Just six weeks after turning 18, Maurice Poole was experiencing homelessness and looking for work in Lawton, Oklahoma, an unfamiliar state far from home. Raised in the foster care system in Mississippi, what felt like a dream--being accepted and included in a group of young men who promised him desperately needed cash--turned into a nightmare. On October 21, 2000, while Maurice kept watch, this group of older friends committed a robbery that left a store manager dead, and Maurice went from being a lookout for his friends to being charged with felony murder for his role in the robbery.

Since that devastating day, Maurice Poole has spent his entire adult life in prison, serving a life sentence for first degree murder. This harsh sentence was issued by a state that for too long has treated its citizens, especially those who are Black and poor, like they are disposable. The criminal punishment system did not care who played what role that day. Maurice was painted with the broad brush that Oklahoma courts too often use to dehumanize Black men, labelled as “violent” despite no evidence of violent behavior. Harsh sentences like these have been the subject of political debate and reform for a number of years, but Maurice doesn’t have time to wait. He has served 21 years, despite clear evidence that he has never been a danger to others, before this incident or afterward.

Maurice Poole is not disposable. He has risen above the harsh judgment of the court. Driven by a profound sense of remorse and a desire to find a positive purpose for his life, he has acknowledged the wrongfulness of his actions, apologized for the harm and suffering he has caused, and he has done the deep work of healing to be ready to make amends to society. Maurice Poole has used his time over the last two decades to work with counselors to heal from his childhood trauma being raised “by the system.” Maurice has become a thoughtful, generous spirit who seeks to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly” with his God (Micah 6:8).

Maurice has worked hard in the prison medical and laundry units and has sought the guidance of mentors. He has taken advantage of education programs to nurture his natural curiosity and intelligence, excelling in college coursework at Tulsa County Community College and Rose State, and he has become a role model as a leader in Toastmasters and other groups. Maurice has done the work to prepare himself to become a successful citizen, if given a chance.

There is a network of educators and people of faith ready to assist Maurice with his transition back into society. Through his thoughtful correspondence, we know him to be a kind, clever, and gentle person, an avid reader, a hard worker, and a man of faith. We know he will succeed.

The State of Oklahoma must give Maurice Poole a chance to continue his journey of healing and restoration by recognizing that he is not disposable. The righteous choice is to approve a commutation of Maurice’s harsh sentence. Denying him the opportunity to become a contributing member of society is wrong. Further punishment is not justice. Mercy for Maurice is justice.

Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream (Amos 5:24)