We were honored to host @danslepian and @freejonadrian at our new in-house Speaker Series. Their powerful stories shed light on the urgent need for criminal justice reform.

Dan’s book, The Sing Sing Files, is a gripping account of his two-decade crusade to free six innocent men wrongfully convicted of murder. Through meticulous research and unwavering advocacy, Dan uncovered systemic failures that led to these grave injustices. His narrative not only chronicles the harrowing experiences of the innocent but also delves into the emotional toll on their families and the activists fighting for their release. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful call to action.

JJ Velazquez’s journey intersects with Dan’s in a profound way. After being wrongfully convicted himself, JJ became a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, sharing his personal story to support others facing wrongful accusations. From within Sing Sing, JJ directed Dan to other innocent men, eventually leading to his own release in 2021 after serving decades in prison for a wrongful conviction. Together, Dan and JJ offer a firsthand look at the realities of the justice system, providing invaluable insights as both advocates and survivors.