Dear Friends,
Last year ended on an impossibly high note, when New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the first of his clemency grants. He commuted the prison terms of three women who had served decades behind bars and are now finally home with their families and communities. He also pardoned 33 others. I am deeply honored to play a small role in this historic process as a member of the NJ Clemency Advisory Board (pictured below). As the Governor pledged, this is just the beginning. Look out for more clemency grants as the year unfolds.
In other wins against injustice, President Biden commuted the death sentences of all but three people on federal death row. And in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper commuted the sentences of 15 men from death row, reducing his state’s death row population by 10%. I am thrilled.
But I also have to confess to a somewhat unpopular opinion. I wish they had cleared their respective death rows entirely. If the death penalty is wrong, as I believe it is, then it is wrong for all, even for people who committed heinous and horrific crimes.
Last year also brought long-awaited justice for 139 innocent men and women, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.
One exoneree was Ricky Webb. Ricky was released in October at the age of 70 after spending 45 years, 11 months and 10 days in custody from the date of his first wrongful conviction.
Welcome home to Ricky and the 138 other innocent people who were exonerated from their wrongful convictions in the last year. If you’d like to support Ricky as he begins to rebuild his life, you can donate here.
The new year also brings new podcast episodes.
Last week I spoke with Dina Windle, who survived a violent sexual assault by a stranger and found her way to forgiveness, strength, and power. Thank you to Dina for sharing her story, which even in the face of unthinkable horror is rooted in hopefulness and compassion. I hope you’ll give this moving episode a listen.
In the last week, we’ve all watched in sorrow as California burns. Over 900 incarcerated people are working to help douse the LA blazes. These (mostly) men are part of California’s conservation fire camp program and add a much-needed boost to under-resourced fire teams. Despite the dangers faced by these firefighter prisoners, they earn a maximum of $10.24 for an entire day’s work, plus an extra dollar an hour in case of emergencies. Upon their release, most cannot be hired as firefighters because of their criminal records. Perhaps these folks will one day get a second chance that reflects their service and their capacity to make a difference in the community. You can sign a petition arguing for just that here.
In one week, our new leaders will be sworn into office, and new national policies will begin to take shape. There may be opportunities for impact on the national stage, but I’ll also be looking for opportunities to support local efforts. If you didn’t get a chance to read my action item list for 2025, take a look and let’s stand together.
Here’s to 2025. May it be a year of connection, inspiration, and possibilities.
Stay safe and well,
Jessica