Richard Miles was wrongfully convicted at 19 and spent 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. In this episode of Making Black History Today, Richard shares his journey from wrongful conviction to exoneration and how he leads criminal justice reform through Miles of Freedom, his Dallas nonprofit fighting mass incarceration.
Hear about Richard Miles wrongful imprisonment, the 15-year battle for exoneration, systemic failures that led to his conviction, and how he transformed injustice into a movement for criminal justice reform. This conversation covers the 13th Amendment connection to mass incarceration, prison dehumanization, confronting his prosecutor, and advocacy creating change for Black communities destroyed by wrongful convictions.
LISTEN IF YOU:
- Want to understand how wrongful convictions happen
- Are interested in criminal justice reform and mass incarceration
- Need inspiration from resilience and exoneration stories
- Care about the 13th Amendment and systemic racism
- Support organizations fighting for wrongfully convicted people
- Study law, social justice, or criminal justice
WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:
Richard Miles reveals the moment his life changed when wrongfully arrested at 19, the flawed photo lineup that led to conviction, what 15 years wrongful imprisonment does to a person, and how he survived prison while maintaining innocence. He discusses the 13th Amendment role in mass incarceration, Joyce Ann Brown influence on his journey, confronting the prosecutor who convicted him, and why he founded Miles of Freedom.
COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
- How do wrongful convictions happen in America?
- What is the 13th Amendment connection to mass incarceration?
- How do people survive 15 years wrongful imprisonment?
- What happens after exoneration?
- What is Miles of Freedom?
KEY MOMENTS:
00:47 - Meet Richard Miles
03:00 - The Wrongful Arrest
06:51 - Flawed Photo Lineup
16:24 - Surviving 15 Years Prison
21:58 - 13th Amendment and Mass Incarceration
27:13 - Joyce Ann Brown Mentorship
33:35 - Craig Watkins Dallas DA
39:13 - Confronting the Prosecutor
01:04:00 - Miles of Freedom Legacy
01:15:00 - Healing After 15 Years
Essential for criminal justice reform advocates, wrongfully convicted individuals and families, law students, social justice organizers, educators, reentry program supporters, and Black communities impacted by over-policing.
ABOUT MAKING BLACK HISTORY TODAY:
Bi-weekly podcast amplifying Black voices in social justice, activism, leadership, business, sports, arts, and culture. New episodes every other Thursday featuring exonerees, activists, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and trailblazers.
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ALSO LISTEN:
- Dean Felecia Epps: Marine to Law Dean
- Albert Black Jr: Black Economic Power
- Michelle Carter: Olympic Gold Overcoming Dyslexia
CONNECT MILES OF FREEDOM: milesoffreedom.org
CONNECT US:
Instagram: @MakingBlackHistoryToday
TikTok: @makingblackhistorytoday
Website: makingblackhistorytoday.com
KEYWORDS: Wrongful Conviction, Richard Miles, Exoneration, Criminal Justice Reform, Mass Incarceration, 13th Amendment, Miles of Freedom, Wrongfully Imprisoned, Dallas Justice, Prosecutorial Misconduct, Joyce Ann Brown, Craig Watkins, Prison Reform, Innocence Project, Systemic Racism, Reentry Programs, Social Justice
