Opinion

OP-ED: Prison Parents must Step It Up

Published

11 years ago

February 5, 2015

By Richard Johnson, Soledad State Prison

Even though we find ourselves locked down it doesn’t mean that we should negate our responsibility as parents, if anything it should be a resounding call for us to step up to the plate and be about the affairs of parenting. Even from a large segment of prisoners are in fact dads and mothers who’s predicament precludes them from being on the scene as a dependable parent, yet this can never be an excuse not to do your utmost to help raise your offspring as best as possible under seemingly impossible conditions.

<pclass=”yiv7920383483MsoNormal”>Whenever there’s a real will, there’s a real possibility.

Our children need us more than we may realize, this assertion is from firsthand knowledge. I wasn’t there for my son when he obviously needed me the most, to help guide him through the perils of the street.

By navigating a path through the hazards that permeate the perplexities that confronts the youth at every turn.

This isn’t the time to turn our backs on them thinking that we have no power in or say toward their upbringing, it’s quite the contrary, for it’s never too late to become a positive influence in their lives even at a distance.

All it means is that it’s up to us to be more creative and determined to bring sight and direction that would give them a way around the difficulties by applying resolute resolve noteworthy to parenting. Who knows better than you what it means to be guided in the right direction who can speak to truth. If you can’t who can?

Even though we’re in prison for alleged crimes, paying our debt to society, we owe it to our families to answer the bell of responsibility and accountable.

When it comes to our duties as parents, we must first acknowledge the duties bestowed upon us. Secondly, we must close any distance that may exist. Finally, the most vital is for you to find the way necessary to reclaim your rightful obligatory duties required of you to remedy the detached lines.

It won’t necessarily be easy. Then again, what in life worth achieving is easy?

Of course it’ll be somewhat awkward at first, nonetheless it’s prerequisite for those relatives or friends with parental charge, or guardianship to work in conjunction as a unit, determined to be successful as a team.

If for any reason that it doesn’t work at first, then you just continue until does, accepting nothing less than victory as a just reward. It has to be a joint endeavor with the offspring clearly in mind at all times, on all sides. We only fail when we give up and stop trying.

For as long as we stay committed to the task at hand, and not surrender to defeat, then eventual triumph is just on the horizon. Whatever is broken is repairable; all it takes is a willing commitment of devotion, patience and being obstinately persistent, without boundaries. If you truly want it to work, then you truly must put in the work.

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

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March 22, 2026

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March 17, 2026

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Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

3 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

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Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  