This is one of the most inspiring and uplifting shows I have ever done. Artist Ndume Olatushani, 56 years old, spent 28 years in prison, 20 of which on death row, for a crime he did not commit. It took him, his wife Anne-Marie, and his lawyer David Herrington 20 years to set him free. When it appeared that new evidence would be able to prove his innocence, Tennessean judicial authorities offered him an Alford plea: if Ndume renounced to be formally exonerated, he could walk out right away. If not, he would stay in prison during litigation, likely for years. Ndume took the plea.

As a result, he’s been a free man since June 2012. But in the books, he is still considered a felon. Ndume lost his right for compensation, he has no right to vote, the jury and prosecutors who wrongfully convicted him will never have to confront their mistakes. And the real perpetrator never faced justice.

Ndume Olatushani's Artist Statement

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