Help Me Rebuild After 30 Years Behind Bars

My name is Derek Johnson, but most know me as Lil Diesel. I was born and raised in New Orleans, in the Melpomene projects. At 19, I was sentenced to life in Angola for a crime I didn’t commit. Thirty years—gone. Thirty years of fighting, surviving, and holding onto hope. And finally, the truth set me free.

But freedom isn’t easy when you’re starting over with nothing. I missed my entire adulthood. I lost my mother, father, grandmother, nephew, and best friend while I was locked away. My children grew up without me. I’ve seen things most people couldn’t imagine. And yet, I’m still here. I made it out with my mind intact, and I refuse to let these years go to waste.

But I'm losing hope as jobs for an ex-felon are far and few in between. I have a vision for my future—I want to work in fashion and film, to build something meaningful, and to give back to young people who are heading down the wrong path. I want to be a voice for change. But right now, I need help getting on my feet.

I need a place to live in New York or the tri-state area. I need a car to get to work. I need a real chance to rebuild my life.

Right now, I’m working as a dishwasher, doing whatever it takes to survive. But I refuse to believe that’s all there is for me. If you believe in redemption, in second chances, in the power of a person to start over—please consider donating. Every dollar helps me move forward.

I won’t waste this opportunity. Thank you for believing in me.