This is Efren Paredes, Jr, a 15 year old honor student growing up in Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1986.
Shortly after this photo was taken, Efren was framed for a robbery and murder he did not commit and was sentenced to life in prison. This is Efren now.
Efren has been robbed of his freedom for the last 20 years of his life, but he has never given up and maintains his innocence. He has amassed a world-wide following of people who support him and his bid for justice. Thousands of people, including Dr. Elizabeth “Betita” Martinez and Fabiana Rodriguez have signed on in support of the Free Efren Paredes, Jr campaign. The Berkeley City Council has denounced his continued incarceration as a human rights violation. He is an advocate for justice and a venerated poet. I have been blessed to correspond with Efren and continue to be inspired and moved by his courage and selflessness in the face of such terrible injustice.
Tune in to Blog Talk Radio on Thursday, June 11 from 4:30pm – 5pm est for an exclusive interview with Efren from prison.
Check out Efren’s website and Facebook Group for more information.
TAKE ACTION
Efren has asked the State of Michigan that his sentence be commuted. His case has been heard by the Michigan Parole Board and over three months ago they issued their recommendation to the Governor of Michigan. To this day, he has heard nothing. Contact Michigan Governor Granholm and urge her to grant Efren’s commutation request.
In the words of Mr. Efren Paredes, Jr:
I am not letting this wait defeat or consume me and it is my prayer that none of you will either. This wait is a test of our faith and fortitude. It is a test of our endurance in times of challenge. No matter how difficult moments get we have to remind ourselves that it is our perception of each experience that will determine how it ultimately affects us. We can choose to be defeated or we can choose to remain committed to seeing justice prevail. I will always choose the latter and I know that many of you will echo these sentiments.
This man is not only a victim of unjust imprisonment. He is beacon of courage, intelligence and strength that lights the way for all who seek a good and just world. Please join the fight to free Efren Paredes, Jr.!
