DJ Cali Bear
Reclaiming His Voice Through Sound
CCI Session 3 2025
When DJ Cali Bear first joined the Prison Electronic Music Program, he mostly kept to himself. Young and soft-spoken, he tended to hang back—watching, listening, taking it all in. He let people know he loved music, but it took time for him to feel comfortable enough to engage more openly. Like many navigating prison for the first time, he stayed guarded.
Over time, that began to shift.
Each week, the classroom became a more familiar space. He remained quiet, but attentive, often observing how others created their beats before jumping in himself. He preferred to collaborate, usually working alongside Teaching Artist Chaz and letting others take the lead. Still, being part of the creative process was meaningful. Even when words were few, music gave him a way to participate.
A real turning point came during a Guest Artist visit from DJ, actor, and comedian Zack Fox. Cali Bear, a fan of Zack’s show, lit up—asking questions, cracking jokes, and showing a level of engagement his Teaching Artists hadn’t seen before. It was a moment of connection that left a strong impression:
“I would have never thought that I’d be learning about music in prison...I’m really glad I got to meet Zack and people like you guys. It makes me remember that I am human and can learn new things.”
That reflection carried weight. It was his first time inside, and the experience had been depleting. But in this space, surrounded by creativity and encouragement, he began to see himself differently. Being seen by others helped him see more in himself.
Choosing the name DJ Cali Bear became part of that process. It was a way of claiming who he was—rooted in where he came from, and in who he still wanted to be. The name honored both his California upbringing and the nickname “Bear” from his younger years. For his final set, he pulled from the sounds that shaped him—mixing West Coast hip-hop with alternative tracks in a style that felt true to him.
By the end of the program, he was more open, more confident, and proud to have completed something he didn’t think was possible. The experience gave him new skills, but more importantly, a renewed sense of self.
DJ Cali Bear represents the power of reclaiming your voice, even when it starts as a whisper. Being reserved doesn’t mean someone doesn’t want to be heard—it just means they may need more time, more trust, and the right environment to open up.
Donate today to help more young people like DJ Cali Bear access music programs that foster confidence, connection, and self-expression.
