We ask you to please sign this petition in support of the decision that Jose Colon be granted Executive Clemency by New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul.

Executive Clemency by way of commutation is what we are seeking for Jose.  He has served twenty-five (25) years in prison and we believe Jose should be granted clemency because he has used his time to habilitate himself in positive and proactive ways.  To date, Jose has completed all programs the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has offered him such as Alternative to Violence Program (AVP), Aggression Replacement Training (ART) and assisting in the preparation of G.E.D. exams.  Jose has obtained a Legal Assistant/ Paralegal certificate, with distinction, from the Blackstone Career Institute, has earned additional college credits from Columbia University for participating in a correspondence writing course that will go towards his bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, as well as other Columbia courses, and is currently enrolled in Mercy College through Hudson Link. Jose was a participant in the Restorative Justice Circle and in the first Beyond The Block-Sing Sing Talk, where he discussed the impact of Foster Care on the youth.  He is in the process of creating a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) curriculum through his organization, I.M.O.K. – If. Mother. Only. Knew.  And, while I.M.O.K. is being created, the organization has been involved in a back-to-school book bag giveaway since 2022 and donates towards charity’s that feed families in need during the holidays. Jose loves to write and is a published author and contributing writer for The Wall Magazine, Cooking with Time and Scrolls From a Forgotten World.

Jose is currently working on a writing program that would help those inside who need assistance with English. He also aids facility faculty with developing and identifying academic goals and strengths. Aside from his time as a hospital aide - volunteering his time helping those admitted to the facility hospice - he is a housing block clerk. During the Covid-19 shutdown, he assisted all incoming Covid residents (where part of the prison was turned into an Annex for the overflow from the in-house hospital).  He was an “essential worker” ensuring the men had all the amenities allowed during their confinement, working closely with the Executive and Administrative staff on this serious issue of safety.  

Jose makes great use of his time by writing and mentoring other men through his trainings.  He recognizes the harm he has caused the victims’ family in his crime.  Through his participation in the Responsibility Project, he has written a letter to the “Apology Bank” and hopes the healing process can begin and has participated in the Youth Assistance Program (“YAP”), reaching out to at-risk youths to prevent them from landing in prison.  Jose has learned and is remorseful about his poor choices.  His sentencing judge has written a letter of support and also believes that he deserves a serious consideration for clemency and a second chance.

We ask that you please sign this petition in support of the decision to grant Jose Colon clemency and bring him home as soon as possible. We are asking for a fair review of his clemency proposal.   

Please allow Jose an opportunity to be a pillar in his community as he is prepared to re-enter society and become a productive and successful person.

Thank you so very much for your support.

-The family of Jose Colon