Help Wrongfully Incarcerated Elder Age In Peace
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If you’ve ever had the opportunity to meet Michael Austin or attend one of his performances or speeches then you’ve undoubtedly been touched by his story, love, spirit and resilience. With the mounting financial stress of COVID and a recent health diagnosis, our beloved elder is in immediate need of the community's support. Michal needs immediate support to cover bills, growing medical expenses and a move into a smaller home that is accessible for his physical disability.
Michael Austin’s Story:
In 1975, 26- year- old Michael Austin, was handed a life sentence for a murder he did not commit. Michael was wrongfully convicted of murder with no physical evidence and a trial engrossed in injustice . Circuit Judge John Carroll Byrnes wrote in a decision overturning the conviction that Austin’s trial “was plagued by multiple problems which, cumulatively, present the inescapable conclusion that he was denied a fair trial.” Michael lost 27 years of his life because of the failures and the breakdown of our justice system. In 2001 when a judge ruled to overturn Michael’s charge he stated that, “no reasonable juror aware of the facts known today would have convicted Austin.”
In the 27 years Michael was incarcerated, the Soviet Union died, a free South Africa was born, the internet and cell phones were invented, and his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland was almost unrecognizable. During his time incarcerated, Michael lost his mother and brother. He had a lot of reasons to be angry and completely loose hope, but he never did. In fact, while in prison he learned to read and write music, studied law, completed academic degrees, and developed relationships that would ultimately lead to his release. Many people would have let the unimaginable anger, pain and grief of a wrongful life sentence define them, but not Michael Austin. When Michael speaks to young people he asserts that, “in order to have a testimony, you have to be tested.” He shares about his wrongful conviction as his “test” that has ultimately become his testimony. Mr. Austin asks the young people he’s worked with over the years to consider the following questions, “what is your test?” and “what will your testimony be?”
Michael was released after serving 27 years. At the age of 53, he was tasked with learning to maneuver a Baltimore and a world he could hardly recognize. He had to adjust to freedom, he had to heal. Since release from prison Michael has chosen to savor his freedom without anger. He chose to forgive the man who prosecuted him, even sharing a meal with him and meeting his family. Michael is a living example of the power of forgiveness, and not letting your future be dictated by anger and resentment.
Michael’s story has touched people around the world, as he has spoken at schools, universities and prisons sharing his story of forgiveness, empowerment and transformation. He started a band and has performed all around the United States and the world. Michael traveled to South Africa to perform music and to support the development of a music program for homeless youth in Durban, South Africa. He has collaborated with law professors at the University of Maryland Law School to develop curriculum using his case to teach first year law students the importance of integrity in their work as lawyers. First year law students reenacted Michael's sentencing hearing and had a discussion about what went wrong and how it could have been avoided. Students got to hear from Michael and connect with the human that is impacted when lawyers are negligent; an experience that has impacted the trajectory of the careers of these young lawyers.
Michael has received countless letters from students and individuals impacted by his work and the power of his story and testimony. He has been the recipient of multiple awards and is beloved by many. Michael has dedicated his life, forgiveness, empowerment and giving back and is truly a treasure in our community.
Why Michael needs your support:
Michael Austin has been out of prison for twenty years now. Although he received some compensation from the state 2004, he has lived through 2 economic depressions and is currently in need of immediate financial support. Struggling to meet basic needs is not a burden that Michael should have to carry, especially after 27 years of wrongful imprisonment. As an elder (73y/o) in the community, who has been through and gone through so much, Michael is now in need of immediate financial support to cover medical, food and housing expenses. COVID has added an extra layer of challenges and obstacles for Michael to meet his basic, daily needs. Your financial contribution will support Michael’s ability to pay his mounting medical bills, utilities, housing, food and transportation costs. He has recently been diagnosed with Paget's Disease; a chronic disease that restricts mobility, and contributes to chronic pain. This new diagnosis is preventing him from gainful employment and his ability to comfortably live in his home. Your support of this campaign will ensure Michael receives the medical and housing needs necessary for him to peacefully move through this next stage of life.
No donation is too big or small. Your support is greatly appreciated by Mr. Austin and his friends, family and supporters. See the links below to learn more about Mr. Austin’s story and his impact.
Read more about Michael Austin:
https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2001-12-28-0112280059-story.html
https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3002
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/exonerated-inmate-shares-story-with-students-3/7079508
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2004/01/22/soul-survivor/f731a513-4864-426d-98d3-005c485922f7/
https://centurion.org/cases/austin-michael/
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-31-mn-35564-story.html
http://centurion.org/wp-content/themes/centurion/images/cases/michael-austin/michael-austin02.pdf
Michael Austin’s Story:
In 1975, 26- year- old Michael Austin, was handed a life sentence for a murder he did not commit. Michael was wrongfully convicted of murder with no physical evidence and a trial engrossed in injustice . Circuit Judge John Carroll Byrnes wrote in a decision overturning the conviction that Austin’s trial “was plagued by multiple problems which, cumulatively, present the inescapable conclusion that he was denied a fair trial.” Michael lost 27 years of his life because of the failures and the breakdown of our justice system. In 2001 when a judge ruled to overturn Michael’s charge he stated that, “no reasonable juror aware of the facts known today would have convicted Austin.”
In the 27 years Michael was incarcerated, the Soviet Union died, a free South Africa was born, the internet and cell phones were invented, and his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland was almost unrecognizable. During his time incarcerated, Michael lost his mother and brother. He had a lot of reasons to be angry and completely loose hope, but he never did. In fact, while in prison he learned to read and write music, studied law, completed academic degrees, and developed relationships that would ultimately lead to his release. Many people would have let the unimaginable anger, pain and grief of a wrongful life sentence define them, but not Michael Austin. When Michael speaks to young people he asserts that, “in order to have a testimony, you have to be tested.” He shares about his wrongful conviction as his “test” that has ultimately become his testimony. Mr. Austin asks the young people he’s worked with over the years to consider the following questions, “what is your test?” and “what will your testimony be?”
Michael was released after serving 27 years. At the age of 53, he was tasked with learning to maneuver a Baltimore and a world he could hardly recognize. He had to adjust to freedom, he had to heal. Since release from prison Michael has chosen to savor his freedom without anger. He chose to forgive the man who prosecuted him, even sharing a meal with him and meeting his family. Michael is a living example of the power of forgiveness, and not letting your future be dictated by anger and resentment.
Michael’s story has touched people around the world, as he has spoken at schools, universities and prisons sharing his story of forgiveness, empowerment and transformation. He started a band and has performed all around the United States and the world. Michael traveled to South Africa to perform music and to support the development of a music program for homeless youth in Durban, South Africa. He has collaborated with law professors at the University of Maryland Law School to develop curriculum using his case to teach first year law students the importance of integrity in their work as lawyers. First year law students reenacted Michael's sentencing hearing and had a discussion about what went wrong and how it could have been avoided. Students got to hear from Michael and connect with the human that is impacted when lawyers are negligent; an experience that has impacted the trajectory of the careers of these young lawyers.
Michael has received countless letters from students and individuals impacted by his work and the power of his story and testimony. He has been the recipient of multiple awards and is beloved by many. Michael has dedicated his life, forgiveness, empowerment and giving back and is truly a treasure in our community.
Why Michael needs your support:
Michael Austin has been out of prison for twenty years now. Although he received some compensation from the state 2004, he has lived through 2 economic depressions and is currently in need of immediate financial support. Struggling to meet basic needs is not a burden that Michael should have to carry, especially after 27 years of wrongful imprisonment. As an elder (73y/o) in the community, who has been through and gone through so much, Michael is now in need of immediate financial support to cover medical, food and housing expenses. COVID has added an extra layer of challenges and obstacles for Michael to meet his basic, daily needs. Your financial contribution will support Michael’s ability to pay his mounting medical bills, utilities, housing, food and transportation costs. He has recently been diagnosed with Paget's Disease; a chronic disease that restricts mobility, and contributes to chronic pain. This new diagnosis is preventing him from gainful employment and his ability to comfortably live in his home. Your support of this campaign will ensure Michael receives the medical and housing needs necessary for him to peacefully move through this next stage of life.
No donation is too big or small. Your support is greatly appreciated by Mr. Austin and his friends, family and supporters. See the links below to learn more about Mr. Austin’s story and his impact.
Read more about Michael Austin:
https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2001-12-28-0112280059-story.html
https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3002
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/exonerated-inmate-shares-story-with-students-3/7079508
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2004/01/22/soul-survivor/f731a513-4864-426d-98d3-005c485922f7/
https://centurion.org/cases/austin-michael/
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-31-mn-35564-story.html
http://centurion.org/wp-content/themes/centurion/images/cases/michael-austin/michael-austin02.pdf
Organizer
Michael Austin
Organizer
Baltimore, MD