By signing this petition, you support the clemency and/or reduction of the sentence, for Avon Simmons. 

Born and raised in the Brooklyn section of New York City, Mr. Simmons, grew up in low income homes and dangerous neighborhoods. His father spent over seven years in prison for drug convictions, leaving a young mother to raise Avon and his five siblings by herself. At the age of (5) year’s old, Mr. Simmons was placed in foster care, where life as he knew it changed drastically. 

In foster care Avon, was subjected to physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. One example of this abuse , is being locked in a closet every time his foster parents would have company sometimes for hours, because he was said to have “no home training”. It s important to remember, he was (5) years old at the time.

At the tender age of thirteen, the absence of a father, secure home and proper guidance, left Avon vulnerable to gang recruitment. After many failed attempts to make Mr. Simmons , a member of the gang known as the Crips, the incarceration of his brother - who helped provide food for the family - and the eviction of his family from their home - due to his mother’s increased drug addiction and mental health issues - proved to be the factors in which he made his decision to accept the gang invitation after a year.

By this time, Avon had already began to display Side affect of his toxic environment, like lack of nutrition, and sleep, along with Anxiety, Paranoia and ultimately PTSD. 

Using a method of meditation learned from his mother, Avon beganTo write poems, which later evolved into the pursuit of music career. Just as Mr. Simmons began to gain more notoriety, he became the target of death threats and assaults, where the victim of his crime tried to bully, extort and defame him.

Without the correct tools, and knowledge to approach a situation of the magnitude, Mr. Simmons resorted to the presets of his environment, which promoted violence as the only answer. Sadly, on August 13 2014 Avon committed a crime of second degree murder against his oppressor. 

Today, Mr Simmons has served more than half of a twenty (20) years to life sentence (10+) years. Mr. Simmons is a first time felony offender. Who had no criminal record prior to the tragic incident.

Since then, Avon has expressed empathy and remorse, leading him to take full responsibility for his actions. Ultimately influencing his decision to pled guilty in 2016.

During the past decade plus in prison, Avon has taken steps to become a better version of hisself, for hisself and for his family, community.                             

For instance, Mr. Simmons has obtained his GED with a trade in custodial maintenance and an Associate's degree  in Applied Science.

Avon has participated in and successfully completed several volunteer programs aimed to help rehabilitate and counsel people who have experienced Prolonged Trauma, uncontrollable feelings of Violence and Drug addiction. These programs include A.V.P (Alternate to Violence Program) P.A.C.E (Peers for Aids and HIV Counseling and Education) Family works and N.A with A.A meetings. Narcotics and Alcoholics of Clerk (A.A) and asst Treasurer (N.A) while also facilitating weekly meetings for both.

On the road to not just rehabilitation, but redemption as well, Avon has created his own program, called Project S.til L.uv U  or ( S.L.U.ORG). Which he has plans to start under Hudson Link’s umbrella. The S.L.U.Org will focus on the children of incarcerated individuals. The goal is to reestablish family connections, while providing a positive platform for the communities and children to mend and heal from the crimes committed.

The Skills and Knowledge he has acquired from programs and personal practices has turned Avon into a essential asset to any community he chooses to reside in.

With that in mind and kindness in your heart, by signing this petition you are, you support the Clemency and/or time reduction of sentence for Avon Simmons.