Kevin Richardson served six years in a youth correctional facility before being released. He is now an advocate for criminal justice and tries to bring attention to his injustice and story.
Antron McCray also served six years before being released. He now lives a very personal and quiet life in Georgia with his family. Though he is still mad about the injustice he was given, he is also mad at his dad for making him falsely confess to the police.
Raymond Santana served six years before being released. He now lives with his daughter in Georgia and has created a clothing company that was inspired by the Central Park 5.
Yusef Salaam ended up serving more than six years in a youth correctional facility as well. He lives in Georgia with his family and is a poet, public speaker, and advocate for criminal justice reform. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Barack Obama in 2016.
Korey Wise ended up serving twelve years in adult prison since he was charged as an adult during his trial. He lives in New York City, the only of the five that stayed in New York, and now works as a public speaker and criminal justice reform advocate.
I think that it is amazing that all five of them didn't let their injustice ruin the rest of their lives. They were obviously treated unfairly, but they put that anger towards something important, like informing others about their situation. This documentary was definitely the hardest one to watch because these innocent men were suspected of a crime they didn't commit. However, it went so far that they had to experience the horrible things that happen in jail. If the cops had done their jobs in the first place and not discriminated against blacks, they would never have been there in the first place. Just because of their looks and the coincidence of being in that location, they will forever be charged with a crime they didn't commit. That is truly heartbreaking, but I am glad that they are using their story to their advantage.
ReplyDeleteWhat these men had to endure is something that was difficult to witness, but it's also important that it has been brought to our attention because people of color are still being oppressed within the criminal justice system. Despite the adversity that the Central Park Five had to face, it's admiring to see how they are using their experiences to speak out and advocate for those who don't have a voice. It's important that we spread awareness about this issue so that real changes can be made to the criminal justice system; rather than cases, like that of these men, just being overlooked and belittled.
ReplyDelete