Brooklyn’s Baddest is a documentary in development that explores the consequences of the “war on drugs” and mass criminalization in New York City during the 1990s through present day, telling the stories of nearly 20 young men who were wrongfully convicted after investigations by the same police detective.
Derrick Hamilton spent an astonishing 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. During that time, Hamilton taught himself the law and subsequently won his freedom. Hamilton tirelessly continues to fight for the freedom of people who have been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated due to the corrupt actions of the same detective. Brooklyn’s Baddest is a story about New York City, the criminal legal system, and ultimately, friendship, brotherhood and the fight for truth and justice.
Please join us for an exclusive screening of clips from Brooklyn’s Baddest, and engage in conversation with exonerated New Yorkers and leaders focused on criminal legal reform.
What will you learn?
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Ongoing work to expose and address police and prosecutorial misconduct in Brooklyn, New York, consequences of the effort to address crime in the borough
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The work of attorneys, advocates and incarcerated individuals to disrupt systemic barriers that prevent innocent people from achieving justice
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The role funders can play in amplifying narratives of wrongful conviction and injustice
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How documentary film can raise awareness and help advocate for legislative change
Speakers
- Justin Bonus, Attorney
- Nelson Cruz, Fighting 1999 murder conviction
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Derrick Hamilton, Deputy Director, Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice & Exonerated after 20 years in prison
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Aaron Wilson, Executive Producer, "Brooklyn's Baddest"
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Jule Hall (Moderator), Assistant Director of Ambassadors & External Programs, Innocence Project