When the Portland Mutual Aid Network started, I  met Steven Stroud very early on. Steven had just gotten out of prison and was doing his best to manage a new life without resources in a pandemic world. We had many great talks about social issues and politics while sitting on the street together and have kept in touch ever since. 

I interviewed him this week about his life and experiences. From being houseless at eight years old, to becoming a racist skinhead and living a life of violence, to learning about forgiveness and transforming his life. We talked about what landed him in prison for thirteen years and what he learned about the brutality of the Oregon prison system. 

We covered what it was like to get out of prison into a world in downtown Portland filled with the militarized police.  And we talked about his current struggles with complex medical issues and the importance of listening to those around us as a means of validation and healing. 

Steven is a fascinating guy and a good friend. Give the interview a listen and be in touch with questions anytime.

https://www.facebook.com/steven.stroud.509
AND
www.portlandmutualaidnetwork.com

gregbennick

Popular tracks