• by Melynda Fuller , August 28, 2020

Prison populations were hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of an outbreak of the virus at San Quentin State Prison, the institution’s newspaper, San Quentin News, was forced to go on hiatus. 

That pause ended up lasting six months, but through financial support from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and a $75k rapid response grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the paper was able to resume publication this week. 

The San Quentin News is run by a staff of 12-15 incarcerated and formerly incarcerated journalists along with advisors and volunteers. It is distributed through the entire network of California’s state prison system and publishes monthly. 

The funds will support the printing and distribution of the paper for six months and will also be used to create an external fellowship program that supports former staff members following their release from prison. 

“The San Quentin News gives voice to people experiencing incarceration in a way few other publications can,” stated Aly Tamboura, Criminal Justice Reform Manager at CZI and former San Quentin News staff member. “It’s absolutely critical that we help get it back up and running, as thousands of people incarcerated across California -- who are all disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 -- rely on the paper each month. And not only for news, but also for critical updates about reform efforts, policy change, and state decisions that regularly impact their cases.

The latest issue covers the pandemic from the inside of the prison, difficulties faced by deaf prisoners and the reality of families being unable to see each other because of quarantines, among other stories. Prior to the issue, several of the paper’s journalists tested positive and reported on prison conditions for outlets like The Washington Post and Business Insider.

The paper has long been supported by ongoing multiyear grants from the Reva and David Logan Foundation and around 300 individual donors. 

Richard Logan, President of the Reva and David Logan Foundation, stated: “The ability for the incarcerated to voice their humanity and report the news to their peers, families and the public at large engenders respect and a sense of inclusivity -- the positive results of which are clearly in evidence in all who have participated. We must ensure the model endures and expands.”