Recently, I received a call from TV 55, or Channel 10 News. They had heard of the painting I was doing in prison, and they wanted to do a story on it. I was initially reluctant, because I don’t think I am the one who is worthy of a story, at the jail. The program called “The Council for Unity” has created a peaceful existence between rival gangs in jail. The Council for Unity is made up of some truly wonderful individuals, people who invest their everyday into the lives of these inmates. Sargent Noreen Fisher, Bob, Alex- these individuals are truly inspiring, all of them are newsworthy. I was in a conundrum. I initially didn’t want to do the article, for fear that the inmates would think I was in this for the photo op. As well, I wanted the spotlight to be placed only on the individuals that truly deserved it. I told the news station that I would hope they would place the emphasis of the story on the Council for Unity, with me featured on the side. A few phone calls from the Correctional Facility reassured me that this publicity was very good for the jail, and consequently for the inmates as well. The Council for Unity was thrilled that they were being featured in a news program, and gave me their approval.
Yesterday, they came into the jail, camera crew and all, and videoed as I painted with the inmates. The inmates loved it, they were laughing and fighting each other to get into the camera’s eye. They volunteered for interviews. Ralphy, the black guy on the right, puffed his hair up into an afro. I painted his afro while being filmed- it was really funny, everyone in the jail was laughing.
Tonight, I’ll be on TV55/Channel 10 News, at 11 p.m.
The sensitivity you show toward the inmates is special. There is a fine line for these men between feeling used and finding a special outlet for their pent up tension. Bravo. (Not sure about the Afro …) right now on my tiny phone out of context it seems to overwhelm. 🙂 k
Not for the first time, I’m counting on this to become one of yor best gritty — that is real – paintings,and the three protagonists are truly interesting and the disegno and the contrasts between three guys stimulating. Your reluctance to make the TV program merely a publicity stunt for you was admirable, but as you found out, is an appropriate result of why you started painting in the prison to begin with. It’s a great development. Fred
Sipping coffee this morning and reading your blog. This is my idea of a warming up for the day!
I have a book to give you on the Power of Praise., that had turned my life around when Kathy was ill. Remind me to give it to you! Also I want to share with you what happened in my life, as a result of applying the principles to my life. Astounding!
Once we surrender our needs to God, we need to learn to trust Him with our request. We will not become angelic angels by accepting this, but rather faith oriented, by surrendering all to Him. Only then, does He release His power to do and perform miracles!