Wronfully Convicted

 We've seen many ceremonies where those are awarded medals of honor for acts of valor; acts of courage; acts of bravery; humanitarian efforts and commendable leadership. On a local level, we see awards/medals given for community activism; volunteer works; charity; sportsmanship and etc. In the modern era, we disgustingly continue to witness hundreds of black and brown men stand before public podiums announcing that they've been exonerated from their criminal conviction after spending decades in prison. They all resonate with the same message: there are thousands of people in prison who cannot get the legal assistance they need to get their cases heard. This is definitely a pandemic in an epic proportion that continues to tell a tale that we're so naive in accepting: that there is no justice for black and brown men, and in rare cases, it's insultingly delayed. They have to fight like they've been fighting. While it is a small victory, a bigger story is being told; racial disparities are here to stay. While a badge of exoneration may sound like a come up and look good as a major accomplishment, it's also an embarrassment. An embarrassment to our judicial system who is determined to keep these men locked out from being successful citizens in their community. What's insulting is that these men were not freed arguing anything new, but what they've been saying for years: they didn't commit the crime and that the evidence always showed it. A miscarriage of justice will always be their arch enemy. We are now witnessing District Attorney Offices like New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles free those who were wrongfully convicted, while state prosecutors remain content on warehousing in order to keep the conviction rate up. The State of New Jersey has enacted criminal review units but is last in seeking justice for those who remain trapped in the system. Again, a temporary victory towards a greater war that is being waged. The most honorable badge that black and brown men should be proud to wear is the one demonstrating that their life and liberty are as important as any other man on the planet. The badge of equal protection under the law.