Harvey Gunter's Homecoming

Harvey Gunter, is a 60 year old Muslim man, cherished brother, and uncle from Montgomery, Alabama, who is coming back to his second home of Syracuse after being incarcerated for over two decades in New York prisons. We (Susannah & Daad) had the privilege of meeting Mr. Gunter while volunteering with the NYU Parole Advocacy student group within NYU’s Ending the Prison Industrial Complex (EPIC).

All the funds you contribute will directly support Mr. Gunter with some immediate needs upon his release in September 2021, including housing, utilities, home furnishings, clothes/shoes, transportation costs, food, personal hygiene items, as well as a cell phone and laptop to help him get settled, find stable housing and employment, and turn a new page.

Mr. Gunter hopes to use this fundraiser, not only as a means of raising funds to support himself as he comes back home, but to also let everyone who visits this page know that not every person convicted of a crime is the person they have been made out to be by the court of law. As Mr. Gunter reminds us, “everyone, depending on the situation and circumstances that landed them in prison, deserves a second chance at freedom in free society, I am that person.”

Mr. Gunter is a man with a big heart, whose outlook on life is ever-bright. He describes himself as “very respectful with a great personality” and as a “real people person.” Mr. Gunter’s family all echo this description - describing the immense support and mentorship he provides his siblings, nieces, children and grandchildren even while incarcerated. He is college educated and military trained. He has been practicing Islam for the past 25 years and has four adult children and six grand-children-- three of whom he has never had the opportunity to meet in person. He’s feeling great about coming home because he’ll be able to finally meet them and spend time with his family again.

In our work with Mr. Gunter, we have left every conversation inspired by his humility, incredibly kind spirit, positive outlook, and commitment to constantly grow for both himself and his family. Any and all support is greatly appreciated as Mr. Gunter prepares for this next chapter.

[Background image: Boy with June Bug. Fort Scott, Kan., 1963. by Gordon Parks]