In the name of God
4/28/04
7:19pm

My first month from my correction today was just one of the days that has been so special since my re-entry into society.
First allow me to humbly give praise to the lord of all the worlds. Then allow me to give my most humble and esteem gratitude to everyone that has supported me in this short period of time. Surely, I would not mention any names because so many people have supported me and most of them I don't even know their names; that is how much love and support that has been extended out to me. Those special people know who they are because of the simple fact that they support me from the heart.
Today is one of the mere days of business that I have thrust into without having a chance to even think about what has been going on. First, I awoke and prayed, like I always do, at 4:30am (made Salat). Then, my parole officer came and spoke with me and showed me his support (psychological evaluations, urine testing, monitor my surroundings, and made sure I was keeping my nose clean). Then, I had to go up to Merrit College for my daily regiment. This regiment is run by a special gentleman that has always supported me, the infamous Coach Compton. I had the arduous task of working with him for sixty minutes. This gentleman truly knows his stuff, and I will leave it at that. Then, I met with one of the most influential people in sports, Mr. Aaron Goodwin. He has been very supportive in these times. Even with his hectic schedule, he has found time to be a confidante and mentor of sorts. While I was in a meeting with him a sports reporter, Vern Glenn - KRON) called me and offered to do a segment on my positive community involvement. I work at McClymonds High School in a mentor program. In this program, I monitor student activities on campus. I will go more in detail about the interview and my involvement at McClymonds and my immediate impact in the program at a later date and stay tuned for the essay contest we are having at the school by viewing the film.
This is only one day of the last twenty-four days.
Highlights:
My reintroduction to my loved ones -
Gary Payton
Mr. Payton
Keena Payton
Jason Kidd
Brian Shaw
JR Rider
Edward "Topper" Allen
Kajalla Aziz
Drew Gooden (we judged a dunk contest together)
Playing hoop and tip smashing at the 24 hr. Nautilus at Bayfair
After the dunk everyone yelling, "He's Back!"
Involvement with certain individuals with high GPA's
I spoke at Merrit High School (California Conservation Core)
Spending time with my godson " lil B"
Playing @ Claremont Jr. High with Uncle Sam on Saturdays at 1pm
All the adults and children that I have become involved with

To my involvement with Lou Richie, my nephew and niece (Xavier and Nijah), my surrogate mom (Pat Richie-Milton), and Lou's AAU team (Oakland Soldiers). I can't forget " little Hook" (Johnnie Bryant), who I am helping to ensure is staying on the right path and maximizing his potential. My involvement with my mirror image cousin, Anthony Smith, and this has been my hardest project because he reminds me so much of myself.
Me dealing with my nephew, Leon Powe, especially right now, since he is coming back from surgery in Colorado is a great experience. He is very special to me ( I look at him as Prophet Job. As it says in the Revelations as he was tested in so many ways.) I look at my nephew Leon in the same way. He has taken in all his struggles so humbly. My biggest state of peace is being in this state of consciousness and playing basketball. When I am playing basketball, I am at my ultimate best. The game of basketball brings the best out in me( I'll keep you posted). Last, but not least, much love to my east coast family: Kicked Down Productions and Fadar Films. No one would understand what I have gone through, nor my basketball prowess, where I am now mentally, where I am headed without their drive for our vision.
To the rope I am holding on to; my supportive family and Muslim brother and sisters.
I pray that my message gets across to not only the children but the parents. Because for us to be whole, as one, we all have to work together and be a solution and not a part of the problems that exist in society today.
Salams

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