BACK TO PRISONERS
BACK TO PRISONERS
Back to prisoners
Part One

Growing Up was a devastating experience

"I witnessed how hard it was for my mother to provide food, pay bills, and clothe seven kids. It was devastating to experience."
- Reflections of Brian Brim
Brian Brim & his daughters: Quanesha, Brianesha & Lakema

I grew up in an environment that did not hold the guidance or resources any child needs to possibly have a positive turnout. The resources that were available to the Watts community during the 70's and 80's were limited and not easy to come by. My mentality was not to suffer. Things got too rough and I dropped out of high school to work full time but I was not making enough to care for a family. So I started to sell drugs to take care of my family.

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Part Two

One Life Sentence & Two Truths

I know two truths: It was my decision to sell drugs and harsh conditions in my life contributed to that decision. Those are my truths.
- Reflections of Brian Brim
Brian and his wife Sheila

I started selling drugs because I felt as if I would never make it in life. I felt like I never had the choice and right tools to legitimately succeed. Using an analogy of dying of thirst and offered a glass that is dirty and offered another glass that is moderately dirty, you will choose from one of those glasses of water when you are dying from thirst. I unconsciously, limit my choices to the two glasses of water. I thought I would be smarter and only sell drugs to get through a tough time, but it ended with me being arrested.

Now, I am a man who knows the value of my life and the people around me. It took me some time to figure it out and to stop being upset but to take responsibility for my actions and become aware that the right way is the long way and learning to appreciate what I have earned.

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Part Three

Maintaining my sanity behind these walls

Nothing is free in prison except for suffering.
- Reflections of Brian Brim
Prison Certificate Awarded to Brian Brim

Living with a life sentence means I can’t even shower freely. I can’t have an at-will conversation with my kids, and our calls are limited to 15 minutes. Nothing is free in prison except for suffering. A 15-minute call to my family costs $10.

Back in 2008, I was in an Arizona federal prison. There was a race riot and I was called on by the Warden and lieutenant to diffuse the situation. I was called upon because I had a neutral rapport with both races and eventually the staff was able to open the yards back up and normal formation of the prison concluded. I believe that incident defines me more than being a former drug dealer. I am proud of who I am today.

I have completed many programs within the prison such as health classes, diabetes classes, financial classes, spiritual classes and self-esteem building courses. I continue with programming throughout my life sentence, even though there are no external incentives such as a release date. My reason is to help maintain my sanity behind these walls.

At moments, my mind plays tricks on me and I question: Why I am programming when I will never come home? I have a life sentence. But then hope returns to me when a new inmate comes to prison with a 10 or 20 year sentence. I know I have to maintain my sanity to positively impact the prisoners who will get out one day. Their success is my contribution to society.

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