Last Prisoner Project Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary with Inaugural Journey to Justice Gala

Stephen Post • September 25, 2024

Honoring Impacted Heroes of the War on Drugs Including Stephanie

Shepard, Andy Cox, Michael Thompson, Richard DeLisi, Richeda Sinclair,

Kyle Page & Donte West


Hosted by Comedian Guy Torry with Performances by M-1 & Umi of dead

prez, Keith Shocklee of Public Enemy PLUS a Surprise Acoustic Set by

Damian & Stephen Marley


Presenters & Notable Attendees Included Calvin “Megatron” Johnson,

JoJo Simmons, Fab 5 Freddy, Kevin Ogletree, Eddie Osefo, Ben Cohen,

Brett Heyman and more


With Sponsors RAW®, Dutchie, Goodwin, Edie Parker, DeLisioso, Wana Brand

Foundation, Redemption Foundation, Primitiv, Ethos, iAnthus, Oaktree Solutions,

Nomad Strategies, Cultivated CBD, Ascend, The Travel Agency, Weedmaps, Rise, GTI,

PAX, 3isFOR, Jeeter and EVIDENCE


PRESS HERE to Download Photos from the Event

NEW YORK, NY – September 25, 2024 – 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. PRESS HERE to download photos from the evening.


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 our collaborative Pen to Right History campaign with McCann New York, 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. PRESS HERE to learn more.



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.


Follow Last Prisoner Project:

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For more information, please contact:
PRESS HERE
  Linda Carbone & Katie Leggett

linda@presshereproductions.com, katie@pressherepublicity.com 


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Cannabis Unity Coalition’s 4/20 Call to Action: Join the Unity Week of Action as We Return to Capitol Hill April 29th to May 1st

By Stephen Post • April 17, 2025
Thursday, April 17th (Washington D.C.) - As Americans across the country celebrate the 4/20 cannabis holiday this weekend, tens of thousands of people remain incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses, licensed cannabis businesses are struggling, community uplift funds are stalled, and the federal government's cannabis reclassification process is in limbo. Despite significant progress in cannabis legalization, with 24 states and Washington, D.C. legalizing adult-use cannabis, the fight for full legalization and retroactive relief is more urgent than ever. To mobilize the 70% of the public that supports legalization into political pressure, the Cannabis Unity Coalition, the largest bipartisan coalition of cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations, is mobilizing for the Cannabis Unity Week of Action , taking place April 29th - May 1st, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This multi-day event will unite advocates, impacted individuals, and industry leaders to pressure Congress and the Trump administration to fully legalize cannabis and implement retroactive relief measures for those affected by prohibition-era policies. The week will start on Tuesday with a congressional press conference in the morning followed by a welcome ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center starting at 2pm. Wednesday will be dedicated to our Lobby Day where attendees will meet with their elected officials on Capitol Hill to advocate for cannabis reform. Lastly, events will conclude Thursday evening with a Cannabis Freedom Rally outside the White House from 4-9pm to honor those still incarcerated for cannabis and demand their freedom via presidential clemency. As part of our 4/20 clemency campaign , Ben & Jerry’s will be joining the rally to serve free ice cream to help build awareness and mobilize grassroots efforts to demand clemency from governors across the country. The Cannabis Unity Coalition is made up of a broad array of advocate groups span across political boundaries and includes members of the Marijuana Justice Coalition (MJC) like Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Veterans Cannabis Coalition, and Parabola Center; members of the Cannabis Freedom Alliance (CFA) like the Reason Foundation and Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP); Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), which is a member of both coalitions; and industry groups like, National Craft Cannabis Coalition, National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), Asian Cannabis Roundtable, and National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL), Freedom Grow, Marijuana Justice, Doctors for Drug Policy Reform, United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), Supernova Women, Minorities for Medical Marijuana, DCMJ, Just Leadership USA (JLUSA), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Coalition for Drug Legalization and the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), Mission Green, Latinas in Cannabis, the Equity Trade Network, Cannademix, and Free My Weed Man. “False conservatives and cheerleaders for big government have, for decades, hidden behind the drug war as a justification for a government that’s so intrusive it can monitor whether peaceful people have a few grams of cannabis in their pocket.” Said Geoffrey Lawrence of the REASON foundation . “The PATRIOT Act equates marijuana users with terrorists and erects a massive surveillance state to spy on the financial transactions of every American, whether or not they smoke marijuana. And for what? Marijuana users are not inherently violent criminals and the federal government should have no role in the criminalization of this natural substance.” "Working people deserve a better deal when it comes to criminal justice reform, specifically in Cannabis," said Hugh Giordano, UFCW Labor Union Representative . "Working people can't afford legal costs when dealing the Cannabis offenses, which can lead to unfair sentencing and harm working communities." "Regardless of which party is in control of Congress and the White House, ending federal marijuana criminalization and repairing harms caused by it remains a top priority for the Drug Policy Alliance. As long as marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, communities of color and low-income people will continue to suffer the most through incarceration, family separation, and economic hardship due to marijuana arrests.” Said Maritza Perez, Director of Federal Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. “With federal marijuana legalization enjoying majority support across all political affiliations, efforts like the Cannabis Unity Week of Action that bring together groups from a variety of political ideologies should show Congress and the White House that ending federal marijuana prohibition is an issue everyone can get behind." Bill Levers, CEO of Freedom Grow, said, “Unity Day 2025 represents a long-overdue collective awakening. At Freedom Grow, we’ve dedicated years to uplifting the voices and lives of people still serving time for cannabis convictions—people forgotten by the system while the industry thrives. This day in Washington D.C. is about more than policy—it’s about people. It’s about showing lawmakers, and the nation, that there’s a unified, unstoppable force demanding not just the descheduling of cannabis, but true retroactive justice. When we stand united with all other prisoner outreach programs, we send a clear message: cannabis freedom isn’t freedom until it includes everyone—especially those who paid the highest price.” "The legal cannabis industry proudly provides adult consumers and medical patients with safe, lab-tested, high-quality products while supporting hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs and generating billions in tax revenue. Despite this progress, outdated federal prohibition policies continue to jeopardize public safety by preventing the legal industry from reaching its full potential to displace the illicit marijuana market — even as a supermajority of voters support federal reform.” Said Aaron Smith, Executive Director of the National Cannabis Industry Association . “We look forward to once again participating in this Unity Week of Action, standing with our partners and fellow advocates to call for a more equitable, compassionate, and sensible approach to federal cannabis policy." Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Last Prisoner Project said, "No matter who is in office we will not stop pushing for legalization until we finally end the war on our community. There are still hundreds of thousands of cannabis arrests every year and we will remind Congress that the vast majority of our country, and even 55% of republicans, support legalization. Now it’s on us to push congress to do the right thing, and that’s exactly what we intend to do this Unity Week.” As more organizations join our fight, individuals interested in attending Cannabis Unity Week can sign up for updates here . Additionally, if you have any questions, you can read this FAQ document or watch our recorded information session for more info. Those who can’t join us in D.C. can still participate virtually by contacting your federal representatives to #DecriminalizeNow, urging your governor to grant clemency to those in your state, and following along through livestream. Learn more and take action at LPP.la/CannabisUnityWeek . Press contact: Stephen Post LPP Communications Manager stephen@lastprisonerproejct.org

420 For Freedom: Last Prisoner Project and Ben & Jerry’s Call on Governors to Grant Cannabis Clemency

By Stephen Post • April 10, 2025
This 4/20, Last Prisoner Project (LPP) and Ben & Jerry’s are joining forces to urge governors across the country to grant clemency to those still incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. While millions of Americans now legally purchase and profit from cannabis, thousands will remain behind bars for nonviolent cannabis convictions. Through a nationwide digital campaign and on-the-ground events, Ben & Jerry’s and LPP are encouraging supporters to take direct action by signing petitions, contacting governors, and sharing stories of those unjustly imprisoned. Despite broad bipartisan support and growing momentum for legalization and retroactive relief, states with and without legalized adult-use cannabis continue to incarcerate individuals like Antonio Wyatt , who is behind bars in Kansas, and Robert Deals , who is still serving a lengthy sentence in Arizona. “It is unacceptable that while legal cannabis generates billions in tax revenue, states still incarcerate people like Antonio Wyatt and Robert Deals who are serving time for the same thing,” said Sarah Gersten, Executive Director of Last Prisoner Project . “Governors have the power to right this wrong, and we’re calling on them to act now.” The urgency behind this campaign is clear. States continue to enact and enforce outdated cannabis laws—Kansas still maintains full prohibition, while Arizona incarcerates individuals for cannabis-related offenses despite a booming legal market. Meanwhile, public support for clemency is overwhelming; an ACLU poll found that 84% of Americans favor releasing those still behind bars for cannabis offenses. Calls for governors to grant state-level clemency have only been answered by a few leaders like Maryland’s Wes Moore , while many others have failed to act, leaving justice delayed for those still incarcerated. As part of ground efforts, Ben & Jerry’s will be joining the Cannabis Unity Week of Action in D.C. from April 29th-May 1st, serving ice cream to build public awareness and mobilize grassroots efforts to demand clemency from governors like Katie Hobbs (AZ) and Laura Kelly (KS) . Ben & Jerry’s will also be joining LPP to scoop ice cream at PuffDao’s 4/20 Buds and Bites event at PleasureMed in West Hollywood, CA. Supporters can help make this a #420ForFreedom by taking the following actions: ✅ Send a letter to your governor urging for cannabis clemency ✅ Sign petitions and share stories for Antonio Wyatt (KS) and Robert Deals (AZ) ✅ Join the Cannabis Unity Week of Action ✅ Amplify the call for justice by sharing on socials with our #420ForFreedom toolkit ✅ Donate to support our constituents with direct financial support We are grateful for Ben & Jerry’s and all of our 420 For Freedom partners who are supporting us this year including Sunset Lake CBD , The Majority Report Radio , Vessel , Verdi , The Tea House , Dialed in Gummies , Buds Goods , WNC CBD , Jeeter , Counselle Collection , Tree House Cannabis , Ethos , Silver Therapeutics , North Atlantic Seed Co. , Releaf Center , The Peach Fuzz , Cats Luck Vegan , and Police and Thieves (POT) and more. For those interested in supporting our 4/20 efforts, you can learn more at lpp.la/420 . Media contact: Stephen Post Strategic Communications Manager, Last Prisoner Project stephen@lastprisonerproejct.org

LPP Recognizes Second Chance Month By Honoring Constituents and Fighting for Reentry Resources

By Stephen Post • April 1, 2025
In recognition of Second Chance Month, The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that individuals impacted by the criminal legal system receive the support they need to successfully reenter society. At LPP, reentry is at the core of our mission—providing resources, advocacy, and direct financial assistance to those returning home after incarceration for cannabis-related offenses. We would like to honor the amazing advocates and lawmakers who tirelessly working to offer second chances to our constituents who have been experienced injustice due to the war on drugs. Through strategic policy efforts, LPP has contributed to the clearing or pardoning of over 200,000 cannabis-related records, including Governor Wes Moore’s historic clemency action in Maryland, which impacted more than 150,000 people. LPP is proud to support key pieces of upcoming legislation that could propel this movement forward like the Reentry Act of 2025, which would allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to incarcerated individuals 30 days before their release, ensuring they have access to critical healthcare services. Additionally, we endorse the reauthorization of the Second Chance Act, which has provided essential funding for reentry services nationwide since 2008. We are grateful for the efforts of groups like Just Leadership USA and the Council for State Governments for leading advocacy on these bills. LPP's Executive Director, Sarah Gersten said, “At Last Prisoner Project, we believe that no one should be denied a second chance—especially those who were unjustly criminalized for cannabis. True justice means not just release, but real opportunities to rebuild. We call on lawmakers, businesses, and communities to join us in ensuring that every person impacted by cannabis prohibition has the resources and support they need to thrive.” In 2024 alone, LPP provided over $340,000 in reentry grants, contributing to over $3.5 million in direct financial assistance distributed since 2019. These funds play a critical role in easing the transition for those leaving incarceration, helping them cover essential expenses as they rebuild their lives. LPP has also assisted over 400 constituents directly through legal and constituent service programs, helping to eliminate more than 300 years of excessive sentences. Behind these numbers are real people—like Richard Delisi, Michael Thompson, and Kyle Page—who have turned their experiences into platforms for advocacy and entrepreneurship. The Michael Thompson Clemency Project continues to push for justice for those still incarcerated. Entrepreneurs like Kyle Page, Mario Ramos, Donte West, and Alicia Deals are building businesses that create opportunities for others affected by cannabis criminalization. Leaders like Stephanie Shepard, LPP’s Director of Advocacy, use their platforms to fight for lasting policy change. This Second Chance Month, we celebrate the resilience of our constituents and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every person impacted by cannabis prohibition has the opportunity to rebuild and thrive. Join us in advocating for policies like the Reentry Act of 2025 and the Second Chance Act reauthorization to create real pathways to justice and opportunity. By joining forces and advocating for meaningful change, we can pave the way for a society where everyone benefits from the opportunities and benefits of legal cannabis without fear of discrimination or injustice. Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Donate here to help support second chances for our constituents.