Last night, the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) celebrated its five-year anniversary in spectacular fashion at their inaugural Journey to Justice Gala, bringing together influential leaders, advocates, and gamechangers from across the cannabis industry to support criminal justice reform. Held at Sony Hall in New York City, the gala was a night of inspiration, commemoration, and reflection on the progress made in freeing those unjustly imprisoned for cannabis-related offenses.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Umi NiiLampti, Keith Shocklee, Mutulu “M-1” Olugbala, Arielle Palitz and guests attends Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
A Celebration of Impact
The evening was filled with meaningful moments, starting with a cocktail hour featuring music by Chris Johnson’s String Quartet. Guests also participated in several hands-on activities, including writing letters to incarcerated cannabis prisoners and signing petitions urging President Biden and state governors to grant cannabis clemency.
The program kicked off with remarks from Stephanie Shepard, LPP’s Director of Advocacy, who shared her personal journey of being convicted for cannabis in New York. “It’s full circle to be here today, supported by those who once fought for my freedom,” she expressed passionately, setting the tone for the night.
A Legacy of Legal Support
Sarah Gersten, Executive Director and Co-Founding Member of Last Prisoner Project, took the stage to introduce Goodwin, a multinational law firm, and key partner in LPP’s Cannabis Justice Initiative (CJI). This pro bono initiative has provided legal representation to over 300 incarcerated individuals, reducing sentences by more than 100 years. One of those beneficiaries, Andy Cox, moved the audience with his story of release after serving a life sentence for cannabis. “Without LPP, I’d still be in that prison cell,” Cox shared, highlighting the life-changing impact of the organization.
Honoring the Heroes
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Thompson and Calvin Johnson attend Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
The night continued with powerful tributes to those whose lives have been transformed by LPP’s efforts. NFL Hall of Famer Calvin “Megatron” Johnson introduced Michael Thompson, a Michigander who spent over two decades behind bars for a nonviolent cannabis offense. Thompson, granted clemency in 2021 with LPP’s support, emphasized the importance of caring for those still incarcerated.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Thompson attends Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
Mary Bailey, LPP’s Managing Director, honored Richard DeLisi, one of the longest-serving nonviolent cannabis prisoners in U.S. history, released after 32 years. His story, along with the continued work of his family’s cannabis brand DeLisioso, underscores the widespread impact of cannabis incarceration.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Jojo Simmons attends Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
JoJo Simmons, son of Rev Run from Run DMC, also took the stage to honor Richeda Sinclair for her tireless work advocating for the release of her father, Ricardo Ashmeade, who is currently serving a mandatory 22-year sentence for cannabis. As the face of LPP’s Pen to Right History campaign, Richeda continues to push for cannabis clemency, hoping her father will be freed in time for her law school graduation next year. JoJo’s tribute was followed by a surprise prison voice recording from Richeda’s father, praising her strength and dedication.
Unforgettable Performances and Uniting Voices
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Stephen Marley and Damian Marley perform onstage at Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
The night reached a powerful crescendo with performances from Damian and Stephen Marley, who delivered a moving acoustic set. The Marleys performed their hit song “Medication”, followed by a tribute to their legendary father, Bob Marley, with “Get Up, Stand Up”.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Mutulu “M-1” Olugbala, Fab 5 Freddy, and Umi NiiLampti attend Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
The audience was electrified, ending the night on their feet as dead prez performed their iconic track, “Hip-Hop.” Fab 5 Freddy added to the star-studded event, introducing the Marley brothers and celebrating the impact LPP has had over the years.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Kyle Page and Donte West attend Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
Donte West, LPP’s Advocacy Associate, also shared his personal connection to the mission, honoring his former prison bunkmate Kyle Page. West spoke about their shared journey from incarceration to advocacy, calling for the release of others like Antonio Wyatt and Deshaun Durham, who are still serving sentences for cannabis-related charges.
A Call to Action
Although the gala has ended, the work of LPP is far from over. Those unable to attend are encouraged to get involved by visiting lastprisonerproject.org. Supporters can participate in ongoing initiatives like the #Countdown4Clemency Campaign, which aims to create urgency for President Biden to free those incarcerated for cannabis offenses before his term ends.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Vlad Bautista (L) attends Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
The Last Prisoner Project’s Journey to Justice Gala was a powerful reminder of the strength in unity, the importance of justice, and the collective responsibility to fight for freedom. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, LPP’s work ensures that the fight for justice remains at the forefront.
