Dear Supporters,

We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support of our campaign to seek justice for my son, Byron Greene, and for the ongoing fight to reform Maryland's parole system. Your voices have been heard, and we are making progress, but there is still work to be done.

As you know, Maryland has a troubling history of excessive sentencing and a parole system that often overlooks the progress and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. The current system frequently denies parole to individuals, especially those serving long sentences or life sentences, at their first hearing—despite their eligibility. This systemic issue creates unnecessary barriers for those who have demonstrated their capacity for change and readiness to re-enter society.

We are calling for merit-based parole decisions that evaluate each case individually, considering not only the severity of the offense but also the individual’s rehabilitation, personal growth, and the support systems in place for their reintegration into society.

Key updates and actions:

Second Look Act: This important piece of legislation, which provides a pathway for reviewing long sentences, was signed into law. We continue to push for its implementation, ensuring that more people like Byron have the chance for a fair, meaningful parole review.

Policy Advocacy: We are actively advocating for automatic scheduling of subsequent parole hearings and greater transparency in decision-making. We believe that every person who is eligible for parole should have a clear path to a hearing, with written reasons for any denial and an understanding of what must change for future consideration.

Public Awareness: As we continue this fight, we are sharing our message with legislators, local media, and community organizations to ensure that the call for reform reaches all corners of Maryland.

This update is a reminder that justice is a process, and we are committed to seeing it through. Every signature on this petition helps us build momentum to demand a fairer system. Byron's case, while deeply personal to us, is representative of the many individuals whose lives have been impacted by Maryland's excessive sentencing and parole practices. By standing with us, you are helping to bring systemic change that will benefit countless others.

We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of our efforts, and we urge you to share this petition with your networks. Together, we can ensure that no one is defined by their past mistakes, and that the path to redemption is fair, accessible, and based on individual merit.

Thank you again for your ongoing support. Please helps is obtain more signatures, commit to getting at least 10 signatures for us.

In solidarity and hope,

Rev. Jamesina E. Greene

Founder/President of A Mother’s Cry

www.amotherscry.org | email: amcjami@gmail.com