VOICES FOR JUSTICE: A NEW YEAR

Dear Readers, As we say goodbye to 2022, myself and the entire team here at Voices for Justice would like to wish you all a very happy and blessed new year. We thank you all for the never-ending support. 2022 was a very successful year for our Voices for Justice newsletter thanks to you, the readers. In the midst of our success, in publishing thought-provoking and newsworthy topics in efforts to enlighten, educate, and empower; 2022 saw us all faced with many unwarranted obstacles and challenges. Subsequently, when faced with adversity, we are reminded that our greatest story lies not in never fallen, but in rising every time we fall. To kick off our first issue of Voices for Justice in 2023, we would like to dedicate this issue to you, our loyal readers and supporters, who helped tremendously in the growth of our platform and make what we do possible. The overarching vision that guides Voices for Justice is of a society in which all people are afforded social justice and equality to thrive regardless of their race, color, gender, location, or circumstances. Over the holiday season, I elatedly received a number of heartwarming greeting cards from supporters and listeners of my interview on the Wrongful Conviction podcast with Jason Flom. Each card touched me to the very core of my soul. With each line, tears were brought to my eyes to see the love and support that is out there all across the world for me in my fight to prove my innocence. So with the deepest of gratitudes, I want to thank everyone who found it in their heart to take the time to reach out and let me know that I was in their thoughts for the holidays. I am so grateful to have had an opportunity to have shared my story with the world, and in return, received such an outpour of positive feedback, support, and words of encouragement from people all across the world is very humbling. I can only hope that my story has stirred something within you all and leaves a lasting impression. I also would like to say thank you to every person who came into my life and inspired, touched, and illuminated me through their presence. A very special and warm thank you to the team here at Voices for Justice, Justin Marks and Lexi Marks for their magnificent support and contributions to my journey and to the creation of Voices for Justice newsletter, Free Gary Benloss webpage, and social media sites, and Justice For Gary petition on Change.org. I couldn’t have done it without you. I cannot go on any further without giving a huge thanks and acknowledgement to my brothers and founding members of the Voices From Within: Colin Absolam, Jermaine Archer, Lawrence Bartley, Julian Castillo, Markey Coleman, Kenyatta Hughes, Andre Jenkins, Sean Kyler, Dario Peña, Laron Rodgers, Jon-Adrian Velazquez, and NBC’s own Dan Sleppian. These men have developed a platform to redefine what it means to pay a debt to society by tackling the social issues and subcultures which affect both our neighboring communities and prison population. My brothers, I thank you all for your never-ending commitment and for generously sharing your wisdom and for laying out the blueprint and paving the way for men like myself to come together and work collectively, in efforts to effectuate a positive change in the lives of others. And in speaking of making a change in the lives of others, I have to give a huge shoutout to a great man and a beloved friend of mine, Jason Flom. He is a constant reminder to me that it only takes one person to make a change, because he has made a change in me and so many others. Thank you for believing in my innocence. Most of all, I want to give a very special and loving appreciation to my beautiful mother and sister who are always by my side and whose love and support knows no limits. I know it has been quite a rough journey and I thank you both for never giving up on me and my fight for justice and freedom. Finally, in loving memory of my son, Isaiah, whose light and love continues to shine through our lives. I feel you shining down on me. I love you, son! My family are the precious jewels of my life and they illuminate every breath I take through their every existence. Thank you once again to everyone, I cannot begin to thank you all enough. You all have been there for me and played a major role in my life, which is why I decided to dedicate this issue of Voices for Justice to all of you. “Together we write the book of life, our every encounter determine by fate, and our hands joined in the belief that we can make a difference in this world. Everyone contributes a word, a sentence, an image, but in the end it all makes sense: the happiness of one becomes the joy of all.”