"Get On Up" - My dad's (James Brown) movie

Well, my dad's movie has premiered to great reviews; it opens wide August 1st, 2014. Unfortunately, right now there aren't any circumstances that will allow me to view it, but it is very cool seeing the commercials and hearing Mick Jagger (the producer) commenting about it in the media.

I would love to hear what all of you have to say about it, so I encourage you to go out and see it and mail me your thoughts @ Michael Deon Brown #P69851, Folsom State Prison, PO Box 715071, FM-4-03, Represa, CA  95671. Also, I have people checking my FB and if you DM me, they can pass on your thoughts/comments.

Although my dad did not fit the stereotypical American dad, he was a brilliant talented, charismatic, genius and a great inspiration; however, I doubt that my existence was acknowledged in the movie. There may be an exception because even though it reflects badly on him, my mother's paternity suit is a matter of public record: sued in Sacramento in 1969 and Mary Florence Brown was awarded child support for me until age of 18. In 1983, after failing to meet his child support obligation for over 15 months, he was arrested, but the order was upheld and he was ordered to pay back support.

Even though we had little contact, I still urge you to "Get On Up" and again experience the joy, music and exuberance of my dad, James Brown.

DNA - Part II

I am happy to report that I passed the DNA test. The results returned this: There is 99.99% certainty that James Brown is my father according to Lab Corps. I have forwarded details to my family and friends. Thanks for all your support.

DNA - Part I

Thank God! DNA will be collected on January 17th, 2014.  Check back for "DNA - Part II".

Mourning

Sadly, I just learned that my sister, La Rhonda Brown-Waller passed away at the end of December. My condolences to her daughters, family and friends. I am profoundly saddened by this; I wish that I had a chance to really know her and her family. Hopefully, I can still connect with my nieces and cultivate a sense of family. Unfortunately, it is difficult to stay in the loop while I am incarcerated, so I learned of this through my attorney. However, I do look forward to the day when we can all be a family. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. Peace.

Taste of Freedom (December 2013)

My taste of discretionary freedom ended in November the way it did and now, I will simply refocus and implement a new program. I am still in the same location and for that I am grateful because in the past, it has played out very differently. I was in the SHU for many years and that was disastrous. I do have some issues with post-traumatic disorder related to that stint and I need to address these and hopefully,  I can get a handle on them before for I parole for the final time. I am thoroughly ready to end my relationship with the CDCR and begin meeting the challenge of freedom. I pray that I have put all that boyish nonsense behind me and I will now function as a mature adult. So what have I learned?  I am not the man I used to be but I am not yet what I am to become and with that said, I love life, my family and my freedom and I cannot wait to get out and realize my dreams.

Employment

I am happy to report that I have a new job as a porter/janitor and now I work in the front of the prison, I went from being locked down in 2011 to having discretionary freedom. I am one step away from total freedom and luckily or by favor of God,  I've been afforded a great deal of trust to be in a such position now. I take pride in my work and my work ethic. I work hard, not for brownie points or as a 'buck dancer' but rather because it is therapeutic. And now, this is where I find my balance and for this, I fully embrace this blessing and opportunity.

Thanks for the book...

Recently, I received a book entitled "From Prison Gates to a Gated Estate" written by Robert W. Dixon. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I was very honored that local celebrity, Mark S. Allen (DJ and news anchor), here in Sacramento, thought of me and shared this book with me. I have also asked Mark if he would like to come to the prison and interview me about my active civil case in Aiken, SC regarding the settlement of my dad's estate.