by Walter Lomax
If your want my perspective on what happened to me and how I am dealing with it, that will take a long time.
The long and short of it is, initially I thought that the system worked, and that since I had not committed the crime, they would find out the person who did, and I would be released. I must admit, I was very naive. Once I discovered that that was not going to happen, I began to studied my case diligently. Fortunately, an organization called Centurion Ministries looked into in my case. Their investigation revealed that I was in fact innocent, and I was released in December 2006.
It was not difficult to move forward once I was released from prison. I stayed current while there, I edited the magazine at the institution, we had programs like family days, family literacy, and I participated in as many programs offered. I don't think about the 39 years I spent in there, unless someone mentions it. When I am made aware of how much it affects them, I then realize the magnitude of what has happened to me. I still do not allow it to prevent me from trying to put a life together, which I must admit is not
easy. I believe that because I am not angry or bitter, it allows me to be focused. I will admit having spent those years in prison for something I did not do does have its moments.
Since my release, I have been active with some social issues. I've been working with several groups in Baltimore City trying to stop the killings occurring there. I am working with a group of folk to abolish the death penalty. (I could very well be dead, and no one would have known about my innocence.) Imagine how many innocent people may have been put to death; that is why it is so important to abolish it.
I am working with a group seeking to establish sensible policies for the criminal justice system here in Maryland, specifically dealing with persons serving parolable life sentences. Because of new sentencing laws establishing life without parole, folks sentenced before the law came into effect are being treated the same as if they are serving life without parole.
I am currently working with an organization to implement a youth program I developed while in prison. And I will be making my acting debut at Center Stage on September 24, with the project The Stoop Storytelling Series which is hosting seven people to tell a story in seven minutes.
(to read Clarinda Harriss's article about Walter Lomax, poetry, and his release from prison, click here…)