Reintegrating into society after serving time in prison can be a challenging journey, but a groundbreaking apprenticeship program is providing new opportunities for those seeking a fresh start.
Located at the Western Reception, Diagnostic, and Correctional Center, this innovative tattoo apprenticeship program is the first of its kind in the United States. Launched in 2023 by local tattoo artist Alex Bonebrake, the initiative gives incarcerated individuals the chance to earn a Missouri tattoo license while serving their sentences.
For participants like Xavier Cruz, who has been incarcerated since 2018, the program offers a lifeline to a brighter future. Now 23, Cruz has obtained his tattooing license, gaining a valuable skill that will help him build a career after his release.
Other inmates, such as Ron Plunkett and Hershell Kirkman IV, are currently apprentices in the program. They recognize the opportunity to transform their lives once they complete their sentences, with a clear path toward a profession upon reentry into society.
The program is selective, accepting only individuals with good behavior records and artistic talent. It creates a secure environment where participants can learn the craft and earn their tattoo licenses.
In addition to offering skills and a second chance at life, the program addresses a key issue in prison culture—tattoo safety. Tattoos are a prominent part of prison life, but for years, they’ve been associated with health risks. This program ensures safety by requiring that all participants pass medical testing before tattooing. It allows inmates to receive tattoos in a controlled, sanitary environment, making the process safer for everyone involved.
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