Prison inmate’s view of Latina/o License Plate
By JUAN CANDELARIA
To live is to believe; Within this environment, we (inmates) grow accustomed to believing that every day will be repetitive, up until the day when it changes forever.
Colorado State Representative Tim Hernández along with a few interns came to Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility for a tour to witness the process of making the new Chicana/o License Plate fabrication at the Tag Plant Industries Department.
After wrapping up their business they decided to take a detour over to the Art Room where I work. A memorable day I will always cherish, knowing that life for me would never be the same again.
As I was painting, I looked up and saw a familiar face whom I had met previously on a tour, Kayla Shock, who worked for the Department of Corrections as a Legislative Liaison. It was then that Tim Hernandez and Tayz Enriquez-Banuelos were introduced to me. I invited everyone into the Art Room to view all the talent and creativity.
Somehow in the moment the chemistry in the room instantaneously shifted. All of Tim’s enthusiasm from physically seeing the Chicana/o License Plate to a room full of complete strangers brought us together.
Through the perception of the public and community, inmates are normally seen as only a number, or worse, a menace to society. On this unforgettable day, two visitors touring the facility walked into my life and welcomed me with open arms.
Tim and Tayz began asking me questions on the subject of art and the field of education. I am currently studying through Adams State University, their questions led to some of my goals and dreams. An overwhelming sense of pride overcame me as they approached my painting and admired my artistry.
The energy in the room was surreal. However, the moment tended to be motivational given the opportunity of meeting a state representative does not occur often and in rare circumstances such as mine. Within the 45 minutes of time spent together I felt in that moment as if I was a free man.
It became clear we all had something in common in which meeting each other was not so uncommon after all. We laughed, joked, and talked about what the future could look like outside of these walls — even about how they could assist in making my goals and dreams a reality.
I could not have ever imagined friendships ever transpiring on this day without a detour into the Art Room. I am grateful to have had the privilege of being introduced to these most kind-hearted individuals.
The expression of Chicana/o Power was truly displayed on that day, rooted from their love and passion for our art and culture.
