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James Houston |
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James "Dub" Houston
Age: 33
Paroling to: Richmond, California
Family: Mother Debra Houston, Brah Darius Houston, sis Tosta Houston, son James Houston Jr.
Why did you join the T.R.U.S.T.?
I felt it was a good vehicle to help me acquire the skills and means to affect change in the prison as well as the outside community.
What does being a T.R.U.S.T. Fellow mean to you?
It gives me a sense of purpose, although I’m at the lowest point of my life, I still have a duty to share my past and present experiences to stop others from making the same mistakes.
Since coming to prison, what have you accomplished?
I’ve got a chance to realize how special and unique I am without hiding who I really am behind money, cars and clothes.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy reading books, working out and playing tennis.
What programs are you involved with other than the T.R.U.S.T.?
I am currently seeking my A.A. Degree. I’m also a peer counselor in the ARC (Addiction Recovery) program. S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. which works with at-risk youth and No More Tears, a Violence Prevention program.
What kind of work do you do with the “inside” and/or “outside” communities?
I’m the Chairman of the Richmond Project through the T.R.U.S.T. We are training men to become assets instead of liabilities in the city of Richmond. We are partnered with the Richmond Improvement Association (RIA), a collaboration of over 80 churches.
How do you live up to the T.R.U.S.T. value system? How do you promote the ideals of the T.R.U.S.T. outside the workshops?
I continue to share what I have learned with my family. Also, I try to be a role model to men in my situation.
What do you want to do after you parole?
I would love to do something that involves mentoring at-risk youth.
What are your long-term goals?
I want to get rid of the male role model belief system. Allowing men to be able to express themselves instead of always resorting to violence to win a disagreement. Also, do my best to raise my son to be comfortable with who he is and not get caught up in the peer pressure.
Personal message to the outside community:
There is much work to be done in order to save our children from the streets, but it can be done if we all choose to do our part. Just as they are scared to die, we must not be sacred to fight for them to live.
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