Jamal Lewis

Jamal Lewis is a writer and storyteller whose life journey spans some of the most difficult and transformative experiences in the American justice system. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey’s Central Ward, Lewis grew up in public housing surrounded by poverty and family struggles with addiction.

At age sixteen he was sentenced to life in prison following a robbery that tragically ended in murder. After spending 33 years incarcerated and being denied parole twice, Lewis was released under new juvenile resentencing laws. Today he is focused on rebuilding his life and sharing his story through writing and public conversation.