Thank you for your interest in helping our elder, Gha'-is, thrive after his release!

A little background: First and foremost, Gha'-is is an activist, a community leader, and a man who most definitely has the courage of his convictions.

Incarcerated by the state of California, Gha'-is was housed in solitary confinement (also known as SHU) on an "indeterminate" status from 1986 until June 2014 when his participation in the Pelican Bay Hunger Strikes proved successful, ending the policy of indefinitely solitary confinement in California prison systems. This hunger strike nearly killed him and he was Medevaced to a hospital for treatment.

For over 40 long, unfathomable years the prison system attempted to silence him at best, and break his spirit at worst. Thankfully, they were unsuccessful. In 2024 Gha'-is was finally granted a "compassionate release" due to Stage IV cancer that the prison system failed to adequately treat.

Today, in his late 70s and despite all odds, Gha'-is lives a free life in Oakland with his family. He rides his bike -- equipped with a small bluetooth speaker playing the classics -- to visit friends, purchase art supplies, or just enjoy the feeling of sun, wind, and rain on his skin. On any given day you might find him working on a portrait of his grand-nephew, or mentoring the young folks in his neighborhood. He's back where he belongs.

Unfortunately, he is also battling cancer and an infection that his body has been fighting for over a year. With your donations, Gha'-is can continue to pay for his medical bills and necessary supplies as he navigates multiple rounds of chemo.

He will also be able to continue his pursuits towards the arts. After nearly 3 decades being deprived of human contact, Gha'-is is a keen portrait artist who delights in the nuances of the human face. He is a yearly participant in the Sheridan Art Competition, an initiative aimed at encouraging and growing the local art scene in the Bay Area. He is also working with other folks in the neighborhood to stand up the Oakland Art Collective which seeks to provide supplies, mentorship, and community outreach for anyone in the area interested in pursuing their creative interests.

Gha'-is is a lifelong student and possesses every kind of strength that a person can. Staying true to his roots in the New Afrikan movement, he practices his beliefs daily through prayer, study, exercise, and creativity. Your donations, no matter how small, will ensure that he is able to live out the rest of his years free, healthy, and thriving.

Thank you for your help in supporting this important work!