Contact: BringEugeneHome@gmail.com

Al Ameen (Eugene Ross) was taken into custody at the age of 17 and, although a juvenile offender, was tried in adult court where he was subsequently convicted under the theory of accountability and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Meanwhile, both of his adult co-defendants, have been released. Moreover, despite having an iron-clad alibi AND a signed deposition recorded by the state's attorney from a witness exonerating Al Ameen, he has still spent 28 years behind bars. Al Ameen's plight has garnered the attention and support of several high-profile individuals and organizations including the following:

• IL State Representative Will Guzzardi
• IL State Representative Rita Mayfield
• Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Chicago)
• Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
• DePaul University Professor Dominica Kimberley Moe
• Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation

During his incarceration, Al Ameen has not had any history of violence (i.e. inmate fights, staff assaults), gang affiliation, or drugs/drug paraphernalia. In fact, he has devoted himself to helping other marginalized people inside and outside of prison.

His resume includes the following:

• Religious leader (Imam) of up to 500 Muslims - His tenure includes teaching Quranic Arabic and various Islamic studies classes, delivering weekly lectures, and leading the Friday prayer service for the past 20 years. He also assists his comrades with legal work and provides extensive counseling services to troubled youth.
• Elected Prime Minister of the first public debate at Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill, IL. The debate was centered on establishing a fair and inclusive parole system. Several state legislators, activists, and media outlets attended the debate and committed to taking action. Al Ameen and his team members subsequently helped draft two bills to restore parole in the state of Illinois (HB 3215 & SB 3233).
• Devout activist and scholar - As a co-founder and previous board member of Parole Illinois, which has grown substantially over the last 5 years, he has given hope to thousands behind bars in Illinois. Common and Chance the Rapper recently spoke at a rally in Chicago on behalf of the organization and its legislative efforts.

Due to a lack of resources, Al Ameen has not been able to acquire adequate legal representation until recently. Inspired by his story, two attorneys volunteered to represent him pro bono and filed his legal petition for resentencing (given his juvenile offender status) in December 2021. Given that the process can be lengthy, our team is looking at more immediate means of relief such as executive clemency. 

By signing this petition, you will be telling Governor Pritzker that it's time to grant Al Ameen executive clemency NOW. Don't turn a blind eye...join the movement in bringing this innocent man home.

Want to learn more about Al Ameen? Contact us at BringEugeneHome@gmail.com. In addition, click on the links below for more information:

Incarcerated Imam - TikTok Educational Campaign (2 minutes)

Debate Team - Power of Free Speech (6 minutes)

Appearance on Talk of Chicago WVON Radio 1690AM (17 minutes)

Articles written by Al Ameen as co-founder of Parole Illinois