This was first published on March 13, 2024 by the Indianapolis Liberation Center.
For the first time since his exoneration, the Indianapolis community was graced by the presence of Leon Benson, who has halfway through his 50-year prison sentence when he was freed from Pendleton prison on March 9, 2023. This past weekend was his “re-birth” celebration that included a lecture at DePauw University on March 7 and a “Common unity” concert on March 9.
On March 8, the Indianapolis Liberation Center and The Everly Collective hosted a standing-room-only homecoming celebration centered around a panel and book launch, which you can watch below.
The panel discussion and the official launch of his first monograph, Letters of gratitude: I am because we are, published that day by Iskra Books. You can purchase a copy of his book for delivery or pick up at the Liberation Center’s online store or at any major bookseller.
“The truth never dies!” Watch the celebration
About the participants
- Kelly Bauder, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office’s Conviction Integrity Unit
- Kolleen Schoen-Bunch, the sister of Kasey Schoen
- Dani Abdullah, Indianapolis Liberation Center
- Koby Bluitt, Meals from The Motha (and Benson’s daughter)
- Queene Lewis, FOCUS Initiatives, LTD
- Derek R. Ford, DePauw University
- Cedrick Johnson, Musician
- Stephen Lane II, Indianapolis Liberation Center
- Leon Benson, Exoneree and author
Photos
Photos by Indianapolis Liberation Center