Our cultural identity plays a major role in our incarcerated journey. It determines our cellies, social circles, where we can and cannot go, personal growth and rehabilitation, and so on. Culture is arguably everything in prison, so having equal representation, opportunity, resources and fair treatment is very important. Cultural groups create a sense of togetherness, community, and belonging. Binding us to our communities and the outside world altogether.
We maintain our cultural traditions and teachings through facilitating/taking cultural classes and participating in culture awareness groups/organizations. Through our various groups we pass down important knowledge, values, rights of passage, stories, and foods. We help each other in becoming the men our families and communities want, need, and deserve. With that said, let me introduce my brotha from a Samoan motha, Teddy.
In 2016 Jerome Ta’afulisia, also known as Teddy Jinx, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison, he was 16yrs old. Growing up in Seattle Washington, Teddy was immersed in the gang life and experienced chronic homelessness as a child up until his incarceration.
Throughout his incarcerated journey Teddy has come a long way from the boy he once was to the man that he is today. While incarcerated he has faced many challenges, but despite it all he has grown and maintained ties to his culture/community. Teddy has helped his culture survive within prison by facilitating classes on the Samoan culture, is an acts body in his cultural group, and has once accepted the role and responsibilities as president to the A.P.I.C.A.G (Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Awareness Group). Teddy has accumulated certificates through taking various classes and he is now pursuing higher education for a degree in business.
PrisonBaes: “How do you define culture?”
TeddyJinx: “Family, food, traditions, and learning the backings of where people come from – learning and teaching their native heritage.”
PB: “What is your cultural identity? and what does it mean to you?”
TJ: “Samoan!! being Samoan to me means … strong, unity and solidified family also having discipline and structure.”
PB: “What’s the name of your cultural group? And have you been a part of similar groups at other facilities before?”
TJ: “A.P.I./A.P.I.C.A.G. (Asian Pacific Islander/Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Awareness Group). I used to be the president at Clallam bay corrections center.”
PB: “What responsibilities do cultural groups have in the communities they’re meant to represent?”
TJ: “We are an organized group that promotes the growth and development of Asian and Pacific islander men within the Washington state prisons.”
PB: “What are some opportunities or resources made available through A.P.I./A.P.I.C.A.G ?”
TJ: “Support events within the facility, and outside communities. Such as anti-domestic violence/family communication classes, youth outreach workshops, social justice forums, community fundraisers and much more!!”
PB: “In what ways has, or does, A.P.I./A.P.I.C.A.G. share it’s culture with the general population?”
TJ: “Fundraisers, classes that teach certain cultural backgrounds… traditional foods, music, and language/people.”
PB: “What does it mean to your community to have cultural representation?”
TJ: “It means we’re able to hold on to our heritage, to educate and bring awareness to the community and help those that fail to know about their culture or where they come from.”
PB: “What more could prison administration do to ensure fair and equal cultural representation within its facilities?”
TJ: “They could give the people what they ask for – pertaining to cultural celebrations, opportunities, and practices. Prison administration should do all that they can to ensure that everyone has what they need to keep, maintain, and uphold their cultural identities and traditions.”
PB: “When it comes to your community and culture what are you most proud of and hopeful for?”
TJ: “I’m proud of my people for sticking together for the better and I hold hope for us to keep our culture alive, strong, and supported.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Culture is arguably the beating heart of civilization. It is what defines us in our communities and has an important role in the shaping of our characters. Embracing different cultures undoubtedly leads to our perceptions, understandings, values, and way of living being enriched and changed forever. Learn to love what you are, without hating what – and who – you are not. We can all thrive in our own tradition(s), even as we learn from others, and come to respect their teachings.
Find Teddy on Facebook: teddyjinx fifteeno
You can email Teddy by downloading the Securus Mobile App and punching in his info: Jerome Ta’afulisia DOC #424324
Don’t forget to help us grow by subscribing, sharing, recommending and following us on our socials!
PrisonBaes LLC on Facebook
@_prisonbaes_ on IG
@prisonbaes on TikTok
Leave some feedback: What should we talk about next?
Please let us know in the comments below!
Did you enjoy this entry? If so, please leave a short review.
I love you Daddy!