For the first time since his exoneration, the Indianapolis community was graced by the presence of Leon Benson, who has halfway through his 50-year prison sentence when he was freed from Pendleton prison on March 9, 2023. This past weekend was his “re-birth” celebration that included a lecture at DePauw University on March 7 and a “Common unity” concert on March 9.
On March 8, the Indianapolis Liberation Center and The Everly Collective hosted a standing-room-only homecoming celebration centered around a panel and book launch, which you can watch below.
The panel discussion and the official launch of his first monograph, Letters of gratitude: I am because we are, published that day by Iskra Books. You can purchase a copy of his book for delivery or pick up at the Liberation Center’s online store or at any major bookseller.
“The truth never dies!” Watch the celebration
About the participants
- Kelly Bauder, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office’s Conviction Integrity Unit
- Kolleen Schoen-Bunch, the sister of Kasey Schoen
- Dani Abdullah, Indianapolis Liberation Center
- Koby Bluitt, Meals from The Motha (and Benson’s daughter)
- Queene Lewis, FOCUS Initiatives, LTD
- Derek R. Ford, DePauw University
- Cedrick Johnson, Musician
- Stephen Lane II, Indianapolis Liberation Center
- Leon Benson, Exoneree and author
Photos
Photos by Indianapolis Liberation Center