Incarcerated New Yorker, Stanley, with his two grandchildren.

On August 17, 2021, I was one of only six incarcerated people in New York State’s prison system granted clemency by former Governor Andrew Cuomo during his final days in office. I wasn’t up for parole for another 12 years, and if not for this clemency  miracle, I likely would have died in prison.

Thanks to you, and more than 144,000 other people who signed a change.org petition in support of my clemency, I was finally released from prison in September, at the age of 68 and after more than 40 years behind bars. You helped give me a new chance at life, filled with new experiences and special memories. Now I’m working to build a transitional home for women recently released from prison. I have also been able to travel to the state capitol with grassroots advocates to speak to lawmakers about parole justice. Words can’t express that gratitude I feel for your support,  but I’m here to tell you I am not unique. 

When I left prison just a few months ago, I left many amazing people behind. There are so many others like me who have served decades behind bars, transformed their lives, and would be an asset to their families and communities if only they had the same chance I’ve had. Many are sick and elderly and because of our mass incarceration system, the only recourse they have is to hope for the miracle of clemency. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Two bills in New York State, the Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole bills, would change this unjust system and promote fair and safe pathways for release for those I left behind. The Elder Parole bill would allow people defined by the state prison system as older and who have already served at least 15 years, to appear before the Parole Board for individualized release consideration. The Fair & Timely Parole bill would ensure that incarcerated people be assessed for release based on who they are today, and not solely based on the nature of their crime, which is the one thing they can never change. 

Together, these bills would help correct decades of harsh sentencing policies and a racially-biased parole system. They would allow thousands of New Yorkers the chance to reunite with their families and to make positive contributions outside prison walls just like I’m doing now. Add your support today to help us bring these elders home. 

How you can help

In order for that to happen, Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins need to hear from you, your neighbors, and lawmakers across the state that these bills are important to their constituents. First, please sign this petition to make your voice heard. Then, if you’re a New York State resident, directly contact your elected officials and tell them you support these bills.

These bills are already supported by more than 100 New York State Senators and Assembly Members. Now we need New York’s State legislative leaders Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrew Stewart-Cousins to bring the bills up to a vote to give Greg’s close friends and many others a chance to live out their remaining years with their families.