When presented with an opportunity to expand on a topic such as social justice, “deep reflection” becomes a necessary tool; the portal transporting you through the wilderness of history, emotions, and tightly clutched beliefs. Anytime a group of society’s people suffer injustice, especially of an unbalanced portion, there is injustice.

The opposite of social justice is injustice. This is my personal experience with social injustice. As I sat in a room watching music videos at a friend’s house with his newborn, West Covina Police entered the residence. Upon exiting from the room, I was accosted and racially profiled. I was asked if I was on parole or probation, to which I curiously inquired, “Why?” I was informed they were investigating a kidnapping. I stated “I’m on parole!” I had no idea that these words would end up being the last I spoke as a free man.

As soon as I was told I was detained, I invoked my constitutional right to counsel.  I was maced, punched, and assaulted, having my clothes and shoes removed.  A tainted photo was taken where I’m holding my head down, then submitted to a 6 pack line-up. My shoes were taken from me and given to a detective on my case. The detective  took my shoes to the crime scene where one print was found. I received no court or medical attention. Then, while in custody awaiting pretrial, the LA County Sheriff was observed by a detective, and my counsel was coaching the victim/witness on which person in the line-up to identify. Not one time did my trial attorney call either the opposing attorney, or the sheriff to address the misconduct of counsel. It was then that I transitioned to representing myself pro-der and the court had me fill out some forms.

I left the box unchecked that read “Have you received documents needed to proceed to trial?” I checked no to express that my fundamental constitutional rights were violated. The attorney was given an extension of time, despite the judge saying he would appoint another attorney (which he didn’t). These events are all true. Twenty-five years later the system refuses to correct this injustice

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Social justice would be giving me back my freedom and correcting the wrongs that have been done. I would like to make a movie one day about my experience, make music, and speak at events. It’s a complete reconstruction of the individual.  When you’re convicted for a crime you’re not guilty of , and forced to live each day shouting your innocence to whoever will listen, rIt ruins  your dreams, goals, and ambitions,. It does great damage to the soul.