By Kai Bannon
We chose the skunk as our symbol for San Quentin SkunkWorks because of a deep kinship with this creature. To many, the skunk is just a smelly nuisance, but to us, it’s a reflection of our own stories. Like the skunk, we know what it’s like to be judged on sight, to be unwanted, and to be defined by something that’s just a small part of who we are or who we were.
Skunks are caring, sharing their dens with other animals, and they’re also resilient, finding their way and surviving. That’s us, too. We’re learning, growing, and proving that we have so much more to offer. In the skunk, we see our own potential for change, for growth, a symbol of our shared journey from marginalization to empowerment, and an emblem of our commitment to redefining our story.