I AM Campaign Panel Discussion

Group of hands over eachother on the left, and chalk picture of a person standing on an arrow with other arrows going in various directions upwards.

Join us for a panel discussion with our formerly incarcerated interviewees and the families of our currently incarcerated interviewees.

What is the “I AM” Campaign?
In New York, thousands of people are serving a sentence where parole is their only chance for a life outside of prison. However, parole is often denied decades later because of the underlying crime, despite demonstrated rehabilitation. The “I AM” Campaign shares the stories of formerly incarcerated people doing great works in the community and currently incarcerated people who strive to bring their good works from correctional facilities to the greater community.

Speakers

Walter Ball: Walter Ball spent over 23 years incarcerated before finally being granted parole. While incarcerated, Walter co-founded a community-based youth mentoring program called “Change Comes From Within” and has been a strong advocate against gun violence in the community.
Thomas Gant: Thomas Gant spent over 23 years incarcerated before his parole release. He is now a Community Organizer for Center for Community Alternative and continues to advocate for those directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
Donna Robinson: Donna Robinson is a community organizer for Releasing Aging People in Prison and is the mother of a currently incarcerated woman named Al-Shariyfa “Missy” Robinson. Missy has been incarcerated for seven years and will not be eligible for parole until 2030, when she is 55 years old.
George Schreier: George Schreier is the father of a formerly incarcerated individual and a retired Corrections Sergeant. His unwavering support through 12 years of parole denials helped his son through incarceration until he could finally welcome him home.