HOW MUCH TIME IS ENOUGH TIME?                                  #FreeOurElders

To Whom It May Concern:

Ulysses Boyd has served 33 years of a 50 years-to-life sentence, remaining cognizant of the victim while serving his sentence helping to steer others away from a life of crime.

Mr. Boyd has accepted full responsibility and expressed his sincere and heartfelt remorse for the results of his action for the crime he stands convicted of, where a young man lost his life.  Although Mr. Boyd did not pull the trigger, he does not minimize his role in the crime.  Mr. Boyd has come to understand that he is not only responsible for taking away Harold Bates' life but also for the lifetime of pain that he inflicted upon Mr. Bates' loved ones.

Mr. Boyd has spent over 25 years educating himself -  and "paying it foward" i.e.

• Started the 1st Hepatitis C Support Group for incarcerated men in 1997.
• Counseled At-Risk Youth in the Juvenile Delinquency Intervention Program.
• As a Nurse's Aide Mr. Boyd cared for chronically ill patients - worked with the deaf and blind - taught mentally ill patients suffering from depression and anxiety - HIV/AIDS counseling etc.
• For over 25 years he worked in Aggression Replacement Training.  He helped men find non-violent solutions to their problems and how to successfully manage their emotions

The above are only a few examples of his journey becoming the giving man he is today.

Currently, Ulysses is working as a Law Library Clerk and participates in the powerful and well-known re-entry program called Exodus.

I have  known Ulysses for 42 years (38 years as a friend & 5 years his wife.) At 63, Ulysses W.M. Boyd, III  has been incarcerated most of his life.  I am witness to convey his profound transformation into a deeply spiritual man with moral standards and character.   If you feel Clemency is warranted let the Governor hear your voice!              

Ulysses & Norma Boyd

QUOTES from some Supporters of Ulysses Boyd’s Clemency:

“Mr. Boyd has gone above and beyond to transform his life, thinking and behavior and I remain confident enough that I am willing to offer him employment at Exodus."  Julio Medina, Founder, Executive Director & CEO,   Exodus Transitional Community, Inc.

“I fervently believe in his ability to continue improving himself and I am confident in his ability to contribute positively to his and Children of Promise, NYC’s communities.  Therefore, I strongly and respectfully suggest granting Mr. Boyd clemency.”    Sharon Content, Founder & President   Children of Promise NYC

“Over the past three decades Mr. Boyd has demonstrated remorse and undergone profound changes.  Mr. Boyd is a prime candidate for clemency because of how he has demonstrated the capacity for rehabilitation.”      Nicole Smith, Professor        CUNY School of Law

“I have a great respect for his accomplishments given the conditions in which he achieved them.  I believe if given the opportunity he will be an honorable, contributor citizen.”     Albert Acrish, Medical Provider    Green Haven Correctional Facility

“My opinion of Mr. Boyd over the years is that he has corrected his weaknesses and nourished his positive qualities and has continually prepared himself to be a benefit to society.  Mr. Boyd is a deeply spiritual individual who takes his faith very serious and works to incorporate those moral standards that reflect the highest character of the faith.”   Iman Abdullah Wajid, Coordinating Chaplin     Green Haven Correctional Facility

“I am very impressed with the work Mr. Boyd has been doing with HIV patients and those individuals marked as terminally ill; while incarcerated.  As we serve the Community as a whole, this is the caliber of person we would welcome with open arms back in the community.  The sources that spoke highly of Mr. Boyd are our most treasured stake holders and all- around individuals that keep our program running.”    Ricardo Shark, Director of Crisis Intervention                                       National Action Network (NAN) – Bronx, NY Chapter