Clifton Jones has been in prison for 25 years for a mistake he made when he was 18. He and some friends robbed a KFC for a little extra cash to party with on his 18th birthday. One of the friends worked there. Nobody was injured. None of the friends were convicted. Clifton was given life in prison.
I met Clifton, who everyone calls 2-Tall, when I taught memoir writing in prison. 2-Tall was one of my favorite students: honest, vulnerable, intelligent, and respectful. For the last two years, I've been emailing 2-Tall as well as 10 former students through the prison email system. Our correspondence includes essay edits, daily chit chat, and pep talks. I look forward to their emails and have enjoyed getting to know the men who have been seriously impacted by a racially and economically biased justice system.
When I heard about 2-Tall's recent denial from the court regarding the resentencing in 2013, I felt compelled to help. I called an attorney who believes a higher court will honor the 2013 sentence of 11-18 years (or time served). There is a good chance 2-Tall will get free if only we can raise enough money to pay a great attorney who will fight for my friend. If we do nothing, 2-Tall will be in prison for the rest of his life.
UPDATE: With your generous donations, 2-Tall was able to hire an attorney who appealed his illegal sentence but was ultimately denied. 2-Tall is currently working with another attorney who believes 2-Tall has suffered a manifest injustice and is actively working for his freedom. Your funds will help support the cause and are greatly appreciated.
Please help me raise the funds necessary to give 2-Tall a chance at freedom. To donate please click here.
Writing Class Radio
Writing Class Radio is a podcast of a writing class. It is for people who love stories and who get inspired by hearing other people tell their stories and who want to learn a little bit about how to write their own stories.
There's no better way to understand ourselves and each other than by writing and telling our stories.
