“Wounded, but not broken”
Today, this mantra I have carried with me since my exoneration in 2018 feels more appropriate than ever. It rings louder in my mind under the heavy weight of recent events. Black communities have long had to endure the injustice and inequities of our society, and rise up against systems of racism and oppression, in particular in the criminal legal system. While many may think slavery is a relic from the past, it is no stretch to liken the years exonerees spent behind prison walls to modern day slavery, where disenfranchised people are taken from the community and entrapped by the exception clause of the 13th amendment.
It is clear we still have a long way to go. But as we continue this work together, fighting against wrongful convictions and helping exonerees process the trauma of long-term incarceration, I am emboldened by the spirit of the freedom fighters who came before us. I am inspired by the progress I have seen as we shine light on these devastating injustices and how the power of the movement, gaining momentum like a tidal wave, feels undeniable and, I believe, unstoppable.
As Director of the Exoneree Network, when freedom does come, while joyous, my work truly begins. There is no existing infrastructure in place to assist an innocent person who has been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a crime they didn’t commit. Exonerees have to rebuild and repair from almost nothing.
I’ve been involved with the Exoneree Network before the Exoneree Network even had a name. It was simply the desire of three people who were wrongfully imprisoned to help others who are coming home. We want to remind them that they may be wounded, but they are not broken, and there is a supportive community here for them. To see how far the Exoneree Network has come, even in the last year – from formalizing the programming, to building a staff, to watching exonerees and freed people secure housing, get their driver’s license, have access to a smartphone and laptop – has all been very exciting for me.
As an exoneree myself, we draw on the strength and acceptance of not only the exoneree community, but the connection to the larger NEIP community as well, even those we have never seen or met before. It is clear we want to see each other win, to see each other grow, and to be successful. It is just something you feel. I want everyone to know that their support is truly impacting someone’s life and someone’s spirit every day, at a time when they need it most. Imagine that?
I have high expectations for our work in 2023. It is essential that we continue fighting systems that perpetuate harm and injustice and amplifying the stories of those directly impacted. I am thankful for all of you for being bold and brave, and joining us in the fight. Thank you for standing with us. It means everything.
1035 Cambridge Street, Suite 28A
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 945-0762
Because no one should go to prison for a crime they did not commit
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