My name is John David Brookins, son of Samuel and Floretta Brookins. I have been in prison for 30 years for a crime I did not commit. Despite injustice and declining health issues of Leukopenia and hypertension, I have remained a model citizen (inmate) in the PA DOC, sub-existing in a 8 x 10 cell. Instead of taking my injustice in a negative direction,  I went back to school educating myself and those around me.  I have completed over 100 educational programs.  Here are a few of my accomplishments:

I developed health/fitness classes for the PA DOC Activities Dept.  

Senior Fitness, Interval Training, Stress Management, Wellness/Sports Conditioning Classes for the young and old.

I am the NAACP 1st Chairman of the Health & Wellness Committee,  am a graduate of PennState University Horticultural Class, Which allowed me to become a Tutor teaching others in the Greenhouse setting.  I found that teaching others (who had no prior work history), life skills to feed their families upon their release, extremely rewarding.   I enrolled in yoga teacher training through the Transformation Yoga Project.   I am a certified yoga instructor, Who developed and designed yoga classes for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, such as Chair yoga, Power yoga, Back healthy yoga, Yoga for cancer patients, and Yoga for PTSD.  Part of these practices consist of guided meditation, with music and with just the sounds of my voice.   I have 2500+ hours of teaching yoga and growing. 

Currently I am enrolled at International Sports Science Program (ISSA) of California, in preparation to receive my Master Trainer Degree.

I’m Thankful that PA is now a Second Chance State, I recognize that I now have the opportunity of a lifetime!  I hoped there'd be a day that  someone, somewhere,  like Lt. Gov. Fetterman and the PA Board of Pardons would give me a second chance, by granting me permission to meet/speak to them before the September public hearings. I pray that their critical thinking and compassion in witnessing my plea for mercy, will lead them to appreciate everything I've accomplished.   Moreover to find comfort in my commitment and ability to teach, share gratitude and peacefulness as a productive citizen in our society.   Praying that they will agree and judge me based on the last 30 years of my life.  That this board will show mercy in agreement that I deserve redemption and a Second Chance.  I pray that they will allow me the rest of my life, the opportunity to prove my commitments, to continue to work with the PA DOC/Transformation Yoga On projects to readily assist and uplift the incarcerated  community.  Ultimately, to be as one with my Loving wife; Karen Brookins to help raise our beautiful Grandchildren together. 

I’m very thankful for this opportunity and I truly thank each and every person who supports and believes in me. 

Gratefully submitted,

John Brookins