Author: Latif Torres-Robinson

What Beth Saw in Me When I was an adolescent, I was curious about Elvis Presley. I know a lot of things about Elvis – from his songs to his electrifying performances. Beth, who was the wife of my stepfather’s longest client, was an Elvis super fanatic. If you went to Beth’s house, you would […]

Prison Mentality Written by: Peter SheltonEdited by: Latif Torres-Robinson This is prison life through my eyes. First, let me introduce myself and give you a quick summary of who I am. My name is Peter Obryan Shelton. I was born on February 25, 1982, and I’m the oldest of 8 siblings – 3 brothers and […]

Is Drill Music Misguiding Your Child? “My fingers [are] itchin’ to catch a body …” were the cold words a young man sang as he walked passed my bed area, bobbing his head and dancing to his drill music (modern day gangster rap). As I sat on my bottom bunk and reflected on what I […]

You Never Know Who You’ll Inspire When I was named “Peer Mentor” in August, I established a curriculum in hopes to encourage 70+ men to live a better life. One of my rituals is I write a weekly quote on my dorm’s blackboard. On a Friday afternoon after I wrote a quote. Tomas, who is […]

“I didn’t know that … you’ve put me on to something new,” was the response I got from a guy when I told him that he can be the next council member, mayor, delegate, senator, or governor in his state. “Generally, if you’re a U.S. citizen and you’re eligible to vote, then you can apply […]

Hated by Many, Loved by God. Hatred and negativity is heavily present where I live. To be honest, I feel trapped inside a dark place, surrounded by wounded individuals that have my worse interest at heart. Describing it as a bucket of crabs would be a deep understatement. For an environment full of hate is […]

As a former drug trafficker, I’ve faced many challenges incarcerated. I had a cell partner, for example, who sold narcotics throughout the prison compound. He was anti-government with a rap sheet that screamed “career criminal.” No matter how discrete or respectful he “thought” he was, there was no way he could hide all of his […]

How to Handle Loved Ones Who Are Unsafe “Your brother tried to have sex with me,” my girlfriend said. During a jail call years ago, my then girlfriend explained to me how she endured my brother’s unwanted sexual advances. She was uncomfortable and conflicted. My brother knew that we (my girlfriend and I) loved each […]

Written by: An anonymous Classic ManEdited by: Latif Torres-Robinson Class isn’t just a glass of champagne. It’s more about taste and discretion than it is wearing a 3-piece tuxedo. When we (society) say a man is classy, it’s because he carries himself with good dignity and integrity. Whether rich or poor, he espouses the elegance […]

Your love and strength are your greatest powers,You are a Supermom with a “S” on your chest,If your child hasn’t told you, then I speak for all sons and daughters,Mom, you are the best,You’ve even inspired me to be the best I can be,No other woman on this planet can offer me what you gave […]