Excerpt from Stories of Transformation – The Positive Impact Lifers Have on Other Incarcerated Citizens and Society
My note is for my experience when I met brother Bro Benny-Do. When I first met the brother at the Man-Up program, I thought he was like others who just talked the talk about life and changes in people. I started listening to him speak, and that’s when I noticed that what he was saying was speaking a lot of truth about different life lessons and how to stand up and be a man, mainly taking responsibility for your actions. So, when he spoke, I listened.
When I saw him cry in front of 400 men, I knew he could help with my fears of being open and honest about life. He taught me about truth, so I first started being honest with myself. He taught me that being a man is not about just talking about being a man by stepping up and fulfilling the responsibilities of being a man.
Example: one day, I was arguing with someone in the East Chapel Building, and he was in a meeting. He came out of his meeting to address the situation and explain that even if you walk away, you’re still going to be who I think you are and who you know you are, and that’s Alex. Get my shit together and get over all that sad shit, man-up, and be the father he knew I could be. I took it his advice and manned-up. That kind of influence has reached me in ways even my father did not.
When you meet someone who does not sugarcoat life and does not say what you want to hear, it’s up to you to heed everything they say. That’s what the Bro has done for me. When I speak with people, they notice how I speak to them with confidence but respectfully. Every approach I have with someone is different than before, thanks to Brother Benny Do.
What I really noticed about the brother is that he tears you down and builds you back up. It’s like he has a sense of pride when speaking in a crowded room. What helped me a lot when I was singing was that he always pushed me further to do songs I did not intend to do, but the convincing helped a lot because he knew I had more in me to give. And I did because I was singing my heart out. So, I thank brother Benny Do for being a big brother and role model to me and others.
Written by Alexander Artist GW1223
*Lifers Inc is working on publishing this anthology of stories for the public
There are Lifers in SCI Somerset that also should be included in suit to get rid of the Life without Parole. There are so many men in there that are over age of 50 in medical that deserve to be allowed to live a life out side of those Prison walls. 2nd degree offenses that planned out murders and did them get out faster then ones that were maybe accidental or that your Attorney did not do their job and you are serving sentence that you did not commit the homicide but cant find help to get out of prison.
Suzanne, the efforts being made related to LWOP/DBI sentences are statewide. We believe no one should be sentenced under this harsh penalty and advocate for reform statewide. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.