I have heard,and read recently about the problem of Illiteracy in our Penal Institutions,County,State,and Federal.When I was in L.A.County,I was Totally Surprised when I saw how many of the inmates weren't able to read,or write.Also,how dangerous it could be,to be able to read,or write.One day a deputy came around to "CHARLEY ROW" asking if anyone wanted to go to School.About nine inmates and myself raised our hands.When we got to the Classroom there was Ten more from other rows'. When the teacher got through with introducing himself,he asked how far each of us had got to in our education.I was the only one who had made it to the twelfth grade level.When I saw the looks they gave me,I wished I had said third grade.After that was over the teacher started having us read a few lines out of an history book,Bad Idea,when you put any inmate in the position to Humiliate themselves,you could be inadvertently causing yourself to be Hurt,or worse.When I told the Teacher about having Five Doctors that would help me get into Med School,one of the inmates asked me if I thought I was smarter than everyone else? I said No,or I wouldn't be in Jail.I never was without Cigarettes,when I got close to running out of them, I would write Letters to there Families,Writs to there Lawyers. I charged more for the Writs,because they dealt with legal matters.
When it comes to the literacy problem,or any other form of Rehabilitation,the First thing you need is Prisoners who want to be Rehabilitated. That is all for tonight. GOOD NIGHT MRS.KALLABASH,WHERE EVER YOU ARE. RED