What happens when six men, wrongfully convicted of crimes they didn’t commit, reclaim their stories on stage? The Lynched Among Us is a powerful theatrical production that explores wrongful convictions, the trauma of reentry, and the journey of healing and redemption after years of unjust incarceration.
Join us during Black History Month on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, for this transformative performance, presented by Voices of Injustice. Directed by Al Cleveland, the play features the real-life stories of six men from Greater Cleveland who were wrongfully convicted and spent years behind bars for crimes they did not commit. The Lynched Among Us examines the emotional toll of wrongful convictions but focuses primarily on the challenges of reentry—the complex process of reintegrating into society after being wrongfully imprisoned.
Voices of Injustice is a group of men who have been through wrongful incarceration and are now using their personal experiences to process the trauma they’ve endured while navigating life after prison. Their work centers on the difficulties of reentry—rebuilding lives, reconnecting with family, and adjusting to a world that has moved on without them. This production gives them a platform to share those experiences and raise awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by those who have been wrongfully incarcerated.
The performance will share the powerful stories of men like Michael Sutton, who spent 15 years wrongfully convicted before his exoneration, and Charles Jackson, who spent 27 years in prison and later donated a kidney to his nephew after his release. These accounts highlight not only the devastating impact of wrongful conviction but also the long-term struggles of reentry, where each man must rebuild his life from the ground up.
Recently, Alfred Cleveland’s case gained national attention when his story was featured on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Cleveland, along with Benson Davis, John Edwards, and Lenworth Edwards, had been wrongfully convicted of the 1991 murder of Marsha Blakely. Their convictions were largely based on the testimony of a key witness who later recanted, admitting he fabricated his account to claim a reward.
In early December 2024, with no physical evidence linking the men to the crime, Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson filed a motion for a new trial, acknowledging that the convictions were based on unreliable testimony. If granted, Tomlinson intends to dismiss all charges. Defense attorneys hailed the decision as a crucial step toward justice, expressing hope for the men’s exoneration.
Presented during Black History Month, The Lynched Among Us draws attention to the continuing fight for justice, equality, and systemic reform, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by wrongful convictions and mass incarceration. The production serves as a reminder of the emotional and societal costs of incarceration and emphasizes the importance of supporting reentry programs for those who have been wrongfully imprisoned.
