Humans of San Quentin

We collect real stories shared by people currently incarcerated in all prisons to bring awareness & build connections. We give a voice to the unheard.

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

Restocking the Humans of San Quentin pantry!

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

"Being principled means seeking answers from within myself as opposed to conforming like I have always done for upwards of two decades." 
Liliana “Lily”, 33
Incarcerated: 7 years

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

Randy Thompson — tarot, accountability, growth. 🎴 Buy the Humans of San Quentin Tarot Deck here!

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

After sharing stories from 185+ prisons worldwide, Humans of San Quentin founder Diane Kahn tackles her next great read — Michael Moore's mail.

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

Jay — hope inside uncertainty. Buy the Humans of San Quentin Tarot Deck here!

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

🃏 Our tarot deck is officially available for pre-sale!
Pre-order yours now at https://t.co/4IJmlFglTN 
#HumansOfSanQuentin #ArtBehindBars #Tarot

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

Watch until the end❗Hear what lessons our high school interns have learned from working at Humans of San Quentin. 
#LifeLessons #HumansofSanQuentin #Incarceration #Interns #Communitystories #Storytelling

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

My heart didn't break all at once. It cracked the way ice does, quietly. The mind can be a cruel warden. Hope knows how to slip through bars better than any thief ever could. One day the door will open. Dominique. 3 years in. San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, California.

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

Opening mail that matters 📬Today’s mail with our intern, Oren!

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

🃏 Our tarot deck is officially available for pre-sale!
Pre-order yours now at https://t.co/4IJmlFglTN 
#HumansOfSanQuentin #ArtBehindBars #Tarot

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

I lost my job, my wife, my home. I could not stop doing drugs. Bad to say, I beat a homeless person. Now I am four years in. Family cures only drugs. I have apple meds. Johnny and Gregory. Corcoran Prison, California.

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

I was raised in the South Bay, known as the south gutter. I'm hustling to stay alive. Fast money is the life that is dead. Money can't buy love. Love you gotta want like that Red Rose of Freedom. Lee Roy, 50. 5 years in. California State Prison, Sacramento.

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

“Locked in but found keys.” Gregory, 43, writes from California State Prison, Corcoran after 9 years inside, reflecting on law, emotion, and being seen. “I never thought it would be possible to be on a public website with a recent picture.”

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

Behind every letter is a real person and a real story

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

Last month Father Greg Boyle visited the Branson school, here is what the community has to say about it!  
Make sure to check out Father Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries. 
#Storytelling #TheBransonSchool #FatherBoyle #HomeboyIndustries #Empathy #Community

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

Today’s mail with our intern, Charlotte!
#SanQuentin #HumanStories #Empathy #RealTalk #SecondChances #Perspective #Storytelling

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

I opened the gas valve and lay down at 15. I just wanted the pain to stop. Today I make art. Today I am part of the solution. Juan's story. Link in bio
Juan, 45
Incarcerated: 9 years
Housed: Correctional Training Facility, Soledad, California

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

I am deserving of love, compassion, care, concern, freedom and hope for a better and brighter future. 
Daniel, 54
Incarcerated: 34 years
Housed: Southern Correctional Institution, Troy, North Carolina

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

I was mama's best friend. I was her secret right-hand man. She taught me how to survive if dad left. Nobody taught me how to survive everything else. This is the story they all want to hear. Now you're going to hear it. Link in bio.
Heather, 32
Housed: Corona, California

[Humans of San Quentin @HumansSQ]

Some people see prison.
We see potential, healing, and second chances.
Humans of San Quentin is proof that rehabilitation saves lives — inside and outside the walls. ❤️