Black Men Continue to Be Targeted and Wrongly Convicted of Crimes.
The Illinois Innocence Project decided to take Norman’s case after an investigation. They knew he was without a doubt innocent and was committed to helping him to clear his record.
Attorney John Hanlon of the Illinois Innocence Project and law student Kalyan Schardan from Saint Louis University School of Law diligently worked for over two years to get a clemency pardon for Norman.
Regarding his wrongful conviction experience, Norman said, “Chicago Police Department destroyed my life for 30 years for a crime I never committed. I was handcuffed to the police station wall and had chains on my ankles. I was then put in a cell and my family did not know where I was for days. I was also still grieving from the recent loss of my brother who died by suicide.
“It is so rewarding to consider that now, Norman will have the ability to go to college, get a degree in social work and then get a job helping kids improve their lives,” Hanlon said. “That has been his life’s dream. He could not do any of those things with these convictions hanging over him.
I know from experience that there are many young men who are coerced into pleading in cases where they are innocent. Facing long sentences in a system where justice is not fair or just, but especially biased against young black men. When faced with the decision to fight or just get your probation over with, many opt for the latter.
One of the things that stuck out in Norman's hearing was listening to his lawyer say that the Innocence Project of IL has only taken on death penalty cases until Norman's case came along. I wish there were more lawyers who were willing and able to help young men who have cases like Norman's.”
About ABL:
Alliance for Black Lives (ABL) is a diverse organization comprised of people of all races, religions, and backgrounds. Alliance for Black Lives follows the principals of the late Rev. Dr. MartÃn Luther King Jr.
It focuses on nonviolent actions to create a beloved community where people are judged because of the content of their character and not the color of their skin. ABL advocates to end police brutality (including militarized community policing), poverty (food and housing insecurities), and racism (inequities in education, healthcare, and criminal punishment). The founders, Keisha Brown, Dr. Tarece Johnson, and Dre (Norman Propst), are all committed to peaceful and purposeful actions to drive sustainable change that will benefit all people. Their focus on Black Lives attempts to address the prevalence of the disproportionate deaths of Black people due to institutional and systemic racism and antiBlackness. As the co-founders of ABL, they seek out strategic alliances with diverse organizations and groups such as Georgia Alliance for Social Justice, Multicultural Jewish Alliance, Jewish Community Resource Center of Atlanta, Asian American Advocacy Fund, Indigenous People’s Movement, NAACP, March on Georgia, Georgia Streetgroomers, and so many more.
If you would like to support the work of Alliance for Black Lives, you may volunteer and/or make a donation via any of the following:
Regarding his wrongful conviction experience, Norman said, “Chicago Police Department destroyed my life for 30 years for a crime I never committed. I was handcuffed to the police station wall and had chains on my ankles. I was then put in a cell and my family did not know where I was for days. I was also still grieving from the recent loss of my brother who died by suicide.
I was a young innocent Black boy with hopes of attending college and my life was destroyed.
I was intimidated for 24 hours and the court told me to accept a plea deal of 4 years probation with fines. If I did not accept this plea deal, they would sentence me to 15 years. So, looking at my Mom’s suffering face and knowing the system was already against me, I took the plea even though I knew I was innocent. As a result of the injustice, my Mother developed a heart condition due to the stress and anxiety.”
Luther, one of Norman’s brothers said, “It is ashamed that Black men continue to be targeted and wrongly convicted of crimes. Everyone who knows my brother, knows he would never do what he was falsely convicted of doing. That is not his character.
Luther, one of Norman’s brothers said, “It is ashamed that Black men continue to be targeted and wrongly convicted of crimes. Everyone who knows my brother, knows he would never do what he was falsely convicted of doing. That is not his character.
If we could have afforded a high powered lawyer, he probably would not have gotten the conviction.
Economic oppression, inequalities, and systemic racism feed the pipeline to prison. Luckily my brother eventually received the legal help he needed to clear his name.”
Nearly 30 years later, Mr. John Hanlon, attorney from the Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) took Norman’s case pro-bono. Attorney Hanlon explains why he took the case, “When I met Norman in Atlanta somewhat by happenstance 2 years ago, it did not take long to recognize that this man, and his story, was very unique and so compelling.
Nearly 30 years later, Mr. John Hanlon, attorney from the Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) took Norman’s case pro-bono. Attorney Hanlon explains why he took the case, “When I met Norman in Atlanta somewhat by happenstance 2 years ago, it did not take long to recognize that this man, and his story, was very unique and so compelling.
It is very rare for our Project to take a case of a person who is not incarcerated. But Norman’s case was that 1-in-1000. He had survived so many challenges, including racism and misconduct at the hands of the criminal justice system. I felt that his story just had to be told.”
The Atlanta activist community supported Norman’s clemency request by writing letters of support and signing and sharing a petition created by an organization he co-founded, Alliance for Black Lives (ABL). (More information about the organization is provided at the end of this article).
The founders of ABL decided to get a group of people to attend the clemency hearing in Chicago in support of Norman. They organized a fund raiser and had enough money to sponsor five people (travel, food, & hotel). Chelsea Clements, Jen Nelson, Keisha Brown, Dr. Tarece Johnson, and Norman Propst all traveled together to Chicago to attend the hearing in-person.
The Atlanta activist community supported Norman’s clemency request by writing letters of support and signing and sharing a petition created by an organization he co-founded, Alliance for Black Lives (ABL). (More information about the organization is provided at the end of this article).
The founders of ABL decided to get a group of people to attend the clemency hearing in Chicago in support of Norman. They organized a fund raiser and had enough money to sponsor five people (travel, food, & hotel). Chelsea Clements, Jen Nelson, Keisha Brown, Dr. Tarece Johnson, and Norman Propst all traveled together to Chicago to attend the hearing in-person.
Norman’s family, friends, and a local Chicago activist, Rabbi Michael Ben Yosef joined them to show support at the hearing. Attorney John Hanlon (Illinois Innocence Project) and Dr. Tarece Johnson spoke at the hearing. Dr. Tarece provided testimony of Norman’s character and exceptional community service.
Kaylan, a student at the Saint Louis University School of Law, and one of the key persons involved in Norman’s clemency said, “I was honored to be a part of Norman's journey to achieving justice. He has truly inspired me to continue working in post-conviction and wrongful conviction after I graduate law school. He's an exceptional human and an example of perseverance and hope."
Attorney Hanlon echoed Kaylan’s sentiments, “Indeed, despite the two wrongful convictions that came from these injustices, he went on to perform great works in Atlanta on behalf of his community. He stands as a role model and mentor to everyone who reads his story about strength and survival in the face of all that he endured.”
“We are thrilled that the Governor has granted clemency to Norman Propst for these wrongful convictions,” said Propst’s attorney John Hanlon, executive director of the Illinois Innocence Project. “So many unjust convictions have occurred to innocent young Black men in Chicago and elsewhere.
Kaylan, a student at the Saint Louis University School of Law, and one of the key persons involved in Norman’s clemency said, “I was honored to be a part of Norman's journey to achieving justice. He has truly inspired me to continue working in post-conviction and wrongful conviction after I graduate law school. He's an exceptional human and an example of perseverance and hope."
Attorney Hanlon echoed Kaylan’s sentiments, “Indeed, despite the two wrongful convictions that came from these injustices, he went on to perform great works in Atlanta on behalf of his community. He stands as a role model and mentor to everyone who reads his story about strength and survival in the face of all that he endured.”
“Dre (Norman) has worked tirelessly in his community for decades to feed the homeless, register voters and fight against systems of oppression,” said Keisha Brown, President of Alliance for Black Lives.
After waiting two years for the decision, on Monday, February 21, 2021 Attorney John Hanlon called Norman to inform him of the clemency decision.“We are thrilled that the Governor has granted clemency to Norman Propst for these wrongful convictions,” said Propst’s attorney John Hanlon, executive director of the Illinois Innocence Project. “So many unjust convictions have occurred to innocent young Black men in Chicago and elsewhere.
Unfortunately, Norman suffered for that reality. We are, however, so proud of the unselfish and successful way that he has devoted himself to his community since he left Chicago. It’s really quite a story.
Upon hearing of his clemency, Norman said, “I finally have justice! Thank you to the Illinois Innocence Project, John and Kaylan for believing in me. Thank you to the Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker for granting me clemency pardon.”
“Alliance for Black Lives is pleased to learn about the pardon for Dre Norman Propst. He is definitely worthy of this pardon and should have never been charged in the first place. Alliance for Black Lives would like to thank the Illinois Innocence Project for their partnership and commitment to justice,” Keisha Brown, said.
“We must continue to bring awareness regarding racism, biases, wrongful convictions, and unequal sentencing,” Propst said.
Upon hearing of his clemency, Norman said, “I finally have justice! Thank you to the Illinois Innocence Project, John and Kaylan for believing in me. Thank you to the Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker for granting me clemency pardon.”
“Alliance for Black Lives is pleased to learn about the pardon for Dre Norman Propst. He is definitely worthy of this pardon and should have never been charged in the first place. Alliance for Black Lives would like to thank the Illinois Innocence Project for their partnership and commitment to justice,” Keisha Brown, said.
“We must continue to bring awareness regarding racism, biases, wrongful convictions, and unequal sentencing,” Propst said.
“So many black and brown young men are in prison for crimes they never committed and it feels like a system of modern day slavery. Innocent Projects across the country are fighting to change these evil racist laws that put us in the racist injustice system.”
Norman expressed gratitude to the people who supported him.“Thank You Keisha Brown, Dr. Tarece Johnson, State Representative Renitta Shannon, Dr. Rashad Richey, Lorraine Fontana, Royce Mann, Felicia Thomas, Nicole English, Monteria Robinson, Troya Bishop, Camiella D. Williams, Kimberly Silas, Clifton Crawley, and Chelsea Clements for writing a recommendations letter for my clemency pardon! Illinois Innocence Project thanks everyone who signed and shared my clemency pardon petition! I am truly blessed for having good people in my life!”
“It is so rewarding to consider that now, Norman will have the ability to go to college, get a degree in social work and then get a job helping kids improve their lives,” Hanlon said. “That has been his life’s dream. He could not do any of those things with these convictions hanging over him.
He has already done incredible work in his community, but now he can greatly enhance that without the legal and practical burdens posed by the wrongful convictions.”
What a remarkable way to celebrate Black History Month to witness justice for a Black man who was wrongfully convicted! The community celebrates Norman’s freedom.
Below are a few comments from the Atlanta area advocates/activist team who supported and/or traveled to Chicago to stand with Mr. Norman Propst.
What a remarkable way to celebrate Black History Month to witness justice for a Black man who was wrongfully convicted! The community celebrates Norman’s freedom.
Below are a few comments from the Atlanta area advocates/activist team who supported and/or traveled to Chicago to stand with Mr. Norman Propst.
Dr. Tarece Johnson: “I am elated that Dre has been pardoned and now he feels more free to pursue his dreams. He has done extraordinary work in the community and he has helped so many people. He is an example of resilience, hope, and love for all people. I hope for Dre to continue to be an agent for change and make our communities better for everyone."
Jen Nelson: “Like so many in our country, Dre and his family, in particular his mom, didn’t deserve the cruelty of what was done to this innocent soul. The reverberation of the system’s failure was crushing beyond measure and lasted 3 decades. I am so thankful for the Illinois Innocence Project for their work in clearing Dre’s name."
Rabbi Micheal Yosef: “Wrongful convictions are legalized lynching to murder black men in prison. They suffer a slow and calculated death. Norman Propst proved he was a victim of WRONGFUL CONVICTION. He is the "mouthpiece" moving forward to end modern institutional lynching's.”Chelsea Clements: “I accompanied Norman to Chicago to attend his clemency hearing because I know him to be a strong community leader and a social justice advocate. His character is such that I have always believed in his innocence."
I know from experience that there are many young men who are coerced into pleading in cases where they are innocent. Facing long sentences in a system where justice is not fair or just, but especially biased against young black men. When faced with the decision to fight or just get your probation over with, many opt for the latter.
One of the things that stuck out in Norman's hearing was listening to his lawyer say that the Innocence Project of IL has only taken on death penalty cases until Norman's case came along. I wish there were more lawyers who were willing and able to help young men who have cases like Norman's.”
About ABL:
Alliance for Black Lives (ABL) is a diverse organization comprised of people of all races, religions, and backgrounds. Alliance for Black Lives follows the principals of the late Rev. Dr. MartÃn Luther King Jr.
It focuses on nonviolent actions to create a beloved community where people are judged because of the content of their character and not the color of their skin. ABL advocates to end police brutality (including militarized community policing), poverty (food and housing insecurities), and racism (inequities in education, healthcare, and criminal punishment). The founders, Keisha Brown, Dr. Tarece Johnson, and Dre (Norman Propst), are all committed to peaceful and purposeful actions to drive sustainable change that will benefit all people. Their focus on Black Lives attempts to address the prevalence of the disproportionate deaths of Black people due to institutional and systemic racism and antiBlackness. As the co-founders of ABL, they seek out strategic alliances with diverse organizations and groups such as Georgia Alliance for Social Justice, Multicultural Jewish Alliance, Jewish Community Resource Center of Atlanta, Asian American Advocacy Fund, Indigenous People’s Movement, NAACP, March on Georgia, Georgia Streetgroomers, and so many more.
If you would like to support the work of Alliance for Black Lives, you may volunteer and/or make a donation via any of the following:
CashApp: &Alliance4BlackLivesVenmo: @AllianceFor-BlackLives
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