In this episode we hear from lifers, who were eventually released. These are people who were sentenced to life terms in prison – usually 15 years or more to life. More than 30% of people in California prisons are serving life terms–that’s more than 30,000 people. And they’re disproportionately black and brown men. 1 in 5 black men are serving life sentences, according to the Sentencing project. Data shows black men are given harsher sentences than white men for the same crime.
Most people in prison are serving fixed terms – like 5 years, or 12 years – and they get out when they’ve done their time. But when a person goes into a California prison with a life term, it really means they might be eligible for parole after serving a certain amount of time, but they may never get out. That’s the life part. And, unlike other prisoners, lifers have to go in front of a parole board that has the discretion to deny parole if the board members do not feel the person has insight into their criminality, has been rehabilitated, has a release plan, and won’t recidivate. And even when the board grants parole, the governor can say no, and reverse the decision. This means, as you’ll hear, in an election year, when someone is billed as “soft on crime” politics can have more influence on whether an inmate is released than their actual qualifications.
We start withRandy Carter, who was sentenced to life for homicide when he was 18 years old. After 33 years, he was paroled at the age of 51. While incarcerated at Solano State Prison, Randy became a certified drug and alcohol counselor in a first-of-its-kind program, and has continued that work on the outside. Today, he’s a Peer Counselor in San Francisco, working with populations that suffer from homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse. He’s featured in “The 50” a documentary about the first men to become certified counselors while incarcerated.
Pharaoh Elisha Brooks served 17 and a half years in prison for attempted homicide. He was fortunate enough to return to society in 2023 and is now the Director for the Alcohol & Drug Treatment Project at Dream Center Transitional Home. He is enthused about the opportunity to live his amends by helping his community. Pharaoh is also a musician, author, writer, and has performed in several plays with Marin Shakespeare. He likes to add music and poetry to his storytelling.
Tony Cyprien was sentenced to a life term for murder when he was 18 years old. He was incarcerated for 26 years and released in 2011. He’s working, married and has been lighting up stages around the Bay since.
A bold, nine-part series amplifying the voices and artistry of people directly impacted by the criminal punishment system. Through performance, FIPPP centers the brilliance, struggle, and imagination of formerly incarcerated community members. Each episode highlights the realities of incarceration and the power of telling one’s own story.