Concrete Mama: The Podcast
Episode: "We Don't Change... We Heal"
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host/Author: Unincarcerated Productions

Introduction

"We Don't Change... We Heal" is a compelling episode of Concrete Mama: The Podcast, hosted by Unincarcerated Productions. This episode intricately weaves historical insights, personal narratives, and transformative experiences within the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. Through engaging discussions and heartfelt speeches, the episode sheds light on the evolution of prison governance, the power of community programs, and the enduring spirit of those incarcerated.

Revisiting the Concrete Mama History

The episode kicks off with Red delving deeper into the historical transformation of the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP). Building upon the "Concrete Mama" narrative from the first episode, Red explores the inception of self-governance in the prison system during the early 1970s.

Red [00:09]: “November 1970 was when the reforms were first put into place... implementing a resident government council, basically letting prisoners control more of our own daily lives.”

Red highlights the initial noble intentions inspired by Scandinavian prison models aimed at reducing recidivism through rehabilitation. However, the reality quickly spiraled into chaos, marked by escalating violence and mistrust among inmates. The pivotal moment described involves a near-massacre orchestrated by rival groups, which was only quelled by the intervention of influential inmates like professional boxer Gordon Gordy Graham and Johnny Harris.

Red [04:50]: “If it wasn't for professional boxer Gordon Gordy Graham being a voice of reason that day, they would have.”

This section underscores the fragile balance between inmate autonomy and institutional control, ultimately leading to the abolition of the resident government council in 1979.

Juneteenth Celebration at WSP Walla Walla

Transitioning from history to present-day events, the episode features a powerful segment from the Juneteenth celebration held at WSP. Damar Nelson, alongside fellow hosts and community members, orchestrates a meaningful ceremony aimed at honoring ancestors and fostering unity.

Damar Nelson [06:31]: “Welcome to the Juneteenth at the Washington State Penitentiary... we’re going to take a moment to just honor everything that they went through so that we can have this moment right here today.”

The celebration serves as a bridge between the incarcerated individuals and their families, emphasizing cultural heritage and collective healing. Vic Chopra reflects on the significance of such events, highlighting their role in restoring humanity and agency among prisoners.

Vic Chopra [08:21]: “When you bring the outside in... it restores so much of that humanity.”

Insights from the Department of Corrections

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to an illuminating interview with top officials from the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), including Cheryl Strange, Don Holbrook, and Sean Murphy. Damar Nelson facilitates a candid discussion about the ongoing reforms and the shift towards more humane and rehabilitative prison practices.

Cheryl Strange [12:50]: “We’re trying to make it useful to be here and what comes after this.”

The officials elaborate on various programs aimed at reducing incarceration rates and supporting reentry into society. Don Holbrook emphasizes the DOC's mission as an agency of second chances, detailing initiatives like the Solitary Confinement Transformation and the AMEND program.

Don Holbrook [16:22]: “We are an agency of second chances for people.”

They also discuss the challenges of implementing equitable programs across diverse inmate populations, highlighting the importance of individualized attention and community support.

Personal Journeys and Transformation

The heart of the episode lies in the personal stories shared by incarcerated individuals Anthony Colbert and Damar Nelson, as well as insights from producer Rachel Check. Anthony recounts his transformative journey through various prison programs, such as the Writers of Wisdom (WOW) program, which empowered him to mentor younger inmates.

Anthony Colbert [16:46]: “I got involved with a lot of different programs... it was a powerful thing for me.”

Rachel Check shares her deep-rooted connection to Walla Walla and her passion for prison programming, stemming from her early experiences and professional endeavors aimed at fostering positive change within the prison system.

Rachel Check [26:23]: “They have the gift of attention. They don’t have a cell phone in their pocket. They do their homework so selfishly.”

Her narrative underscores the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning within the prison environment, highlighting the mutual benefits of such interactions.

The Community Connection

A highlight of the episode is the Juneteenth speeches delivered by Anthony Colbert and Sean Murphy. These speeches encapsulate the essence of transformation, community support, and the ongoing struggle for liberation and equality.

Anthony Colbert [42:53]: “Those systems were designed to fail us. They were designed to entrap people of color.”

Sean Murphy emphasizes the importance of community involvement and unity in driving systemic change, advocating for volunteerism and active participation in reformation efforts.

Sean Murphy [43:36]: “We need to take advantage of those opportunities... Volunteer your time.”

These narratives are complemented by heartfelt messages from Damar Nelson, who addresses his son, reinforcing themes of strength, resilience, and unconditional support.

Damar Nelson [46:24]: “Don nobody vouch, validate you, bro. You’re not about to get it from the school, the streets, the game, social media. Don’t nobody validate you. I’m gonna do that.”

Concluding Historical Reflections

Returning to the historical analysis, Red elaborates on the various inmate groups that dominated WSP in the 1970s, providing a vivid portrayal of the complexities and power dynamics within the prison ecosystem. He references key literature that offers deeper insights into this turbulent period.

Red [53:45]: “Drugs and violence ran rampant through most of the 70s until 1979... Learning from our past mistakes... we’re still trying and moving forward.”

Red concludes with an optimistic outlook, emphasizing the progress made since the chaotic early years and the continuous efforts to improve prison governance and inmate welfare.

Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a preview of the next installment, promising to delve into the intake and arrival processes within the prison system. Vic Chopra and Rachel Check express gratitude to the supporters and participants who make the podcast possible, reiterating the mission to humanize and educate about the prison experience.

Vic Chopra [58:46]: “Concrete Mama is more than a podcast. It’s a platform for voices that need to be heard.”

Conclusion

"We Don't Change... We Heal" is a poignant exploration of the prison experience, blending historical context with contemporary reforms and personal transformations. Through heartfelt speeches, insightful interviews, and reflective narratives, Concrete Mama not only recounts the challenges within the Washington State Penitentiary but also celebrates the resilience and potential for change among its inmates. This episode serves as a testament to the power of community, education, and unwavering human spirit in the journey towards healing and rehabilitation.

Notable Quotes:

• Red [00:09]: “November 1970 was when the reforms were first put into place... implementing a resident government council, basically letting prisoners control more of our own daily lives.”

• Cheryl Strange [12:50]: “We’re trying to make it useful to be here and what comes after this.”

• Don Holbrook [16:22]: “We are an agency of second chances for people.”

• Anthony Colbert [16:46]: “I got involved with a lot of different programs... it was a powerful thing for me.”

• Sean Murphy [43:36]: “We need to take advantage of those opportunities... Volunteer your time.”

• Red [53:45]: “Drugs and violence ran rampant through most of the 70s until 1979... Learning from our past mistakes... we’re still trying and moving forward.”

These quotes encapsulate the episode's central themes of reform, community support, personal growth, and the enduring quest for a more humane prison system.