Welcome to Freedom, Ricky Jackson, Wiley Bridgeman and Kwame Ajamu
“It’s hard to express enough thanksgiving when the number of people who have shared their generosity with us are so many. I wish to thank all the supporters and all the contributors for all they’ve done for our tomorrow.”
–Wiley Bridgeman
On November 21st, 2014, the State of Ohio dropped all charges against three men who were sentenced to death nearly four decades ago. Their sentences were changed to life in prison when Ohio’s death penalty was ruled unconstitutional in 1978. Kwame Ajamu (previously known as Ronnie Bridgeman) was released on parole in 2003, but for Ricky Jackson and Wiley Bridgeman, November 21st was their first taste of freedom in nearly four decades. On December 9, 2014, Kwame Ajamu was also formally exonerated and now enjoys complete freedom as well. These three men become Ohio’s 7th, 8th and 9th death row exonerations, bringing the nationwide total of innocent persons freed after having been sentenced to death to over 150.
Click here to read the full story in Cleveland Scene Magazine.
When it became clear that Ricky Jackson was about to be released, the Ohio Innocence Project established a “GoFundMe” campaign for him. Attorney Terry Gilbert, one of the attorneys representing Wiley Bridgeman and Kwame Ajamu, asked Ohioans to Stop Executions to establish similar funds.
We’re heading into the holiday season. These men were wrongly sent to death row and spent decades in prison when they were completely innocent. We invite anyone who would like to help them get back on their feet to join us in this effort. No amount is too small or too large.
Please donate on-line at the following links. To send a check, see below.
http://www.gofundme.com/KwameAjamu
http://www.gofundme.com/rickyjackson
Donors who don’t use credit cards on the internet may send a check to Ohioans to Stop Executions, clearly labeled “OTSE Exoneration Fund” in the memo line. All funds collected will go directly to Jackson, Bridgeman, and Ajamu. Checks made to “OTSE” with “Exoneration Fund” in the memo line may be sent to Ohioans to Stop Executions, 9 E. Long St., Suite 202., Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Thank you.