Dwan Watson, who’s under 30 years of age has lived long and hard enough to recognize the need for change. In the past fifteen years, Watson fell victim to the
mentality of ghetto living; because of this he became habitually
incarcerated, by the so-called rehabilitative system, which is better
known as prison. He spent one third of his life (10 years) convicted of being a
“drug dealer". However since then he has discovered that the real prison,was the self-imposing prison of his closed mind. He always knew God, he didn’t go to jail and convert,he always knew better. But then one would ask, what made him do the things he did to get in trouble in the first place?
Dwan Watson believes that it was his perception of life that lead him down
the wrong path. His want for greater things without the want of providing
a solid work ethic to get it landed him in places that truly didn't define his character. Wanting to get rich quick, consequently caught up with his fast paced
lifestyle and confined him to prison. Yet he liberated himself through consciousness, strong will and determination. Dwan has deliberately turned his life around, with reformed thought and four years of freedom. Since his last conviction and release he has become a new man. His story is not the story of a man
reformed by religion,like Malcom X. There was no magical epiphany. He
just took time to tap into the rehabilitation that was already within him. By
reforming his thoughts and perception of life Watson has gained respectful employment and has been building responsibly with others to help heal his community.
Though he is still considered a felon, which he is currently working to
lawfully expunge,he chooses to continue to establish himself with better
conduct by serving his community. Dwan has recently began his pursuit to
reach out to the youth, by visiting Norman Thomas High School in New York
City to speak to, what he regards as, “our future”,the kids about the
perils of negative thinking and how one CAN change their life after making
mistakes, by changing their perception on life. Dwan’s greatest
accomplishments are yet to come.His ambitions are greater than his
challenges, as he says “I’m going to overcome, the label this society
gives me, that says [as an ex-convict] I’m a bad person.” And, he will
do more than that with his new non-profit organizational website
(Anti-Prison Movement),a place online where other ex-cons can find
resources to stay straight and narrow; to enjoy living free!
It's amazing when a person looks beyond the perils of his adversities and challenges and gives back to others, while accomplishing his own dreams and aspirations. Most just victimize themselves and their mentalities by locking their thoughts in with excuses of how others have them locked down and limited. I was always taught, "Make lemonaid with the lemons you are giving". That is exactly what Mr. Watson is doing. By speaking to the youth and giving them insight of his own experiences, Mr. Watson is proving to all, "We can always better our lives, no matter what the circumstances". The birth of this "Anti-prison movement" website is also helping other ex-inmates understand that they can take control of their futures and make progression; not only in their lives but, in the lives of others as well. Mr. Watson, you have my support and I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors. Everybody needs to support this movement.
ReplyDeleteThe first sign of greatness, is acknowledgement!
P.E.A.C.E
Positive Energy Always Causes Elevation
George Escalante