"That was one of the most powerful and emotional programs offered through AAWGT. I will never forget the impact of the Innocence Project and I am glad to know what I can do."

"Thanks for making this event happen. We are grateful for their courage and the work they do to protect the innocent. Very moving and eye-opening."

AAWGT held its third education event of the year, "The Innocence Project: Causes of and Solutions to Wrongful Incarceration." Our panelists were Robyn Trent Jefferson, the Innocence Project; Michelle Murphy, who was exonerated due to the work of the Innocence Project; and Lisa Woodward Lunt, a former public defender who now teaches hundreds of federal public defenders and court-appointed panel lawyers. Moderating was Carl Snowden, convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders in Anne Arundel County.

Ms. Murphy's testimony was especially moving as she described the effects of being wrongfully convicted of the murder of her son, and her long-awaited reunion with her daughter.

Since its inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advances to prove that a conviction was wrongful. To date, they have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people, who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars.

If you are interested in learning more, click here to go the Events Summary page of this website. Under the June 8 drop-down, you will see links to relevant organizations.