Diboll Correctional Center in Diboll, TX celebrated Black History Month by performing a play.

“We put on this play,” said resident, Frank Carson, “to let everyone know that change starts with self.”

Bishop M.E. Lyons, chaplain of the nearby Lufkin Police Department, attended the event.

“I just want to take out time to share with you the beauty in this program in this facility and how they empower and enable all of those who are here to express their creativity and what they have gifted inside of them.”

This play is but one way the facility encourages the growth of the residents. There are many programs and developmental opportunities.

Derrick Junior is the resident who wrote the play. “Since I’ve been at the Diboll Correctional facility,” he said, “I’ve taken classes such as Toastmasters. And inside of Toastmasters I was able to discover something inside of myself that I didn’t even know I had, which was the writing talent.”

“I know for a fact that I can go out and become a productive citizen in the world with the knowledge I’ve obtained and the skill set that I’ve accomplished in these programs.  I know for a fact that I can go out and be the person that I’ve never been.”

Brandon Curtis, another participant in the play, talked about his experience at the Diboll facility. “This unit for me has become a community, a brotherhood. We really care for one another. We’re here for one another. We encourage one another. I’ve been here for a little over two years, and when I first got here, there was a sign that said ‘BIONIC’, which stands for Believe It Or Not I Care, and it’s true. The staff is very professional, very friendly. And they treat you like you’re a human being.”

“This is a unit for change,” agrees Mr. Carson. “If you really desire change in your life, and you really want to make changes in your life, this is the unit to be on.”       

“I’d just like to appreciate the things that I’ve learned since I’ve been here at Diboll,” says Mr. Junior, “and I’m just looking forward to taking these talents on the other side of the gates.”