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

Stephen Post • Sep 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:

Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Facebook


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

linda@presshereproductions.com, katie@pressherepublicity.com 


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The Unacceptable Reality of Over 200,000 Cannabis Arrests in 2023

By Stephen Post • 26 Sep, 2024
READ MORE ABOUT THIS STORY IN FILTER MAG Despite ongoing momentum for cannabis legalization, new FBI data highlights a sobering truth: over 200,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession in 2023. At the Last Prisoner Project, we fight daily to end this unjust criminalization, yet this data shows we still have a long way to go. The latest FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data reveals an estimated 200,306 arrests for cannabis possession last year, while arrests for marijuana sales and manufacturing totaled 16,844. Even in states where marijuana has been legalized, nearly 28,000 arrests were made. This is a stark reminder that legalizing cannabis is only one part of the battle—we must also ensure that law enforcement stops criminalizing people for cannabis-related offenses. The racial disparities remain glaring. Black Americans, who represent just 14% of the population, made up 41% of marijuana possession arrests, a staggering increase in disparity from 2013. This over-policing is a devastating reminder that the War on Drugs disproportionately impacts communities of color, perpetuating cycles of incarceration, poverty, and injustice. It's important to recognize, however, that the FBI data is deeply flawed and likely underestimates the true scale of the harm. Due to inconsistencies in data reporting, shifting methodologies, and incomplete participation from law enforcement agencies, the full scope of marijuana-related arrests remains unclear. Some states report cannabis citations as arrests, while others do not, skewing the numbers. Furthermore, many local agencies are not required to report arrests at all. These gaps mean the harms of marijuana prohibition—and the communities devastated by these policies—are likely even more extensive than the FBI data suggests. States with the harshest enforcement, like Texas and Louisiana, saw tens of thousands of arrests, but even states with legalization are not immune. There remains a lack of uniformity in criminal record-keeping, with many individuals still being charged for cannabis-related offenses under broad and outdated drug laws. These arrests have life-altering consequences. A criminal record for marijuana possession can affect a person’s ability to access jobs, housing, and educational opportunities, further entrenching systemic inequities. At the Last Prisoner Project, we know that ending the arrest of cannabis consumers is not enough. We must work toward clemency, expungement, and meaningful criminal justice reform to repair the damage caused by decades of prohibition. We won’t stop until every cannabis prisoner is free, and every community affected by the War on Drugs has a fair chance at justice and healing. Join us in the fight for cannabis justice. Urge your governor to release those in prison for cannabis in your state and tell President Biden to grant cannabis clemency before it is too late! Learn more about the #Countdown4Clemency at www.cannabisclemency.org !

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

By Stephen Post • 25 Sep, 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

LA Appeals Court Affirms Kevin Allen's 35-Year Sentence for Cannabis is "Not Excessive"

By Stephen Post • 19 Sep, 2024
Kevin Allen’s case has been a stark example of how outdated drug laws can continue to impact individuals long after public opinion and legislation have evolved. Recently, the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal ruled that Allen’s 35-year sentence for selling $20 worth of marijuana was “not excessive,” affirming his lengthy incarceration for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses. In 2014, Allen was convicted of selling just $20 worth of cannabis to a confidential informant in two separate transactions. Despite the minor nature of the offense, Louisiana’s habitual offender statutes and Allen’s previous nonviolent drug convictions allowed the court to initially sentence him to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This severe sentence was handed down despite the fact that none of Allen’s prior offenses involved violence. In 2022, the Louisiana Supreme Court intervened, vacating his life sentence and ordering the lower court to impose a punishment that was not constitutionally excessive. This led to a 35-year sentence being handed down, which was still viewed by advocates as overly punitive for a nonviolent offense involving such a small amount of cannabis. Allen’s supporters, including groups like the Last Prisoner Project, continue to argue that this sentence remains excessive given the nonviolent nature of his offense and the ongoing decriminalization of marijuana across many parts of the country, including parts of Louisiana. Unfortunately, the appeals court upheld the 35-year sentence, emphasizing that although Allen’s crimes were nonviolent, they involved drugs, which the court viewed as contributing to broader societal harm. This ruling disregarded Allen’s personal history, including his strong family ties, lack of violent conduct, and the numerous changes in marijuana legislation since his conviction. While the court stated it had complied with Louisiana’s sentencing guidelines under Article 894.1, many of Allen’s advocates believe that his personal circumstances and the nature of the offense were not given the appropriate weight. Allen’s case has drawn attention to the broader issues within the criminal justice system, where nonviolent offenders, particularly those caught up in the "War on Drugs," continue to face disproportionate sentences under habitual offender laws. As it stands, Kevin Allen remains incarcerated for what many see as a relic of a bygone era in drug enforcement. While the legal system has moved in some areas toward a more equitable approach to cannabis-related offenses, for Kevin Allen, that shift remains elusive. His case continues to be a rallying point for those advocating for justice in nonviolent drug offenses, particularly as more states decriminalize or legalize cannabis. For Allen and others like him, the fight for a more just outcome is far from over. We remain committed to pushing for sentencing reform and clemency in the hopes that one day, justice will truly reflect the severity of the offense—rather than the heavy-handed statutes of the past. We have already been working with Kevin's attorneys to appeal this decision and have his case reviewed by the Louisiana Supreme Court again.
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