THE SAN QUENTIN NEWS

Barrios Unidos Visits Newsroom

By: Arnulfo T. Garcia

The founder and executive director of Barrios Unido, Daniel Nane

Alejandrez, came to San Quentin on July 19 to discuss his
commitment to the community, prison and county jail reform, and
the California criminal justice system.

Alejandrezs life story is no different from that than many men of

color who grew up in low-income communities.

He said that he struggled as a youth; at age 13, he stabbed a young

man, and at 17 he shot someone. He later became addicted to
heroin and used drugs while serving in the Army in Vietnam. Heroin
also affected other family members. He suffered from addiction until
1986 at age 37.
His life turned around after he was exposed to the words of peace
and human rights from Cesar Chavez while harvesting melons.

In 1977, I had 11 family members in prison, Alejandrez said. Over

the years, 35 members of my family went to prison, and today, 20 of
them are still in prison, including my grandson.

Prisons are not the answer, Alejandrez said. He said he wants to

break the cycle of perpetual incarceration.

We had a prison cell on display for an art exhibit by inmates from

Pelican Bay Prison Security Housing Unit that received much
attention, Alejandrez said. In constructing an interactive prison
cell, we hope to bring insight and awareness of the realities of
incarceration. It will provide an opportunity for individuals to step
into the environment and get a sense of what its like to be
incarcerated.

Barrio Unidos plans to take the prison model to schools, universities,

courthouses and other educational events.

Barrios Unidos, formed in 1977, is a multi-cultural nonprofit

organization based in Santa Cruz. Its aim is to stop acts of youth
violence by promoting self-worth and value. The organization
addresses conflict resolution in the community through education
and awareness as techniques to unite people.

We hope to encourage people to support alternatives to

incarceration policy and legislation, Alejandrez said. Its a major
undertaking, I know, but Im pushing to rebuild my community.
There are so many things wrong in our community today. I travel all
over the world to promote the work of Barrios Unidos.

Alejandrez has been going into jails and prisons like Tracy, Vacaville,
Soledad and Salinas Valley to educate those who think that they
are forgotten.

When I go into those prisons, I wear Pachuco clothes, like Stacy

Adams shoes and Pendleton shirts, so that those who still struggle
can relate to me, Alejandrez said.
Once while walking out of Soledad, a captain told him, I dont
understand why those guys listen to you, but they wont listen to
me.

Alejandrez believes safer and stronger communities can happen

only through leaders who will face todays challenges, such as gang
activities and violence.

Advocates and leaders of these troubled communities must build

coalitions to overcome these acts of disruption, he said.

Alejandrezs cultural, spiritual and non-violent principles come from

Csar Chavezs fundamental tenets and dedication to social justice
and economic equity. He says the voice and words of Csar Chavez
still echo with him today.

Barrios Unidos is devoted to non-violence, Alejandrez said. We

are connected all over the United States, despite the fact that we
are small. We must teach the youth to face their challenges every
day.

My organization will not accept contributions or any support from

beer companies because their values and beliefs destroy the moral
fiber of a healthy community, Alejandrez said.

Recently, Danny Glovers Profiles Series and Stone Soup for the
World featured stories that brought national attention to the Barrios
Unidos program.

We have established silk-screening businesses that put money

back into the community to stop the violence, Alejandrez said. We
are helping the young kids turn their lives around. We are building
positive self-esteem and cultural pride through meaningful
activities.

Alejandrez is a graduate from University of California, Santa Cruz,

with a degree in communication and media.

For information about Barrios Unidos, write to: Santa Cruz Barrios
Unidos, 1817 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062.