State Senator Cordell Cleare hosted a Clean Slate Panel at the City College of New York, North Academic Center in Harlem, on Saturday, November 16th, 2024.
Supporting “growth and rehabilitation, not perpetual punishment,” this day-long event announced that the Clean Slate Act finally went live on November 16th, 2024. This Landmark Legislation will ensure that individuals who have criminal records for certain convictions now have them sealed, enabling a literal “clean slate” that will allow individuals to move on with their lives without the social, economic, civic, and professional obstacles that have been in place.
State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “On November 16th, 2024, New York State implemented the Clean Slate Act, allowing eligible individuals with criminal records to have them sealed. This act promotes reintegration and enhances social, economic, and professional opportunities while addressing the impacts of past biased policing. With lawyers present at this event, individuals were able to address their own cases and the legal process.”
The panelists were Clean Slate Act co-sponsor Senator Cordell Cleare, main sponsor Senator Zellnor Myrie, with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, formerly incarcerated electeds–Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs, and former City Councilman Ruben Wills, Paul Keith–VP of the Community Service Society, and psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere. The moderators were attorneys Anthony Ricco and Roger Wareham, they asked panel questions, answered questions posed by the audience, and discussed the importance of the Clean Slate Act and its social, and economic benefits.
Assemblymember Al Taylor and Exonerated Five-member and current City Councilmember Yusef Salaam also spoke at the event.
There are qualifying criteria including eligibility only after three years of a misdemeanor conviction once all post-release restrictions have been completed, and 8 years for felony convictions.
Not all convictions are eligible such as sex offenses, Class A felonies like terrorism, kidnapping, operating as a major drug trafficker, and murder.
State Senator Cleare said, “You should not pay for the worst thing you ever did in your life, for the rest of your life.”
“… how the Clean Slate will positively affect the eligible population …”
Formerly convicted individuals such as Harlem’s Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, City Councilmember Yusef Salaam, and former City Councilmember Ruben Wills spoke about their experience after serving their sentences, the difficulties they faced upon re-entry, and how the Clean Slate will positively affect the eligible population as they work to move forward with their lives, being able to apply for certain housing, pursuing educational opportunities, and applying for jobs previously routinely denied because of their past.
State Senator Myrie said, “I have had the honor of sponsoring Clean Slate, but it was not just my fight alone, this is something that our community knew. People point fingers, and blame, and name-calling. Rarely do they extend a hand to help us. That’s what this legislation will be about.”
Rubin Wills said, “I was prosecuted, convicted, and incarcerated for two and half years, came home and got exonerated. I was fortunate to have a strong support system, and was able to come home and form an organization–Policy Inc., in which we are able to do this work.”
Public Advocate Jummaane Wiliams said, “I hope we do a better job of explaining how this is about public safety. This Clean Slate Act is a part of–I hope, changing tough on crime to being serious about safety.”
“There are 2.3 million New Yorkers with convictions records …”
Assemblymember Edward Gibbs stated: “As the first formerly incarcerated legislator to be elected in the New York State Assembly, this bill is near and dear to my heart. There are 2.3 million New Yorkers with convictions records who will now be able to access employment, housing, education, and other opportunities after release. We are giving them the opportunity to start afresh on a clean slate because everyone deserves a second chance!
“I am a living testament that not only can you get a good job after release; you can be anyone you want to be. This is a major step in criminal justice reform for New York State and I look forward to working with my colleagues to create more legislation that can have a greater impact on the whole nation.”
The organizations that had tables included The Community Service Society (CSS), the National Urban League, PA’LANTE HARLEM, CUNY, the Harlem Defenders, and other community partners assisting with housing, financial, and legal issues.
New Yorkers from across the city attended the event in order to listen to and ask questions of the panel of experts and to also take advantage of the information and legal services offered.
“Success after prison is real.”
“The impossible means I’m possible,” said Shameka France, one of the attendees who spoke to the CSS lawyers. Formerly incarcerated, and home for 1600 days, and now helping others she said, “This is so helpful to so many people. Success after prison is real. We just need the opportunity to do it. The Senators and Assembly Members I am grateful for them all. ”
Troy Douglas attended the Clean Slate event to benefit from the information and services offered saying, “This is so great. Now that I have got the help I know that things will get better because these people here really put their foot forward to make sure that you get the assistance that you need if you’re willing to change and do better.”
Photo credit: Source.
Recent Posts
- The Huguenot Pioneer: David Demarest’s Harlem Sojourn In The 1600s
- Salters Scene: EatOkra Culinary Creatives Conference 2024 In New York City
- Sponsored Love: Enhancing Your Workspace By Finding The Best Executive Office Design For Your Office in Philippines
- Sponsored Love: Choosing The Perfect Must-Have Executive Office Furniture in Philippines
- Op-Ed: The Capital One And Discover Merger Would Inject Competition Into A Market Long Dominated By A Handful Of Giants
- Sponsored Love: Step Into Speed With Used Ferrari Cars For Sale
- Denzel Washington: From Hollywood To Harlem, An Icon Becomes Licensed Minister
- New York State To Make Polluters Pay For Climate Impacts
- Sponsored Love: Air Purifier Vs. Humidifier, Solving Air Quality And Moisture Problems
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
