Columbus, OH (January 2024) – The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF), in collaboration with the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), We Amplify Voices, and the ACLU of Ohio, is set to host a transformative day of events at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, OH. The program will shed light on the issues of reentry, navigating the justice system, and processing the trauma of being incarcerated. This event seeks to foster empathy, raise awareness, and inspire meaningful action toward systemic justice reform.
The day begins at 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM with a Reentry Simulation led by the Petey Greene Program—the largest provider of tutoring and college readiness programs for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in the U.S. This immersive simulation places participants in the shoes of individuals reintegrating into society after years of wrongful incarceration and provides valuable insights into the barriers to housing, employment, and support that people face after incarceration. Attendees will deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals. Free and open to the public with limited space. Register Here.
In the afternoon, the Ohio Justice Bus will be on-site to provide free legal assistance and resources. This mobile legal aid office serves rural and underserved communities across Ohio, addressing critical issues that impact financial stability, health, and safety. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with legal experts and learn about resources available to support individuals reentering society. OSBF Fellows, whose focus of this year is Reentry, will also be on hand to volunteer. Free and open for walk-ins. Learn more about the Ohio Justice Bus at www.ohiojusticefoundation.org/ohio-justice-bus.
In the evening at 7:30 PM, the OSBF and CAPA are thrilled to present The Lynched Among Us: A Stage Play about Wrongful Conviction, Reentry, Healing and Redemption. This compelling theatrical production by Voices of Injustice, directed by Al Cleveland, delves into real-life stories of six men from Greater Cleveland who were wrongfully convicted of serious crimes. Among these is the story of Alfred Cleveland, whose case recently gained national attention when it was featured on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
“The arts have the power to tell stories in fresh, often powerful ways, that can help bring new understandings to a community,” CAPA President & CEO Chad Whittington said. “CAPA is proud to be a partner in bringing this important work to Columbus.”
Cleveland, along with Benson Davis, John Edwards, and Lenworth Edwards, was wrongfully convicted of the 1991 murder of Marsha Blakely, despite no physical evidence linking the men to the crime. Their convictions relied heavily on the testimony of a key witness who later admitted to fabricating his account in exchange for a reward. In December 2024, Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson filed a motion for a new trial, acknowledging that the convictions were based on unreliable testimony. But later that month, a Lorain County judge denied the request to seek a new trial for Cleveland. They continue to weigh next steps.
Stories like Cleveland’s, as well as those of Michael Sutton, who spent 15 years in prison before his exoneration, and Charles Jackson, who served 27 years before his release, underscore the emotional and societal costs of wrongful convictions. These accounts highlight not only the trauma inflicted on individuals but also the resilience required to rebuild their lives and advocate for systemic change.
"This full day of programming is an important opportunity for attendees to better understand the lasting impacts of wrongful convictions, the challenges of reentry, and the experiences of those who have been through the justice system," said Sarah Skow, Board President of the Ohio State Bar Foundation. "The OSBF aims to spark meaningful conversations about how we can build a fairer, more equitable society and take action toward real reform."
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
- Reentry Simulation | 10:00 AM
- Ohio Justice Bus | 2:00 PM
- The Lynched Among Us | 7:30 PM
- Location: Lincoln Theatre, 769 E Long St, Columbus, OH
- Admission:
- Reentry Simulation: Free, limited spots. Register Here.
- Ohio Justice Bus – Free and open for walk-ins.
- $10 for The Lynched Among Us performance. Buy Tickets Here.
For more information or to register, please visit www.osbf.org/thelynchedamongus
"From the ACLU of Ohio's perspective, it is vitally important at this specific moment in history that we make it clear to those most likely to be crushed by an uncaring, often irresponsible, criminal legal system, that Constitutional civil rights and civil liberties still matter, and that our fight for justice, fairness, and equity — especially for incarcerated populations and those recently released — remains a top priority,” said Raphael Davis-Williams, Equity and Inclusion Director, ACLU of Ohio.
The event is made possible through collaboration with the ACLU of Ohio, We Amplify Voices, and the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA). Together, these organizations are dedicated to amplifying the voices of those impacted by systemic injustices and advancing justice reform.
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