Yusef Salaam, who served nearly seven years for a crime he did not commit as one of the since-exonerated "Central Park Five," will discuss his story and the need for justice reform at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. His virtual talk is part of the college's I Am Oz Diversity Speaker Series.
Salaam was just 15 when he was tried and convicted in the “Central Park Jogger” sexual assault case along with four other Black and Latinx young men. The Exonerated Five spent between seven to 13 years behind bars, until their sentences were overturned by DNA evidence and a confession by the real perpetrator in 2002. Since then, they have received a multi-million dollar settlement from the city of New York for its injustice and have been profiled in award-winning films, including "The Central Park Five" documentary from Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon, and most recently the Emmy-Award-winning Netflix limited series "When They See Us," written and directed by Ava DuVernay with Oprah Winfrey and Robert DuVal among the producers.
Over the past two decades, Salaam has become a family man, father, poet, activist and inspirational speaker. He continues to utilize his platform to share his story with others and educate the public about the impact of mass incarceration and police brutality. He regularly advocates for criminal justice reform, prison reform and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement and capital punishment, specifically restoring “humanity” of those incarcerated and those trodden down by the justice system.
Salaam received a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama in 2016, and more recently has shared his story and stance on current issues on CNN, MSNBC, Revolt TV, NPR Atlanta, Fox and more. He also is a board member for the Innoncence Project.
Celinet Duran of SUNY Oswego's criminal justice faculty will serve as moderator for the talk.
Online registration is open for this free event.