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Here’s what happened at the Innocence Project in August.
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 Albert Woodfox at Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, Feb.
2021. (Image: William Widmer for the Innocence Project)
R.I.P. to Our Fiercest Fighter, Albert Woodfox
In 2016, Albert Woodfox was finally freed after spending nearly 45 years in prison — almost all of which he spent in solitary confinement — for a crime he didn’t commit. After just six years of freedom, Albert passed away on Aug. 4, from complications related to COVID-19 at the age of 75. It’s widely reported that Albert served the longest period in solitary confinement of any person in the United States, yet he emerged from prison an activist whose spirit remained unbroken. In an interview with the Innocence Project’s Digital Engagement Director Alicia Maule he said, “It never ever came close to breaking my spirit. And that's what solitary confinement is designed for.” Please take a moment to read more of the interview
with the brilliant Albert Woodfox, and learn more about his journey by purchasing his book “Solitary”.
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 Chronicling a Powerful Legacy of Justice Work
The History of the Innocence Project
In celebration of our 30th birthday, we created a timeline chronicling the legacy of the Innocence Project. It’s a detailed telling of the last 30 years of our work, covering everything from our very first days, to some of our biggest wins, to groundbreaking discoveries in forensic science. Please, join the celebration by exploring some of the most significant moments in our 30-year history, then spread the word by sharing our timeline on social media with your friends.
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 Former NBA player Bill Russell waves
to the crowd during the NBA All Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, in New Orleans. (Image: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Remembering Bill Russell
The Innocence Project was sad to hear of NBA legend and activist Bill Russell’s passing earlier this month. Bill helped revolutionize the game of basketball, while also using his platform as a star to fight back against racism and inequality. He made history as the first Black head coach in a major U.S. professional sport when he accepted the role of head coach of the Boston Celtics in 1966. The Innocence Project and Innocence Network have been extraordinarily fortunate to have a close relationship with the NBA Coaches Association and the NBA. “A great soul has passed, but his legacy, thankfully, is very much alive,” said Innocence Project Co-founder Barry Scheck, who counts himself lucky to have spent time with Bill. Read more from
Barry about Bill’s life, legacy, and the personal impact Bill had on him.
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 Join us for a special night to mark 30 years of the Innocence Project’s work and a conversation about the path to racial
justice.
Rise Up: The Pursuit of Racial Justice in America's Criminal Legal System
Join us on Sept. 23 in New York City for a special night to mark 30 years of the Innocence Project’s work and a conversation about the path to racial justice. Two of the country’s most brilliant legal minds, Innocence Project Executive Director Christina Swarns and attorney and activist Jeffery Robinson will be holding a discussion on the role of racism in our nation’s criminal legal system. Space is limited, so please RSVP now to reserve your seat.
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 We're hiring!
Want to Work With Us?
Here at the Innocence Project, we work every day to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Right now, we’re hiring for several crucial roles at the Innocence Project. Take a look at our available positions, and if you or someone you know would be a good fit, apply today!
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 Paul Hildwin walking out of Hernando County jail on March 9, 2020 greeted by Kate O'Shea (left), investigator, and Lyann Goudie (right) of Goudie & Kohn, P.A. (Image: Anthony Scott/Florida Innocence Project)
Help Paul Hildwin in His Fight to Beat Cancer
In 1986, Paul Hildwin was wrongly convicted of murder and sexual assault in Florida. He spent 35 years in prison, including 29 years on death row, for a crime he did not commit until finally getting out in 2020. While incarcerated, Paul was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He fought and overcame this cancer four times while in prison. Sadly, Paul’s cancer has now returned a fifth time, and because of his health, he’s not able to work. Will you help Paul out while he fights cancer by making a donation to his personal fundraiser?
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Exonerations Around the U.S.
California Innocence Project, Exoneration Project, and Illinois Innocence Project client Marilyn Mulero was exonerated on Aug. 9, 2022, after serving 28 years; Exoneration Project client Alfredo Gonzalez was exonerated on Aug. 9, 2022, after serving 32 year; Exoneration Project client Gamalier Burgos was exonerated on Aug, 16, 2022, after serving 22 year; Innocence Project New Orleans client Cedric Dent was exonerated on Aug. 8, 2022, after serving 24 years; Michigan Innocence Clinic client Mark Craighead was exonerated on Aug. 5, 2022, after serving seven years.
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