly within federal agencies responsible for enforcing claims of racial disparities involving the administration of school discipline. In January 2014, the Department of Education and Department of Justice issued joint guidance outlining school district’s obligations to ensure that school discipline policies are not administered in a manner that fuels racial disparities. There is strong potential for additional guidance documents around these issues that can be used as a lever for local and statewide organizing efforts — although these documents lack the force to truly push real transformation in schools.

• Invest in creating safe and supportive group homes with specialized services for teenage girls. • Invest in training for students, parents, teachers and staff on restorative justice practices as an alternative to zero-tolerance policies. • Process: At the local level, reducing the prosecution of juvenile misdemeanors can be accomplished in a variety of ways: o Campaigns that target City and County prosecutors and demand that instead prosecution, youth defendants are diverted to non-punitive programs. o Campaigns that target police, who often have wide discretion in the arrest of misdemeanors, to publically de-prioritize the arrest of youth for misdemeanors. How does this solution address the specific needs of some of the most marginalized Black people? • These solutions address exclusionary and overly punitive school discipline policies in public schools across the nation that deny Black youth an opportunity to learn. These policies have the greatest impact on queer and trans youth, foster care youth, and girls. • These solutions will propel Black youth towards graduation, and create a school-to-college pipeline. • Students will not have minor offenses on their academic records. • Legislation banning the prosecution of youth for all misdemeanors would have the largest impact on people who are made most vulnerable by incarceration including LGBTQ, undocumented and trans people. It would also reduce the number of incarcerated people significantly. The reinvestment aspect of the legislation would positively impact homeless people by providing increased services. Organizations Currently Working on Policy: • National o Advancement Project o Alliance for Educational Justice o Dignity in Schools Campaign o Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network o NAACP Legal Defense Fund • Local o Alliance for Quality Education (New York) o Baltimore Algebra Project (Baltimore) o Boston Youth Organizing Project (Boston) o Community Justice Project (Miami) o Critical Exposure (District of Columbia) o DeSoto County Parents and Students for Justice (Mississippi) o Dream Defenders (Florida) o Desis Rising Up and Moving (New York) o Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children (New Orleans) o Girls for Gender Equity (New York) o Labor Community Strategies Center (Los Angeles) o Nollie Jenkins Family Center (Mississippi) o One Voice (Mississippi)

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• Target: Legislative • Process: This would require passage of a bill through both houses of Congress and signed by the President. The Bill would repeal all federal juvenile crimes and amend the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. It would also provide incentives to states, including the tying of federal prison and policing grants, to adopt statutes that ban the prosecution of children under the age 23. The bill would also include a mandatory reinvestment strategy where federal and state savings would be captured and reinvested in programs shown to reduce juvenile crime, increase youth educational attainment and support communities where youth incarceration has been most prevalent. State Action: • Target: Legislative • Process: The passage of state law banning exclusionary discipline (suspensions, expulsions, and arrests) for all students pre-K through 12th grade. • State law banning exclusionary discipline (suspensions, expulsions, arrests) for vague and subjective behaviors including willful defiance, disrespect, insubordination, obnoxious, and disturbing the peace. • The passage of state law prohibiting the use of corporal punishment in all educational settings. • State law requiring the use of supportive services for students including fully funding restorative programs and support for students in crisis in educational settings. • Improve the child welfare system’s identification of victims of abuse, implement a gender-responsive approach to victims of abuse, and use Medicaid funds to improve quality care and trauma-related services for sirls in child welfare. • Target: Legislative • Process: This would require passage of a bill through the State legislature. The Bill would repeal all existing juvenile offenses and would also include a mandatory reinvestment strategy where State savings would be captured and reinvested in programs shown to reduce juvenile crime, increase youth educational attainment and support communities where juvenile incarceration has been most prevalent. Local Action: • Passage of local school district policy banning exclusionary discipline (suspensions, expulsions, and arrests) for all students pre-K through 12th grade). • Passage of local school district policy banning exclusionary discipline (suspensions, expulsions, arrests) for vague and subjective behaviors including willful defiance, disrespect, insubordination, obnoxious, and disturbing the peace. • Passage of local school district policy prohibiting the use of corporal punishment in all educational settings. • Passage off local school district policy requiring the use of supportive services for students including fully funding restorative programs and support for students in crisis in educational settings.

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o Padres y Jóvenes Unidos (Denver) o Philadelphia Student Union (Philly) o Power U Center for Social Change (Miami) o Portland Parents Union (Portland) o Project South (Atlanta) o Racial Justice Now! (Ohio) o Rethink (New Orleans) o SpiritHouse (North Carolina) o Tenants and Workers United (Virginia) o Tunica Teens in Action (Mississippi) o Urban Youth Collaborative (New York) o Voices of Youth in Chicago Education (Chicago) o Youth Justice Coalition (Los Angeles) o Youth United for Change (Philly) o *Local NAACP branches o And many others! (see map: http://safequalityschools.org/map) An End to Capital Punishment What is the problem? • 31 states,the federal government and the U.S. military have the death penalty. 19 states do not. Seven states (New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland and Nebraska) have repealed the death penalty in the past decade, and for the first time in the modern era (since reinstatement of the death penalty in the mid-1970s), public support of the death penalty is at its lowest. New death sentences and executions are decreasing every year. We must engage in pushing this racist practice into the annals of history where it belongs. • The death penalty is morally repugnant. The death penalty in the U.S. was designed to bring lynching into the courtroom and has targeted Blacks and other people of color and poor people throughout its history. The death penalty devalues Black lives — statistically those convicted of killing white people are at least three to four times more likely to be sentenced to death than killers of anyone else. The death penalty is also geographically discriminatory (about 1 percent of U.S. counties produce more than half of the death sentences), expensive (even more costly than life in prison without parole), and has resulted in innocent people being sentenced to death (156 people and counting are confirmed to date) and some even executed. It is randomly and arbitrarily sought by prosecutors who have the sole discretion to seek or not seek death, upwards of 95 percent of whom are white. The death penalty requires a high level of counsel, skill and resources not available to most defendants. We do not believe the death penalty was designed to be fair nor can it be fairly applied. What Does this Solution Do? • Our policy goal is to abolish the death penalty. Repeal is often prospective, while abolition is comprehensive. Abolition is prospective and also removes any individuals currently on death row in the state. State Action: • Target: Legislative and judicial

• Process: In some states, the death penalty can be abolished through legislative advocacy through the strategic efforts of coordinated coalitions accompanied by public education. In other states, the death penalty can be legislatively and/or judicially reformed to result in fewer new death sentences and less frequent executions. In some states, the courts are well-positioned to declare the death penalty unconstitutional for a range of reasons. As legislatures and courts in other states (particularly former states of the Confederacy) are unlikely to reform, repeal or abolish the death penalty, the U.S. Supreme Court will have to declare the death penalty unconstitutional in order to impact the entire country. Local Action: • Community education and action on behalf of people sentenced to death row prisoners, coordinated with their counsel, and public pressure on local and state politicians and officials (including Departments of Corrections) in states with the death penalty. Such education and advocacy is needed in order to amplify the unfairness and immorality of the death penalty and grow the national trend away from the practice. How does this solution address the specific needs of some of the most marginalized Black people? • As part of marginalized and often-poor communities, undocumented and LGBTQ people are overly-represented among those targeted for extermination by the government through the death penalty. Additionally, many people on death row have mental illnesses, cognitive limitations, severe trauma histories, and prior criminal records, often directly related to racial bias and poverty. And most women on death row are there in connection with the death of an abusive partner. Model Legislation: • Depending on how death penalty laws are included in state statutes, repeal and abolition proposals must track the nuances. Each state death penalty coalition has developed repeal and abolition bills that are applicable to their state. Resources: • Death Penalty Information Center Organizations Currently Working on Policy: • National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty • Equal Justice USA • Witness to Innocence (death row exonerees) • Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation • Murder Victims Families for Human Rights • American Bar Association Death Penalty Representation Project • American Bar Association Due Process Project • The Constitution Project • Amnesty International • Conference of Catholic Bishops • American Civil Liberties Union • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers • State-based coalitions in every state with the death

Authors & Contributors of this Policy Overview • Tanya Greene, Attorney at Law An End To Money Bail, Mandatory Fines, Fees, Court Surcharges, and “Defendant Funded” Court Proceedings What is the problem? • Low-income people who are arrested spend an average of 23 days in a cage before their day in court simply because they often cannot afford to pay bail. For people who live paycheck to paycheck, even a short stint in jail can have devastating consequences including job loss, eviction, or having their children taken away. This is true even when they are not convicted. • According to a 2010 Human Rights Watch report,for 72.3 percent of misdemeanor cases in New York, bail was set at $1,000 or less and still defendants could not pay the bail amount. • Bail is not only inhumane, it is costly. A 2010 Human Rights Watch report calculated that New York City was paying $42 million a year to incarcerate non-felony defendants. Local jurisdictions now spend $22.2 billion every year on correctional institutions. • Bail, like all things criminal justice related, is also racially discriminatory. Black defendants have 44 percent higher odds of being denied bail and kept in jail pretrial than white defendants with similar legal circumstances. What does this solution do? • The U.S. should initiate legislation to eliminate the bail system and capture the billions of dollars in savings to support more effective and humane alternatives to criminalization. Federal Action: • Target: Legislative • Process: Initiate federal legislation to eliminate the federal bail system and use savings to fund strategies of pretrial release which have been proven to show no increased risk to public safety or risk of failure to appear at a designated court date. State Action: • Target: Legislative • Process: State legislatures should pass laws that ban the use of cash bail and limit detention to situations where defendant is a clear danger to others. Savings from abolishing bail should be captured to fund strategies of pretrial release and community based responses to harm. Alternatively, legislation can require local and county officials to reduce local jail populations by eliminating the bail schedule and instead put in place policies like pretrial release and pre-booking diversion strategies. • Target: Legislative • Process: Local Judges should be mandated to prioritize pretrial release strategies while protecting the employment, housing, and education conditions of persons awaiting trial. How does this solution address the specific needs of

some of the most marginalized Black people? • Black women suffer disproportionately from the trappings of bail. 72 percent of incarcerated women made less than $22,000 annually prior to arrest, as compared to 51 percent of men; and the median income of incarcerated Black women prior to arrest was $12,735 in 2014. • Homeless people are some of the most vulnerable when they are jailed because they don’t have income for bail. • Bail amounts of $500 or more are common barriers for queer and trans people who face a myriad of others barriers to steady income and employment. According to a 2011 study, the average family income of same-sex couples raising children is $15,500. 15% of transgender people report making less than $10,000 a year, which is four times the national average. • After paying bail (and often times they aren’t offered bail because of Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) holds), undocumented people are often funneled into the hands of ICE. Model Legislation • While not perfect, Washington, D.C. releases approximately 88 percent of defendants. There are several components – from statutes to police department and court practices – that make this possible: • A bail statute that emphasizes least restrictive release for eligible defendants, statutory-based detention for those who would pose an unacceptable risk to the community, and an absolute prohibition on money-based detention. • Progressive use of “cite-and-release” procedures by the Metropolitan Police Department for low-risk defendants charged with misdemeanors. Citation release has helped increase the proportion (about 20 percent of people securing release) of lower-risk defendants released on personal recognizance without supervision. • Quick assignment of defense counsel prior to initial appearance. • Prosecutorial charging decisions made within 24 hours of arrest. By statute, the U.S.attorney must decide whether to charge arrestees or dispose of the complaint. Quick charging decisions ensure that release or detention decisions are based on the most accurate charges, and that defendants are not detained on charges that eventually are dismissed days or sometimes weeks later. o A high-functioning pretrial services agency that helps courts make informed pretrial release and detention decisions and provides appropriate levels of support and treatment for released defendants. This has been a critical component of the court’s ability to move away from the money-driven system the existed in the 1970s and the 1980s (in addition to the critical statutory language). Organizations Currently Working on this: • Color of Change • Bronx Freedom Fund • Chicago Community Bond Fund

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penalty

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• Equal Justice Under Law Authors & Contributors of this Policy Overview • Mark-Anthony Johnson, Dignity & Power Now • Rachel Herzing • Mary Hooks, Southerners on New Ground The End to the Use of Past Criminal History to Determine Eligibility for Housing, Education, Licenses, Voting, Loans, Employment, and Other Services and Needs What is the problem? • Over the last 40 years, the criminal legal system has expanded beyond contemporary and historical norms: there are 2.2 million people in prison, another 5 million on probation or parole, and more than 65 million people with criminal record history in an electronic database. • However, America’s fascination with punishment has not been equitably distributed across all demographic groups: Blacks and Latinos represent over 60 percent of the people currently residing in cages and 1 in 3 black men can expect to be arrested before they’re even 23 years old. • Further compounding this problem is the fact that contact with the criminal legal system triggers a set of formal and informal legal and social restrictions, often referred to as “collateral consequences,” which bar people with records from basic life necessities employment, housing, and government assistance. Consequently, huge segments of Black and Latino communities are civically, economically, and socially excluded from participation in society, which is eerily reminiscent to the segregation experienced in the Jim Crow South. What does this solution do? • Ban the Box, which is the prohibition or delay of inquiries about criminal record history until later in the decision-making process, was developed by “All of Us or None”, people directly impacted by the criminal legal system, in response to the structural discrimination faced by people with criminal records in every aspect of life. • According to Dorsey Nunn, one of the founders of All of Us or None, “we decided to push Ban the Box to organize people with criminal records, not the other way around, meaning we did not organize people with records to only pass Ban the Box policies. That was not our primary objective. For us the larger goal was to get people with criminal records to exercise their self-determination to become organized and active in the fight against mass criminalization and the 2nd class status that comes with a criminal record.” • This solution goes a step beyond traditional “Ban the Box” campaigns and legislation, which usually only address employment, and would allow people who do time to remain eligible for voting, public assistance, licenses, and a host of other needs and services. All people with prior convictions should regain these rights and privileges as well. Federal Action: • Target: Legislative or Executive • Process: Ban the Box policies in the employment

context have been adopted through the legislative process and executive actions. In November 2015, President Obama announced an executive action that would Ban the Box for federal employees. However, the Obama administration’s policy does not apply to independent contractors or private businesses. Moreover, executive orders are not the most durable policy vehicle as the next President after Obama can undo Obama’s actions by simply issuing their own Executive Orders reversing the previous orders. • Target: Legislative • Process: On the legislative front, Sen. Cory Booker (NJ) and Rep. Elijah Cummings introduced Ban the Box legislation that would apply to federal employees and independent contractors. • However, the Booker and Cummings legislation does not apply to private businesses. Obviously, the bill would have to pass both the House and Senate and then be signed into law by the President of the U.S. With regards to Ban the Box policies in other arenas like housing and education, an analysis would have to be done to determine who would have final decision making authority in order to choose whether legislation or executive action would by the proper policy making vehicle. State Action: • Target: Executive • Process: State governors can make executive orders banning the box for government funded schools, housing and employment. • Target: Legislative • Process: States can pass legislation banning the box for government funded schools, housing and employment. Local Action: • Target: City Council or Executive • Process: Over 100 cities and counties have adopted Ban the Box policies across the country through a combination of legislation, executive action, and administrative rule changes. How does this solution address the specific needs of some of the most marginalized Black people? • Mass criminalization and the second class status attendant to a criminal record has impacted all of the most marginalized Black people, however, it should be noted that Black trans and undocumented people face unique challenges to gaining meaningful employment, separate and apart from the barriers associated with criminal record history. When these groups are marked with a criminal record, it only adds to their exclusion from economic opportunities. Organizations Currently Working on Policy: • All of Us or None • Southern Coalition For Social Justice • National Employment Law Project Authors & Contributors of this Policy Overview • Daryl Atkinson, Southern Coalition for Social Justice

What does this solution do? • This solution would make it such that immigrants with criminal contact would no longer be subject to mandatory detention and deportation. • It would also make it such that immigrants are no longer automatically ineligible for legal status in the U.S. simply because of contact with the criminal justice system. Federal Action: • Pass the resolution introduced by Rep. Grijalva of Arizona calling for the roll back of the 1996 laws. • Pass a Congressional bill repealing the 1996 laws. • Place a moratorium on deportations until Congress acts on immigration reform.

• Provide full funding for legal representation in immigration court. State Action: • Pass a bill prohibiting state and local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE. • Pass a “Sanctuary” Bill, prohibiting ICE from making immigration arrests on state-owned property. Local Action: • Pass a bill to prohibiting state and local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE. • Pass a “Sanctuary” Bill, prohibiting ICE from making immigration arrests on city or county owned property How does this solution address the specific needs of some of the most marginalized Black people? • Black immigrants, who tend to live in communities that are over policed, face immigrant detention and deportation as an additional consequence of police contact. They may face detention and deportation for even the most minor offenses, including drug possession, shoplifting, and incidents that take place at school. • In addition, many undocumented Black immigrants are ineligible for federal executive action programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and special juvenile status as a result of criminal convictions. • Overturning the 1996 laws would render hundreds of thousands of Black immigrants eligible for immigration relief, providing them the ability to remain in the U.S. with their families. Model Legislation • Fix ’96 Resolution Introduced April 2016. https:// grijalva.house.gov/uploads/GRIJAL_098_xml.pdf Resources: • Immigrant Justice Network, Fix ‘96 Campaign • Black Lives Matter Co-Founder: The Immigration Challenge No One Is Talking About • The Real Crime (Video) Organizations Currently Working on Policy: • Black Alliance for Just Immigration • Immigrant Defense Project • National Immigration Law Center • Families for Freedom • 1LoveMovement • National Immigration Project • Immigrant Legal Resource Center • Southeast Asian Resource Action Center Authors & Contributors of this Policy Overview • Carl Lipscombe, Black Alliance for Just Immigration An End to the War on Black Trans, Queer and Gender Nonconforming People Including their Addition to Anti-Discrimination Civil Rights Protections to Ensure Full Access to Employment, Health, Housing and Education

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An End to the War on Black Immigrants Including the Repeal of the 1996 Crime and Immigration Bills, an End to All Deportations, Immigrant Detention, and Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) Raids, and Mandated Legal Representation in Immigration Court What is the problem? • The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) and the Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA), known collectively as “the 1996 laws,” expanded the grounds for deportation to include more than 20 offenses, both criminal and noncriminal under state law. Those deemed deportable as a result of one of these offenses is mandatorily detained and deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). • These laws also eliminated judicial discretion in immigration court and established a regime whereby local law enforcement agencies and ICE share information about those that are allegedly deportable (commonly known as 287(g)). • In a November 2014 speech, President Obama reiterated the federal government’s commitment to enforcing these unjust laws, stating that the administration’s immigration enforcement priorities are “felons” not “families.” • Further exacerbating this problem is the fact that most immigrants who enter deportation proceedings are not represented by an attorney. Since immigration proceedings are considered “civil” rather than “criminal” proceedings, constitutionally, there is no right to an attorney in immigration court. • The 1996 laws apply to both undocumented immigrants and those with green cards or some other formal status in the U.S. • Amongst all immigrants, Black immigrants are nearly three times more likely to be detained and deported as a result of an alleged criminal offense. Moreover, many Black immigrants are ineligible for any form of relief, including a green card, executive programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status, or citizenship as a result of criminal contact. • As a result of these laws, millions of immigrants have been deported over the last twenty years.

“The Obama Legacy: Chipping Away at Mass Incarceration” ... but ... The quoted portion of the title of this post is the headline of this notable new commentary authored by Marc Mauer. Perhaps appropriately given the “Obama Legacy” label, the piece is focused mostly on the federal sentencing system. And, in my view inappropriately, the piece gives Prez Obama a little too much credit for some of what I consider to be his “day late and dollar short” work in this arena. With that set up, here are excerpts (with two lines emphasized that really rankles me, as I will explain after the excerpt): As President Obama prepares to leave office, the United States still holds the dubious honor of having the highest incarceration rate in the world, with 2.2 million people behind bars. In order to assess his impact on the criminal justice system, it’s necessary to examine the policy shifts that got us here in the first place. In 1980 there were 24,000 people in the federal prison system, about 25% of whom were serving time for a drug offense. By the time Obama was elected in 2008, that number had ballooned to 201,000 people, nearly half of whom were locked up for a drug offense.

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There are two key reasons for the population explosion — both rooted in the war on drugs. First, President Reagan encouraged federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to emphasize drug arrests. Second, Congress adopted mandatory sentencing policies — frequently applied to drug offenses — that established a “one size fits all” approach to sentencing. Federal judges were obligated to impose prison terms of 5, 10, 20 years — or even life — largely based on the quantity of drugs involved. They were not permitted to take any individual factors, such as histories of abuse or parenting responsibilities, into account to mitigate those sentences. The racial disparities from these sentencing policies were particularly extreme. The most egregious of these policies were tied to crack cocaine offenses. Someone possessing as little as five grams of the drug (about the weight of a sugar packet) would face a minimum of five years in prison. That threshold was significantly harsher than the mandatory penalty for powder cocaine, which required a sale of 500 grams of the drug (a little over a pound) to receive the same penalty. Since 80% of crack cocaine prosecutions were brought against African Americans, the racial disparities from these sentencing policies were particularly extreme.

Momentum for reforming the crack cocaine mandatory minimum laws predated the Obama administration, and had growing bipartisan support when the President took office. The President signed the Fair Sentencing Act into law in 2010, reducing sentencing severity in a substantial number of crack cases. Then in 2013, Attorney General Eric Holder issued a memorandum to federal prosecutors calling on them to avoid seeking mandatory prison terms in low-level drug cases, which has cut the number of cases with such charges by 25%. While the changes in sentencing laws have helped to reduce the federal prison population, the highest profile of Obama’s reforms is his use of executive clemency to reduce excessively harsh drug sentences. That is a story of both politics and policy. During Obama’s first term he used his clemency power far less than his predecessors — a pattern that was sharply criticized by many reform groups and editorial boards. But after launching a “clemency initiative” in 2014, the President has commuted the drug sentences of more than 1,100 individuals (with promises of substantially more by the time he leaves office). Notably, in about a third of these cases, the individuals had been sentenced to life without parole due to mandatory sentencing policies....

Perhaps the most significant aspect of President Obama’s work in regard to criminal justice reform has been his role in changing the way we talk about the issue. After a disappointing first term in which these issues received only modest attention, Obama’s last years in office framed criminal justice reform as a top priority. Among a series of high-profile events during his second term was the President’s address on mass incarceration at the NAACP national convention, at which he concluded that “mass incarceration makes our country worse off.” Mass incarceration did not come about because there is a shortage of ideas for better approaches to public safety — it was the result of a toxic political environment where legislators favored political soundbites over evidence. By using the bully pulpit to frame justice reform as a major issue, Obama provided some coverage for mainstream legislators to support sound policy options. It is difficult to be optimistic that the incoming administration will look favorably on criminal justice reform. Leading Republicans, such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, may be persuasive in making the conservative argument for reform. But President-elect Trump’s “tough on crime” rhetoric, which paints many incarcerated people as “bad dudes,” suggests progress at the federal level will be a challenge. Realistically, opportunities for justice reform are more likely at the state level. Many local officials are already convinced of the need for sentencing reform and reentry initiatives, and they may be less influenced by the political climate in Washington. If so, such changes at the local level may ultimately gain traction in a Trump White House as well. 1. The first line emphasized above makes me extra crazy because it falsely portrays Prez Obama as a bold leader who used the bully pulpit in order to provide “coverage for mainstream legislators to support sound policy options.” This could not be more backwards: Prez Obama was a timid and disappointing follower here, as his July 2015 NAACP speech about the need for reform came only AFTER “mainstream” politicians ranging from Rand Paul to Corey Booker, from Ted Cruz to Patrick Leahy, from Rick Perry to Deval Patrick, from Bobby Jindal to Jim Webb, from Chuck Grassley to Dick Durbin, from Jim Sensenbrenner to Bobby Scott, from Raul Labrador to Elijah Cummings, from Judy Chu to Mia Love, from Newt Gingrich to even Chris Christie had all spoken in some significant ways about the need for significant criminal justice reform and especially sentencing reform (and I am sure I am leaving out many others). 2. The second line emphasized above makes me crazy for more “inside baseball” reasons: given that this commentary makes much of the “egregious” crack/powder cocaine sentencing policies that were only partially fixed by the FSA, the commentary ought to take a moment to note that Prez-Elect Trump has nominated as Attorney General the most prominent and vocal GOP Senator who was complaining loudly about the 100-1 crack/powder laws before doing so was popular or comment. As noted in this post and recently reported by the Wall Street Journal, “ Mr. Sessions was for years Congress’s most avid supporter of cutting the disparity between sentences for crack and powder cocaine, at a time when other lawmakers were loath to be seen as soft on crime.”

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I really respect so much of the work Marc Mauer does in his commentary and through The Sentencing Project, but these troublesome statements reflect what I am seeing as the worst tendencies of the “commentariat class” since the election. Specifically, even though Prez Obama’s record on sentencing reform is relatively unimpressive (especially as compared to his record on lots of other issues), many on the left seem eager to assert that Prez Obama really achieved a lot in this arena and then go on to gnash teeth about reform momentum being halted now that there is a new sheriff in town. This narrative entirely misses, in my opinion, not only (a) the reality that Prez Obama himself retarded reform momentum in many ways (e.g., by getting such a late start on clemency, by resisting mens rea reforms that could have been included in bipartisan sentencing reform bills), but also (b) the (significant?) possibility that many GOP leaders in Congress who have actively promoted and worked hard on federal sentencing reform bills will keep up that work in the years to come.

Charles Crosby Exclusive Interview

been the number one most viewed documentary on Showtime, The NAT GEO Channel, Investigative Discovery, and CNBC. Which is a testament to the uniqueness of a story that hasn’t been witnessed before, and certainly won’t be again. As a young guy who made a modest living as a drug dealer in East Oakland, Griselda Blanco, represented the ‘connection’ of a lifetime. She was not only a certified Billionaire, but she was still the active head of a major trafficking family, with tentacles that stretched across the United States and down to South America. I was 22 when Griselda taught me how to fish, and in a short period of time I captured everything in the sea. I went from a crack dealer to multi-millionaire literally overnight. I owe her a debt of gratitude that I will never be able to fully repay. When she was assassinated September 3, 2012, I was brokenhearted, but not at all surprised. Because although she made a remarkable change since being released from prison in 2004, her long list of enemies still carried a vendetta in their hearts. No matter the circumstances, it’s sad. She was a devoted grandmother. There were no winners the day she was assassinated.

OOHWEE: First and foremost, I would like to thank Charles for giving OOHWEE Magazine this exclusive interview. Now for all the cats who may have been living life as cavemen with no access to a TV, DVD’s, Magazines, Newspapers or whatever, those guys may not be conscious of who you are. So, without further ado, introduce yourself. CHARLES: My name is Charles Cosby, I’m a convicted felon and former drug dealer. Many have come to know me as the ‘Cocaine Cowboy’, or as Cocaine Queen, Griselda Blanco’s, man. I’m 48 years old. I was raised in Oakland, California. I’m a proud father of 5 (soon to be 6), and grandfather of 3. It’s an honor to support OOHWEE Magazine. After all, what good is it if I don’t give back to the entities that have laid the foundation to my success, current and future? I count you as one of the many viable pieces of the puzzle to my international notoriety. I send you an undying gift of gratitude. Thank you for taking the time. I am humbled for the opportunity.

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OOHWEE: Charles, Cocaine Cowboys 2 is a very raw and gritty documentary about rising from the streets to the upper echelons of drug trafficking and everything that comes along with it when you are playing that game. Besides getting rich what would go through your mind knowing that you had the ultimate plug in The Godmother Griselda Blanco?

CHARLES; Cocaine Cowboys 2 was an amazing opportunity to share an incredible story with the world. Originally, however, I had reservation about participating in the project, which was produced by RAKONTUR Films of Miami, and financed by MAGNOLIA Pictures, which is owned by Billionaire, Mark Cuban. I was contacted by Director, Billy Corben, with an offer of equal ownership of ‘Cocaine Cowboys 2’ if I agreed to share my most guarded, intimate secrets with the Godmother. After months of consideration, I signed on the dotted line. A crew of cameramen and producers flew to California, and we filmed over a 7-day period. I delved into my former life and lay bare my soul for the world. Since its release, ‘Cocaine Cowboys 2’ has gone on to become the number one documentary (sales, rentals, streams) in slightly more than 20 countries. We have

OOHWEE: A lot of Black and Hispanic youth are still being incarcerated for drug trafficking and possession as if the war on drugs has just began like in the Ronald Regan era. For the youth and young adult hustlers out there trying to come up quick, what advice would you give to them to detour them from taking that route and possibly losing time out of their life to prison, or their entire life all together? CHARLES: The first thing I’d say is: The streets are a LIE. The streets love NO ONE, man or woman, senior citizen or child. The streets will seduce you. Set you up. Then kill you. There are no retirement plans and only 2 guarantees; a casket or an installment plan to a lifetime of imprisonment. I don’t care who you are, how smart you are, how well connected you are, there is no such thing as a successful career criminal. The odds are too great, and the possibilities for failure too high. OOHWEE: I can’t count the number of times I have heard brothers say that selling drugs is all they know. And to me that’s a cop out to either not get educated or try something new. I understand that the game and the paper chase is the addiction to the dealer like the drug is to the addict. The bigger the bag, the bigger the profits, the bigger the rush! It’s also a power thing as well. So, coming from your level of the game to being a civilian who earns everything legally, what 12 steps did you have to go through to battle that addiction of rolling the dice one more time and jumping back out there? CHARLES: Life is more than just selling drugs, and warring over streets that we don’t own. So many guys have made the EXCUSE of the “street life is all I know,” but that’s not true. It’s a sign of complacency to not want to do better, or improve one’s life, especially when they are mature enough to understand the legal ramifications that comes with the life of a hustler. The twelve steps I would share would be: 1. There is never a right way to do a wrong thing. 2. It takes less effort to abide by the law than it does to break it. 3. Separate yourself from the people who encourage negative behavior, they are NOT your friends. 4. Family is far more important than any amount of money. 5. You find out who your friends are when you go broke or go to jail. Sadly, only a few will come to court and even fewer will write you 6. In the streets trust is low, and betrayal is high. 7. The streets don’t give second chances. 8. Most

OOHWEE: Now speaking with you I learned that you have some big things that you are working on as far as books and movies that are soon to be released, can you lace our readers boots up to those projects? CHARLES: ‘Cocaine Cowboys 2’ has opened up so many doors for me that otherwise would have remained closed. With the remarkable success of CC2, a who’s-who of Hollywood producers and directors, including Antoine Fuqua, were vying to bring the story to the big screen. There was also a long list of formal (and informal) offers made, but after a meeting at the Beverly Hills Hotel with Michael Benaroya, I signed an exclusive universal deal with Benaroya Pictures. The deal insures me a lifetime of financial security, but more importantly, I own a relatively large percentage of the film, which is titled “HUSTLE.” I recently had the opportunity to read the full script, and it’s amazing if I must so say myself. We are currently vetting directors, and should begin primary photography (production) within 4-to-6-months from the date of this interview. Aside from my children, this film, in essence, will be my legacy. I also have a book that’s going to be available soon, titled, “Hustling With The Godmother: The Charles Cosby Story.” I will take readers into a secret world where so few have journeyed and even fewer have lived to tell the story. You’ll be captivated by my book, I promise. OOHWEE: Now your homeboy Vee Warren (The Beast Of The East) has a serious story to tell which you guys are bringing to life through a book and a movie the two of you are collaborating on. Let’s hear about that. (**Read Vee Warren’s story in this same issue**) CHARLES: Vee and I come from the same neighborhood known as Brookfield Village (in a small corner of East Oakland) and have been the best of friends for over 40-years. Even as kids he was always a leader, and feared and respected by older kids. Like so many young black kids, including myself, Vee was prone to getting into trouble. At 14, he was arrested for robbery and sent to juvenile prison for a year. At 17, he was arrested for murder, and subsequently pled guilty to manslaughter and was remanded to state prison for a term of 13-years. He would serve 10 calendar years. During his time in prison, he became a member of the violent prison gang “415”, and by his early 20’s was the feared leader of many

OOHWEE: A lot of our Black and Hispanic youth fall victim to the system because we as Black men are not in our children’s lives for various reasons. To the young Black or Latino male who is finding his identity in this cold world on his own and has fell victim to the system be it juvenile or adult courts, what advice can you give them to come out of prison reinserted into society with a clear mind? CHARLES: I’m one of many fathers who don’t get the recognition we deserve that have been a part of their children’s lives since birth. But there are so many mitigating factors why scores of children all too often grow up without fathers in the household, and at the top of that list is drug addiction and incarceration. To the fathers who are reading this, the most important thing to remember is: the underlying reason why you were taken away from your children, and what you are going to do to correct it. You must also understand that you are NOT a product of your environment, but of your poor choices. What are you willing to do to correct your mistakes? What are you willing to do to not let your children down? You are paying your debt to society as you read my words. When you are released, you will no longer owe anyone. Not the courts. Not the penal system. You will have a free slate, use it to your advantage. Steer clear of the people who have nothing to live for, especially men who neglect their children. If your homeboy doesn’t give a damn about his children, he will care even less for you. Is that the type of person you are willing to put your life on the line for? You will be better off playing Russian Roulette with a 38 revolver. You have many productive years ahead of you, live them wisely, and be careful of the company you keep. OOHWEE: Ok now on another note the country has elected Donald Trump to be the face of the agenda carried out by the USA. I really don’t get into the politics shit Charles, however with everything that’s going on with police around the country

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of the guys you have grown to trust are only loyal because they depend on you for their survival. Cut off their water supply and they will become your next enemy. 9. Never trust anybody to watch your back, that’s your job. 10. The only law of the streets is: there are NO LAWS. 11. Never put the streets before your family. 12. Greed will always be your worst enemy.

thousands of “415” soldiers. During his 45 years on earth, 23 of those years have been spent in Maximum Security Prisons, including the notorious Pelican Bay. This is about the same time, Vee founded a prison gang called THE COUNCIL, which was under the umbrella of “415”. To even be considered for membership, you had to have committed a minimum of TWO MURDERS. The members who were hand selected by Vee not only represented the most dangerous inmates in California, but also were among the most disciplined. All members spoke fluent Swahili. Upon Vee’s release from prison, he was so powerful and espoused so much fear on the streets of East Oakland, countless guys (drug dealers) placed murder contracts on his life. He subsequently was shot on 13 separate occasion, and survived each, thus he earned the nick name THE BEAST OF THE EAST (East Oakland). The following years saw Vee serve an additional 12 years in state and federal prisons for the crimes of murder and illegal gun possession. Homicide investigators throughout Bay Area Cities such as Richmond, Berkeley, and of course Oakland, attempted to connect-thedots and implicate Vee in as many as 25 murders over the years. He was eventually arrested and charged in 3 separate death penalty cases. He prevailed each time, and served his final sentence at Victorville Federal Prison (USP) in 2010. He’s off parole and has devoted his life to cleaning up the same streets he terrorized for much of his life. Many have watched and read the remarkable stories of Crip Founder, Tookie Williams, and Eight Trey Crip, Monsta Cody, but in truth those two stories don’t come close to Vee Warren’s story, “TWENTY THREE.” Together, he and I are co-writing his Autobiography, and have been speaking with a talented group to screen writers to bring his life story to film. No one deserves to have their story immortalized on film more than this man. His story is going to entertain the world. Stay tuned.

killing us off like its deer hunting season or some shit, with Trump as president I feel that now is the time for people of color to come together and support each other in the communities, business and especially in the home because it appears that Black live won’t matter until we start mattering to one another and self-govern our own communities to where we are not so dependent upon the system as a people. In other words, keep our money in our communities and support our own. What’s your opinion on that? CHARLES: It’s no secret that Donald Trump, or no republican president, past or present, has included Black, Brown, or POOR white people in their administrative agendas. We are considered second class citizens to people who are in positions of power, such as Trump. The thing with Trump though, unlike Reagan, he doesn’t conceal the fact that he’s RACIST, sexist or islamophobic. And for him to be elected, with no political experience, or clear cut agenda, demonstrates the underlying, deep rooted hatred that America has against those who are living at the bottom of the social economic totem pole. The next for years under Trump’s presidency will be critical. We as Black people need to put our differences aside including the decades-long rivalries between the Bloods and Crips, Folk Nation and Gangster Disciples, and join forces to create an economic agenda of self-sufficiency, and combat the real enemy. OOHWEE: Vee Warren has probably shared countless stories with you through his experience with the system over the years I’m sure. Listening to him and countless other homies you know who are in the system and just coming home from a bid, what is the biggest challenge they face, and how do you Charles instill motivation to them to keep it moving and do the right thing, so that they won’t get caught up again?

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CHARLES: Vee has shared many stories with me throughout his 23-years of incarceration, some I’m not at liberty to discuss, and others, I’d be more than happy to share. There is one story in Particular when Vee was around 20 and confined to the SHU (secured housing unit) at Pelican Bay State Prison, the most secure lock up in California. Pelican Bay is designed for total isolation of violent prisoners, and to disrupt communication between gang leaders and their soldiers. Vee’s cell mate was an older guy named Eric Cato, who also happened to be my childhood friend. He shared valuable wisdom with Vee to quell his explosive impulses for violence. Any little thing triggered his anger. An inmate not following the protocol of prison, would have his jaw broken. An inmate innocently venturing ‘out of bounds’ (415 territory) would be stabbed. No questions asked. And there were many other acts of violence that resulted in Vee being the youngest inmate ever to be shipped to Pelican Bay. Cato’s words, however, had an impact on Vee and somewhat calmed the raging beast within him, even if only temporary. And today, 25 years later, they share a remarkable bond of brotherhood and survival.

OOHWEE: Just the other day one of my homies called me from the joint and told me “a turtle moves slow as hell, but he always moves ahead”. A slow always beats a no or a negative yet, it’s hard to drill that in some cats heads once they are released because they are trying to play catch up with dudes who have been out here the entire time they were away and have a huge head start. I know firsthand because I once fell victim to it and found myself locked right back up 19 months after my first bid ended I was starting bid number two! Being young and impatient, chasing that dollar I was one of the fortunate to have prison save me! I was out there wild and it took a second bid to open my eyes and a third to wake me up completely to where I knew I had to get out that lane and exit the highway so to speak. The transition was very difficult for

me and I was nowhere near on your level when you were in them streets. I started a landscaping business because I knew I could make enough money daily to pay all my bills for the month and have a little left over. The more I hustled the more my accounts and contracts grew just like the game. Can you from your experience give us your top 5 just coming home from prison investments that you personally would make if you were in that situation and starting from the bottom up? CHARLES: All too often it has become a badge of honor for some guys to go to prison. Many don’t use the time to educate themselves or denounce the very behavior that landed them in prison. Instead, they use the experience to sharpen their hustling skills. And before you know it, they are back in jail on a new beef without any sense of responsibility. And some guys on the other hand, allow the experience of incarceration to be a lesson for change. My top 5 investments for a guy just coming home, would be. 1. Become a certified counselor, and get paid to work with EX offenders. 2. Electricians and plumbers are in high demand. And they start off at $60,000 a year. 3. Personal security pays well, too (night clubs, concert venues). Janitorial services (I have a friend who was released from prison, he started a janitorial business and in 6 months had countless contracts, and an income of $2,500 a week). 4. A car wash is a great business to own, and it has so much growth potential. 5. And lastly, short (and long haul) truck drivers are paid exceptionally well. It’s a matter of applying yourself. It’s so much easier and rewarding to do the right thing than it is to have shoot outs with enemies, running from the cops, and breaking the law 7 days a week. There is no such thing as small labor. If it pays the bills, and keeps you out of trouble, and out of jail, it’s a plus. Good luck on your reintegration into society. Your children, wives, and mothers, are counting on you … Don’t let them down. OOHWEE: Well, Charles once again it’s been a blessing to have this opportunity to sit down with you and get some insight on things other than what’s already out there, feel me? Any last words or shout outs you want send to anyone caught up in the struggle or just in general? CHARLES: It’s been such a pleasure to sit with you today in your lovely home and set the record straight. So often I read stories about me that could be no further from the spectrum of truth. And that is why I appreciate platforms such as OOHWEE Magazine all the more. You are a clean glass of water; and a fresh breeze of air. To the strong men who are trapped behind enemy lines, life isn’t over, it’s just on pause. Use the time to strengthen your minds, make a commitment that you won’t allow the same mistakes to cripple you when you are released. If you are estranged from your children, reconnect with them. Show them they are loved and turn your negative mistakes into positive seeds of growth to educate them of the pitfalls they face if they choose a life of crime. Help guide them in the right direction. They need your love and leadership. After all, you are the headship of your family -- a hero to your children. Rest In Peace to my beloved mother, Erma Garcia. All my respect and loyalty to the Beast Of The East, Vee Warren. My unconditional love and gratitude to my sister, Verrell Smith. My children, who I love unconditionally; Renesha, Anthony, Shanice, Charles II, Trinity, and Messiah. And lastly, I’d like to acknowledge the most important woman in my life ¬¬-- the queen of my heart, and the angel on my shoulder -- Mrs. Emanuela COSBY. She’s lives in Rotterdam, Holland, and we are expecting our first child, Messiah, in December. After the many heartbreaks, and betrayals I’ve suffered, she has given me a reason to smile again. I thank her for trusting me with the most important part of her being -- her HEART. One love. I’m out.

Vee Warren “THE BEAST FROM EAST OAKLAND” Exclusive Interview OOHWEE: Vee I want to extend my most solid salute to you and a sincere thank you for taking the time to give us this interview. Enlighten our readers to who you are O.G.? OOH-WEE, you are solid. Your ‘salute’ was respectfully received and in return I offer my undying respect and a firm salute to you as well. I humbly extend my thanks and appreciation for having me. During this interview I’m going to tell you things that people are scared to mention about me. My name is Silvanus warren (aka) Vee Warren to family and my closest friends and “THE BEAST” in the streets. I have 7 kids, 4 grand kids, and I’m happily married. These days it’s all about family, but I’ve been around the block a few times. I’m a 17-time convicted felon, a former dope dealer, convicted robber, accused contract killer, and even Devil Worshiper at one point in my life. And though ‘666’ is still tattooed on my body, that is no longer a part of my belief system. OOHWEE: Growing up as a youth Vee, can you walk us through your earlier childhood and home life days? What was your relationship like with your parents and siblings?  I was raised in a two parent household. I have a great relationship with my parents. I’m the middle child of 2 sisters and 2 brothers (one brother is serving a life sentence). We are all very close and protective of one another.     OOHWEE: Did the streets always appeal to you at an early age and if so why do you think that was?   The streets were intoxicating. It’s where I learned my survival skills. The streets are where I learned physical and psychological warfare. And that’s also where I earned my respect. And going to state prison at 17 was no different. Any sign of disrespect had severe consequences. I carried myself so well and was so respected behind the walls, the founder of the notorious 415 prison gang, our beloved leader, M.B. (RIP), appointed me to a high ranking position in 415. It was a position of supreme authority held by a chosen few.

I was 15. Robbery was my first felony. The late 80’s before I caught my first murder charge, I was robbing and stealing. The more crimes I got away with, the worse I became. By the time I turned 30, I had served 12 years in prison for murder, assault, robbery, and numerous other felonies.    OOHWEE: Your like the Black “Teflon Don” so to speak when it comes to beating a case at trial. A lot of cats seem fearful to box it up at trial. What’s your take on picking 12 or copping out?    The Deflon Don, that’s a big title to live up to, LOL. I appreciate the compliment. But, the fact of the matter I have beat just as many murders as Jon Gotti. I took only one plea deal when I was 17, to felony murder that was reduced to man slaughter. The other times, I either went to trial, or the cases were dismissed, including 3 separate death penalty cases. I don’t suggest plea deals to anyone fighting a case because the system will

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OOHWEE: At what age were you when you committed your first felony, and if you can speak about that, what was it?

always use it against you even if you plead without admitting guilt. Many times, prosecutors will offer you a ‘sweetheart’ deal and release you from custody, but give you a paper commitment to prison because they know, you are coming back sooner than later, then, they will stick the MAX to you. The youngsters think they are beating the system, but the system has patience, and it rarely loses to repeat offenders. Jails is a revolving door of cats who took what they thought were good deals.     OOHWEE: Do you think that as time goes on and the level of felonies a person commits goes from a lower level to a higher level based on balls and heart or the fact that they are not being caught or a combination of both?    Direction determines destination. If a person continues on the path they are on, whether positive or destructive, they are either going to be successful, in prison, or worse. At some point, you have to man up, like I did, and take accountability for your choices.      OOHWEE: When you reflect back on all the time you have done, and the leadership skills you have always possessed and shown throughout your entire life be it on the streets or behind bars, channeling that same energy to do more positive things now seems to be what your about. Why? I mean why change now and how did the process to do so come about?   In prison, I built my reputation brick by brick until I was feared, and loved. There are no shortcuts to being respected in prison. You have to put in work. Lots of work ... and I did! My redemption was a very long exhaustive process. I was bold enough to come home after my last bid in prison (Victorville USP, 2010) and reformulate my entire program. At that point the system had stolen 23 years of my life. I was determined to no longer be a number, but a MAN! I was an expert at controlling killers, and career criminals, but I failed at controlling my own impulses. I realized change had to start from within before I could change the things around me. I learned how to execute a plan, dream, and stay focused. I learned to avoid the foolish detours that all too often resulted in my incarceration. If you are smart enough to escape the streets, or fortunate enough to have a release date, then you must also be smart enough to make better decisions. You owe it to yourself as a MAN.

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OOHWEE: I once heard that change can be the most difficult thing for a man to overcome based on what he is reforming into. How challenging has the effort been for you? And what benefits have you seen your change give to others you share your experiences with?

It’s important to know there is more than one approach to any situation or problem. Example: 6+3=9, and so does 5+4, or 8+1. Sometimes you have to get off the path your comrades are traveling on and do what works best for you. At one point, after about my 15th year of incarceration, I felt as though prison would be where my life ended, and I would never amount to anything other than a convicted murder and career criminal. But I eventually learned to stop being so critical of my mistakes, or placing limits on my potential because the circumstances of my incarceration didn’t determine who I was as a person. I was still a man regardless of the system labeling me a CONVICT. The only real obstacle in my path was ME. I realized LIFE in the free world was waiting to embrace me once again and my possibilities to excel were unlimited if I was willing to apply myself. And the same goes for all the soldiers who are reading this behind enemy lines. Sometimes you have to learn to get out of your own way.       OOHWEE: It’s said that a woman can’t raise a man, and a lot of our young black men are growing up without a father in the home due to the father being incarcerated or deceased. Having to become men at an early age while learning how to be a man from what they see or look up too. What advice would you give to that confused, angry little boy missing his pops and also to the father behind bars away from their child?  That’s not true in all cases. Some of the strongest people I have known are WOMEN. Charles Cosby’s mother is the perfect example; she raised him as a single mother and he’s by far one of the strongest men I know. But in most cases, it takes a man to raise a man, just as steel sharpens steel. My word of advice to the misguided youth: I will never forget the sound of a man’s skull cracking against steel bars or how the

inside of someone’s brains looks. Believe me, you don’t want to be a witness to that. You don’t want to live with the reality that you could be killed every morning you wake up. Or be controlled by CO’s 24 hours a day. Denied visits with your family after they drove 8 hours to see you. You can never touch another female, and to find our your girl is sleeping with your best friend will force many of you to end your life. Is that the LIFE you want? I don’t think so. Better decisions will always produce better results.         OOHWEE: So, the book and the movie on your full life story, do you have anyone in mind to play your part or will it be more of a documentary? I’m just curious because you’re a big Suge Knight, Kali Muscle built muthafucka so I’m sure you will have to get a “gym monster” who can act to play you lol.   The person that’s chosen will definitely have to be built like a tank, and handsome LOL. But in all seriousness, I trust the team of guys that I’m working with to make the best decisions on my behalf when we cross the threshold of casting.       OOHWEE: Speaking of size, how tall are you and how much do you weigh?    I’m 5’9, 275lbs. Today, at 45, I max out at 600lbs on the bench press, and 1,500lbs on the leg press. Strong as a bull, and swift as a gazelle. In prison the CO’s had to put two sets of handcuffs on me because I was so strong I was known to snap single pairs of cuffs.

The system is broken no question about it. It’s no longer about rehabilitation, but incarceration without alternatives. We have become victims rather than inmates. The victims of California’s broken prison system, with an 65% recidivism rate, that swindled me out of 23 of the best years of my life. You have to take into account that the system once considered me so dangerous, I was moved in restraints (mir), and that was just to my visits. Handcuffs attached to a waist chain, and leg irons fastened around my ankles. Their agenda is to humiliate strong leaders like me in front of our families. And to break us in the presence of other soldiers. It’s a case of; if you kill the head, the body (soldiers) will follow. They failed. Look at me now.      OOHWEE: During your stints in and out of prison I’m sure you did plenty of time in solitary confinement a.k.a. the hole. That is where most guys in prison tend to get their minds clear and focused or go completely

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OOHWEE: Looking at the prison system today, what is your take on that entire industry?

coocoo. What is your take on that part of the prison system on the inside? I mean isn’t the entire set up from population to solitary confinement designed to break a man spirits mentally and emotionally?    Let me say this; greatness doesn’t appear only when you are winning, but when you are tested. Tested by life. Tested by your mistakes. Tested by the criminal justice system. Tested by solitary confinement. Tested when facing the death penalty. Tested by blood enemies in prison. Facing the disappointments of losing your wife (or girlfriend) to another man while doing your bid. Having no physical contact with your children for years on end. The disappointment of having a close soldier roll over on you to get out of jail. If you have never walked in the deepest valley you will never appreciate standing on the tallest mountain. Everything I just mention, I experienced firsthand.      OOHWEE: And the killing’s and shootings of our unarmed Black and Latino brothers and sisters across the country by the police, what is your take on that? And where are we headed as a race of people?   It’s a travesty that will only become worse with time. You have to understand: the people who they hire to police our communities don’t resemble us in any way. They don’t represent us. They can’t relate to us. They are not familiar with our culture. They fear us. And that is the very reason they have become so quick to shoot us down like animals. Until we implement a national community review board that will confront the fraternal order of racist pigs and hold them accountable for their actions, the unjustified killings of innocent unarmed (Black & Brown) civilians will persist.    OOHWEE: So now that you are getting your biography out here in books and a film, Vee what do you hope to accomplish first and foremost in your mission and in the end. Like all of your efforts will be justified to you if what happens?   I hope my story will be an inspiration to all who have endured the struggles of prison, especially the young cats trying to find their way in the inner cities of America. I’m not just talking; I have actually lived it. Being raised in the heart of a kill zone taught me how to survive, and leap over obstacles. I see things very clearly. Like the 13 separate times I have been shot, and I saw the bullets coming, and tear into my flesh again, and again, and again like burning steel rods. I say that to point out, we are all blessed with strengths and cursed by weaknesses. It took being hit by 31 bullets, losing partial vision in my left eye, to realize how valuable life was. What better story is there of redemption than MINE?

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OOHWEE: Growing up in the California Bay area when you were young, up until today, what has changed and what do you see that needs to change in order for our youth to change because there is a lot of senseless killings going on around the country and most of them our young Black and Latino males under the age of 25.

There are good people who are dealt a bad hand by fate. Then there are people like me who learned how to shuffle the deck. As a general rule I have learned that teachers teach more-so by what they ARE rather than what they SAY. My philosophy is to teach from my experiences, which I stand firmly on. Before, I use to think power was achieved with a gun until I learned that the greatest weapon I possessed was my mind! We are what we repeatedly do. If you constantly commit felonies: you are a felon. If you change your lifestyle: you are a changed man. Change is not an act, but a LIFESTYLE that I mastered through trial and error. The journey was long. The days were dark. The nights were lonely. But my focus remained. It’s never too late to change, I don’t care how many felonies you have, or how many years the system stole from you. I have been home for 6 years, and I have not allowed the past to destroy my future. I once walked over men wounded by crudely fashioned knives in the hallways of prison, but now I’m walking down the hall of fame. I gave the system their number back. And with a little determination, you can TOO.    OOHWEE: If you had it to do all over again with your same influence and respect what would you have done different?   I don’t regret the 23-years I’ve spent behind enemy lines, in prison. I’ve learned my greatest lessons there.

Those 23-years developed me into a man. Being a leader and fighter was a talent I was blessed with at birth. And later in life, most of my experiences came from squaring up with cats in the streets, knocking cats heads off inside cramped jail cells, and on level 4 prison yards. The fact that I came from the bottom, I spring at every opportunity to tell my story of survival, pain, overcoming great odds, and REDEMPTION. Where I have been, and where I am presently, is a stark contrast. Before, a beast with two horns was my reflection in a steel mirror. Now, a responsible husband, father, and beloved community activist stares back at me, with an aura of silent achievement. I represent HOPE to the thousands of soldiers suffering behind the walls. If the system had the final say I’d be one of the more than 750 men warehoused on death row at San Quentin. But the creator had other plans. Unlike so many who have endured similar circumstances, and who are bitter, I live with no regrets, and appreciate each day of freedom as an ultimate gift to 23 years of struggles.    OOHWEE:. So, when can we expect everything to be out as far as the book and the film?    The excitement is overpowering about my upcoming book, documentary and feature film. All 3 projects will be beyond inspirational. It will be the ultimate story of redemption. The story of a man who rose through the ranks of California’s most violent black prison gang to be the leader. A man who faced the death penalty 3 times and beat the system each time. A man who convicted of 17 felonies, but never lost his passion for life. A teenager who became a man in prison. And how I persevered through a violent world of hardships, tremendous setbacks, and years in solitary confinement in Pelican Bay state prison, where I founded THE COUNCIL -- an organization for convicted killas. Since being released from prison, however, I have restructured the original format, and successfully transformed THE COUNCIL into a community outreach program. We feed the homeless and senior citizens, offer jobs to ex felons, provide clothes and toys for kids, and we also provide security for high profile Bay Area entertainers.       OOHWEE: Any shout outs you want to send to anyone who maybe in the belly of the beast and reading this?

OOHWEE: Well Vee it’s been real just to get a chance to sit with you and get this interview and I truly appreciate you taking the time to give it up to OOHWEE Magazine. We wish you nothing but the best with a huge Salute! It’s been an honor. I can’t express in words how grateful I am for this marvelous opportunity. I wish you a million years of success. I’m going to end this dynamic interview the way in which I started it: as a MAN with a purpose and a clear conscience. One love from THE BEAST. SALUTE!

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I’d like to pay my highest respect to the almighty creator. My dear parents, James and Shirley Warren. Thanks to my lovely wife for her love, patience and understanding. My children and grand children, who are my biggest inspirations. My sisters, Sil Watson and Dr. Aletha Warren. My brothers James and Mel. Mel, keep your head up, we’re working on your appeal. My spiritual advisor, Dr Tony Grayson, who was my former cellmate in Peilcan Bay. You were the architect of my spiritual transition. A special thank you to my dear brother, and lifelong friend, Charles Cosby (AKA the cocaine cowboy). My Cousin Mirakulus, rapper extraordinaire. My right hand man, and The COUNCIL minister of defense, big Frank Watson. After 18 calendar years in the joint I’m glad you are back home, soldier. All my love and appreciation to each member of THE COUNCIL. I saved my biggest shout out for last: to all my soldiers trapped behind enemy lines keep your composure, stay focused, educate yourselves, and stop being deceived by the enemy. You are still a man and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. The system tried to convince me that I was a lost cause, and now look at me. The world is waiting for you. Take advantage of it. SALUTE!

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Looking for friends, 23 year old scorpio. I’m ex-military. An artist, skateboarder, and studying to become a paralegal. I’m loyal, honest, caring, funny, and up for anything. I’m looking to be a positive part of someone else’s life, even from behind bars. Give me a shot. DOUGLAS TRUE ADC#159617 P.O. BOX 400 VARNER SUPERMAX UNIT GRADY, AR 71644-040 Additional Info Age:23 Race:White Height:6’0 Eyes:BROWN Hair:BLACK Weight:205 Female Race Preference:White Age Preference:Open Im single, no kids, drug free, never been married, just searching for Mrs. Right a very long time. My release date is November 2021. Open to women of all races 36 and older. Even though I am incarcerated I still have alot to offer. Its not about the words its about the actions. Im waiting on you! DARRYL GREEN #443-984 MCI- H 18601 ROXBURY RD. HAGERSTOWN, MD 21746

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Liionesses, Sistren and Empresses, Noff respect, King Emmanuel bless, in selassie I’s mighty name Rasta, speaking as an Idren who will highly appreciate your time, which non can stop of Jah’s good guidance. In the words of Dezarie: “Strengthen your mind, keep on firm meditation”. Walk with me, Angels. MATTHEW ESTABROOK #F-91120 P.O. BOX 290066 REPRESA, CA 95671 Additional Info Age:32 Race:White Height:6’4 Female Race Preference:Race Open

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Thank you for viewing my profile and I hope you like what you see. I love to joke around and appreciate the simple things in life. Im smart, outgoing, and caring, and non judgemental type of guy. If this is what your looking for then shoot me a letter.

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It is truly a pleasure to print such an ad. My intent at this point is to meet and make friends. I want the type of friendship that you can build a solid foundation on. There is nothing more appealing than having someone you can trust with your dreams. So if anyone out there believe in loyalty, respect, honesty and not playing games, please do not hesitate to write. In advance thanks for reaching out to me and on that note I will end this here. STERLING ROBINSON #454527 GENERAL DELIVERY LA STATE PEN. ANGOLA, LA 70712 Additional Info Age:35 Race:Black Height:5’-9 Hair:Black Weight:175 Female Race Preference:Race Open Age Preference:Open

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I am a humble and desireful man looking for a friendly and accepting non stop connection who is willing to put forth time and effort towards a positive a mature friendship or possibly a tender mate. Im most interested in inner beauty, caring and love to connect with.

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OOH-WEE MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 20