Suave: Episode 7 - "The Reckoning"

Season 2 of "Suave" by Futuro Media delves deep into the life of Luis "Suave" Gonzalez, a former juvenile lifer who, seven years after his release from prison, continues to navigate the complex landscape of freedom, trauma, and societal reintegration. Episode 7, titled "The Reckoning," serves as a poignant exploration of Suave's ongoing struggles and the broader implications of sentencing juveniles to life without parole.

Suave's Emotional Journey: Visiting His Mother's Grave

The episode opens with Suave undertaking a deeply personal mission: visiting his mother's grave for the first time since his release. Accompanied by journalist Maria Hinojosa and the production team, Suave confronts the lingering pain of not having been able to say goodbye or mourn his mother properly.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [06:06]: "My mother always thought that I'd be a good writer. Even when I couldn't read or write, she used to always say, oh, one day you're gonna learn."

Amidst heavy rain and the somber backdrop of a Queens cemetery, Suave lays his published novels against his mother's tombstone, symbolizing his journey of redemption and the fulfillment of his mother's dreams.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [08:14]: "Someone lost their life for nothing. I owe my life to that."

Confronting Generational Trauma and Breaking the Cycle

The narrative shifts to Suave's reflections on his upbringing and the pervasive trauma that has affected multiple generations within his community. Suave discusses the abuse his mother endured and how it shaped his own resolve to survive the harsh realities of prison life.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [06:24]: "My father sexually assaulted my mother... I grew up being hateful, and I tried every day not to let that hate come out because that hate could turn into anger."

Producer Julieta Martinelli adds depth to this discussion by highlighting the cyclical nature of trauma within incarcerated communities.

Julieta Martinelli [09:57]: "We see multi-generational people in prison. We see grandfathers and fathers and uncles all in one cell block. It's embedded in our neighborhood."

Suave expresses a fervent desire to end this cycle, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from the pervasive patterns of violence and incarceration.

The Harsh Realities of Employment Post-Release

Suave's struggles extend beyond personal trauma to the systemic barriers he faces in securing employment. Despite Pennsylvania's "ban the box" policy, which prohibits employers from inquiring about criminal records during the job application process, Suave encounters persistent discrimination.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [19:17]: "I put up that front. Like, you see, I'm one of the good ones. I'm one of the good ones, you know, I'm one of the good one, boss."

He recounts specific instances where job offers were rescinded after employers discovered his past, highlighting the gap between policy and practice.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [20:15]: "It's my turn to go through this little segment of discrimination in the workplace... It's not a good feeling."

These experiences contribute to his feelings of being perpetually trapped within the system, despite his physical freedom.

The Illusion of Freedom: Life on Parole

A central theme of "The Reckoning" is Suave's struggle with the concept of freedom while living under lifetime parole. He articulates a profound sense of confinement, likening his parole conditions to a modern form of incarceration.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [21:31]: "I'm living for other people. I'm not living for myself to please people that probably don't even care about what I do. But I had to show I got to put up that front."

Suave reflects on the psychological toll of always needing approval and the loss of autonomy, drawing parallels to historical injustices.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [25:51]: "This is like slavery all over again... You put a bunch of kids in jail for decades, and now we come out and now we in a bigger plantation. That's not the way I want to be."

The Moral Imperative: Reevaluating Juvenile Life Sentences

The episode broadens its scope to address the moral and societal consequences of sentencing juveniles to life without parole. Despite the 2016 Supreme Court decision in Montgomery v. Louisiana, which deemed mandatory life sentences without parole for juveniles unconstitutional, more than half of the United States still allows such sentences under modified terms.

Maria Hinojosa [14:46]: "Only 24 states have completely banned the life without parole for minors. That means that in more than half of the country, children can still be sentenced to die in prison."

Suave's narrative serves as a case study for the potential for rehabilitation and the stark realities faced by juvenile lifers who are rarely afforded second chances.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [13:30]: "Studies show that recidivism rates for juvenile lifers in Philadelphia is just 1%. Numbers don't lie. And what they tell us is that in the vast majority of cases, people do, in fact, age out of crime."

Final Reflections: A Call for Change and Redemption

In the closing segments, Suave revisits another grave, reflecting on the irreversible loss of life caused by his actions and the justice system's role in perpetuating cycles of violence.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [27:36]: "I could never go back. Somebody lost their life for nothing."

Maria Hinojosa encapsulates the episode's essence by posing a fundamental question about the nation's moral standing in incarcerating youth for life.

Maria Hinojosa [22:34]: "What are the moral consequences for us as a nation of locking up kids for life?"

Suave's heartfelt plea underscores the urgent need for systemic reform and societal empathy towards those who have served their time and seek genuine reintegration.

Conclusion: An Unfinished Journey

"The Reckoning" serves as a powerful testament to Suave's ongoing quest for normalcy and the inevitable reminders of his past. While he strives to build a life beyond prison walls, the episode poignantly illustrates that true freedom remains elusive, bound by the invisible chains of societal judgment and systemic barriers.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez [30:16]: "I'm living for other people. I'm not living for myself to please people... I'm not free."

The episode closes with a silent walk away from the cemetery, symbolizing both an end and a continuation of Suave's journey towards healing and societal acceptance.

Notable Quotes:

• Maria Hinojosa [04:10]: "This is range 43, St. Peter, and we're going to Holy Cross for."

• David Luis Suave Gonzalez [11:46]: "I came in when I was 17, and I came out when I was 22. That's how it feels, but I'm really 50. That's how it really feels."

• Maria Hinojosa [23:50]: "What are the moral consequences for us as a nation of locking up kids for life?"

Timestamps: Key moments and quotes are referenced with their corresponding timestamps to provide a comprehensive understanding of the episode's flow and emotional beats.

Final Thoughts: Episode 7 of "Suave" masterfully intertwines personal narrative with broader social commentary, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the complexities faced by juvenile lifers. Through Suave's story, the podcast prompts a critical reflection on justice, redemption, and the possibility of true freedom beyond the confines of incarceration.