Greg Mingo of The Innocence Project Urges Berkeley College Legal and Justice Studies Students to Create Positive Change
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
973-200-1099
KME@BerkeleyCollege.edu
TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE
Photo Caption: Greg Mingo of The Innocence Project (right) speaks to students, faculty, staff, and members of the community at Berkeley College on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. “Insights into the Unimaginable” was moderated by Charlane Brown, JD, Professor, Justice Studies, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies (left).
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Watch the Recording: Click here to watch “Insights into the Unimaginable” at Berkeley College.
Greg Mingo of The Innocence Project, who was wrongfully accused and incarcerated for 40 years, spoke about prison reform and his work to create positive change during “Insights into the Unimaginable,” held at Berkeley College in New York City on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. More than 50 students, faculty, staff, and members of the community attended the program.
Mingo, a Harlem native, was convicted of two homicides at the age of 28. He was granted clemency, and returned home in September 2021.
“You might think something like this can’t happen to you, but it can happen to anyone,” Mingo told the audience, which included Berkeley College Legal Studies and Justice Studies – Criminal Justice students. “It takes a community to make changes. … Hopefully some of you in the room today can start to make those changes.”
Since his release, Mingo has collaborated with the Innocence Project’s Speakers Bureau, advocating for parole reform. He works with Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, and volunteers to build transitional housing for those returning home.
“My heart goes out to all who are left behind. That is why I am being a voice for the voiceless,” Mingo said. He encouraged those in the audience to help those in need.
“One of the things that helped me survive was having family and having support, but there are so many people inside who don’t have that,” Mingo said. “It makes a big difference to reach out and help somebody. I’m in a situation now where I have this platform and I try to use it to help as many people as I can.”
“I personally became exposed to The Innocence Project as a law student,” said Charlane Brown, JD, Professor, Justice Studies, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies, who moderated the event. “Today we heard one account of when the system of justice we rely on does not work as it should. I would like you to ask yourself how we can make the system better, and how we can continue the conversation and get involved.”
“We were thrilled when Greg Mingo accepted our invitation to speak at our campus event,” said Linda Mauro, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in New York City. “His story embodies invaluable lessons, and we strive to bring experiential learning to life through platforms like this.”
About The Innocence Project
The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Learn more at https://innocenceproject.org/
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,600 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for 10 consecutive years. Berkeley College was also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2023-2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
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