Last night, Last Prisoner Project (LPP) brought together some of the most impactful gamechangers in the cannabis criminal justice movement to celebrate the org’s 5-Year Anniversary during its inaugural Journey to Justice Gala.
Taking place at Sony Hall in New York City, the night celebrated the impacted heroes of the cannabis industry, and all proceeds from the gala support LPP’s legal, policy and reentry services to ensure the longevity and sustainability of these programs. Each gala table was named after an LPP constituent, and each guest at that table was provided with badge sharing the story of the person their table represented. QR codes directed attendees to LPP’s reentry and family grant programs as well as a platform to make donations to the general commissary funds of those still imprisoned.
Following a cocktail hour that included a performance by Chris Johnson’s String Quartet and several hands-on activations including letter-writing to a cannabis prisoner, audio stories from those currently incarcerated and petitions to sign urging President Biden and Governors to grant cannabis clemency. Last Prisoner Project’s Director of Advocacy, Stephanie Shepard, welcomed guests and spoke about her deep personal relationship to the organization and the fight for justice. “I was convicted in New York so it’s full circle to be here supporting this cause, when I was supported by so many people in this room,” said Stephanie Shepard.
Last Prisoner Project’s Executive Director and Co-Founding Member Sarah Gersten introduced multinational law firm Goodwin, whose partnership with LPP is part of the Cannabis Justice Initiative (CJI) – provides pro bono legal representation to individuals incarcerated under unduly harsh cannabis laws nationwide. “I’m so proud to say that our CJI has represented over 300 clients and reduced over 100 years of prison time for our constituents. We’ve granted relief to people who would have died in prison. Many of whom are here tonight,” said Gersten. One of those individuals is Andy Cox, who was serving a life sentence for cannabis, and was released early as part of CJI. In a moving speech, Cox said “If it weren’t for LPP and Goodwin, I would still be sitting in a dark and lonely federal prison cell. I was sentenced to life, and today I’m overly grateful to those who helped me reclaim my life.”
NFL hall of famer for the Detroit Lions, Calvin “Megatron” Johnson, introduced fellow Michigander Michael Thompson, who spent more than two decades behind bars for a nonviolent cannabis sale, and was granted clemency in 2021 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer following national support from Last Prisoner Project as well as notable celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Chelsea Handler, Shaun King and many more. “Thank you to the Last Prisoner Project for supporting me and honoring me tonight,” said Thompson. “They are true fighters. All you gotta do is care, all you gotta do is care.”
LPP’s Managing Director and Co-Founding Member Mary Bailey took to the stage to honor LPP constituent Richard DeLisi, who was one of the longest-serving nonviolent cannabis prisoners in United States history, serving 32 years. LPP played a pivotal role in DeLisi’s 2020 release and since then, the DeLisi family has impacted individuals across the globe through their cannabis brand, DeLisioso, shining a much-needed light on family members affected by the incarceration of their loved ones and contributing resources required to free nonviolent cannabis prisoners around the world. A portion of the proceeds raised by Delisioso have been generously donated to LPP and other orgs to benefit cannabis prisoners and the efforts to release them. “I will never forget the feeling of watching a family reunite after 32 years. It’s such an honor for me to be a champion and a cheerleader for these individuals and to know that strangers around the world are helping them too,” said Bailey.
The premier sponsor for the event was HBI International, established independent and international producers of the RAW® brand of plant-based rolling papers and innovative smoking accessories. In total, RAW has contributed $200,000 to LPP’s reentry grant program which has generated profound impacts on individuals who have recently been released from incarceration on cannabis-related charges.
A seasonal fare of braised short ribs, pecorino and pear stuffed chicken and vegetable ragu were served before Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined via video to offer a few words on the impact of Last Prisoner Project’s Pen to Right History campaign which challenges other governors and leaders across the country to use this pen, just as he did, to sign executive cannabis clemency orders in their own states.
JoJo Simmons (entertainer, entrepreneur and son of the legendary rapper Rev Run of Run DMC) presented Richeda Sinclair with an award for the work she’s done advocating for the release of her father, Ricardo Ashmeade, who is serving a mandatory 22-year minimum prison sentence. As the face of the Pen to Right History campaign, Richeda is using her voice to advocate for her father and all of the individuals who are serving life sentences in federal prisons nationwide for a plant that’s being legalized and decriminalized all over the country. Following Richeda’s recognition, she received a surprise, prison voice recording from her father who praised her hard work, perseverance, spirit and determination. Richeda hopes that President Biden will grant her father clemency so that he can attend her law school graduation next year after missing so many other milestone moments in her life.
Last Prisoner Project Advocacy Associate Donte West generated a particularly powerful moment while honoring his prison bunkmate Kyle Page, whose journey from incarceration to advocacy is a story of resilience and transformation. Both Donte and Kyle are embodying the fight for freedom and justice by using their voices and experiences to inspire and mobilize others which includes advocating for the release of those who were incarcerated with them including Antonio Wyatt and Deshaun Durham.
The evening’s programming came to a close with a lively paddle raise, led by the night’s emcee, comedian Guy Torry, followed by one of the biggest surprises of the night when Fab 5 Freddy introduced Damian & Stephen Marley who took to the stage to perform an unforgettable, acoustic medley of songs including “Medication” and a tribute to their father, Bob Marley, with “Get Up, Stand Up.” By the end of their performance, everyone was on their feet for LPP Board Member Mutulu “M-1” Olugbala & Umi of dead prez who performed their hit song “Hip-Hop.” Keith Shocklee of legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy brought the successful gala to a close with an epic DJ set that had guests dancing into the night – the perfect end to a remarkable, powerful celebration of the Last Prisoner Project’s five years of impactful work.
Among the hundreds of LPP supporters to attend were Kevin Ogletree, Eddie Osefo, Ben Cohen, Brett Heyman, Joseph “Champelli” Rutherford, Vlad Bautista and many more. Those who couldn’t attend the event can still join the fight to advance the work of LPP by visiting www.lastprisonerproject.org and by getting involved in on-going initiatives such as the #Countdown4Clemency Campaign which creates urgency for President Biden to free people incarcerated for cannabis before the end of his term. For more information, please PRESS HERE.
ABOUT LAST PRISONER PROJECT:
The Last Prisoner Project is dedicated to freeing those incarcerated due to the War on Drugs, reuniting their families, and helping them rebuild their lives. As laws change, there remains a fundamental injustice for individuals whose conviction is no longer a crime. We work to repair these harms through legal intervention, constituent support, direct advocacy, and policy change. Text FREEDOM to 24365 to learn more.
