I am writing to petition for the parole and release of my father Clinton Jackson, Inmate: 00154880. Twenty-seven (27) years and eleven (11) months ago, my father began serving a Life sentence for 1st Degree Kidnapping.

I am 33 years old... my father has missed my entire life. At what point can punishment transition into reform? Prior to this unfortunate act, my father was a member of the 1976 USA Olympic Boxing Team. He is a decorated fighter and father of 4 children. During his incarceration, my father has lost parents, siblings, one child and one grandchild. He has never met any of his 9 grandchildren and hasn't seen his now adult children in about 20 years. The state of Alabama spends approximately $15,500 per year to keep my father in prison.... after 27 years the state of Alabama has spent well over $400,000. I'm sure those resources can be used on violent multiple offenders, not at 62 year old partially blind grandfather who has love and support in the community to aid him in being a productive member of society.

Clinton Jackson Boxing Record

Clint Jackson, 1976 Boxing Olympian

I am not here to dispute facts of the case. He has been convicted and he has definitely been punished. Yes, his punishment was within the confines of the law, however he received the worst possible punishment allowable by law and many believe this was due to the combination of a dark skin Black male offender and older white victim in the rural south. Racially motivated punishments were a sign of the times, but in 2016 we see the somber results of that mindset. There is an overrepresentation of Blacks in the criminal justice system, longer and tougher sentencing for Blacks, and broken families with one or more incarcerated parent.

I have strong ties to the community and have a successful business. I will aid my father in his transition into the community by providing employment, shelter, and access to counseling and social resources.

I appeal to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole, the Governor of Alabama, and the President of the United States to pardon and release Clinton Jackson and stop the trend of over-sentencing and therefore systematic impairment of the Black community. Please help us reach a just and reasonable end to his prison sentence by signing and sharing this petition.

***Please write prior to September 1, 2016***

The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles
PO Box 302405
Montgomery, Al 36130-2405

Attention: Clifford Walker, Chairman; William W. Wynne, Jr.; Eddie Cook, Jr.

 

Words of Encouragement can be sent to my father via mail:

Clinton Jackson #00154880

P.O. Box 5107

Union Springs, AL 36089-5107