Hey John, I’m comedian Hari Kondabolu, and today I’m reaching out on behalf of the Innocence Project and their work to end wrongful convictions and fight the root causes of wrongful incarceration, like racial bias in the criminal legal system.

For me to be in your inbox asking you to make a donation to support the Innocence Project is something that would have surprised my younger self. 

I'm embarrassed to admit that even though I grew up in New York City, I, as a young person, didn't fully grasp how racial bias could negatively affect me, let alone others. However, after 9/11, I witnessed our government deporting and detaining people without due process — profiling and discriminating against people with little to no legal ramifications — and this changed the course of my life.

This realization led to my former career as an immigrant rights organizer and has driven my work today as a comedian and writer. I've used my comedy and my platform to highlight painful truths with hopes of contributing to positive change. That brings me to why I am sending you an email today.

Just a few months ago, we saw how Marcellus Williams was executed by the state of Missouri even though there was no credible evidence establishing that he committed the crime. Like you, I signed the petition, called Gov. Parson, and used my platform to share his story, and yet on Sept. 24, 2024, the state of Missouri executed him.

Time and time again, we’re seeing our criminal legal system fail innocent people. But the Innocence Project is committed to changing that. They’re working to correct wrongs, reunite families, and free innocent people. That’s why I’m asking you:

Will you join me in supporting the Innocence Project’s mission to free the innocent and prevent wrongful convictions? Right now, every dollar will be 2X-matched to help them reach their $300,000 end-of-year fundraising goal.

The Innocence Project is doing incredible, lifesaving work — from fighting to exonerate innocent people to helping pass laws and reforms that are transforming our unjust and racially biased criminal legal system. As an Innocence Project ambassador, I’m committed to doing everything I can to help them continue this important, life-changing work. 

Please, John, will you join me in helping the Innocence Project continue advancing the innocence movement by making a tax-deductible gift right now?

Thank you, 

Hari Kondabolu
Comedian, Activist and Innocence Ambassador