Edmond Richardson is a talented journalist and filmmaker who has been incarcerated for 9 years. He was arrested and charged on August 23, 2010 for an armed robbery which carries the max sentence of 6 years. However, due to the 3 strikes law he was sentenced to 30 years to life. On June 30, 2020, Edmond tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier this year, he submitted an application for commutation to Governor Gavin Newsom.

Despite his life sentence, Edmond has continued to generate hope for others within his community at San Quentin. He is a member and journalist with First Watch, the first project of its kind. First Watch aims to humanize incarcerated people by giving them the opportunity to tell their own stories. Edmond is also a co-host for UnCuffed, a collaborative podcast between incarcerated men at San Quentin State Prison and Solano State Prison. As a co-host, Edmond joins the men in telling vulnerable stories about healing from trauma in prison. He is a participant in Marin Shakespeare where he uses theater to develop emotional intelligence and awareness through character empathy. He recently graduated from the Last Mile Code and gained certification to work as a coder. Edmond is also the Chairman of C.A.R.E.S (Compassion Accountability Responsibility Expressed through Service) where he leads San Quentin's annual two-day Breast Cancer Walk, a 39 mile “walk-a-thon fundraiser” held on the lower yard of San Quentin which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for breast cancer treatment and research. He has completed numerous self-help groups such as No More Tears, T.R.U.S.T. (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training), Restorative Justice, A.V.P. (Alternatives to Violence Program), A.C.T. (Acting with Compassion and Truth), and Restoring Our Original True Selves (R.O.O.T.S).

It is clear that Edmond has taken full advantage of the self-help programs available to him throughout his incarceration to do the difficult work of self-reflection, so that he may change his path in service to others. He has taken accountability for his choices and is determined to return home and make amends by ensuring that young men of color have the opportunity to use creative outlets and safe spaces to apply themselves. Edmond is the father of two young children and his release would allow him to uplift his family’s lives by being present and active during his kids’ most formative years.

Please sign this petition and tell Gavin Newson to keep Edmond safe and let him return to his family and community. 

To learn more about who Edmond is:

https://restorecal.org/edmond-richardson/

https://www.weareuncuffed.org/about