Jose Colon
Written by Jose’s wife Janette
Executive Clemency by way of commutation is what we are seeking for Jose. He has served almost twenty-four (24) years in prison and we believe Jose should be granted clemency because he has used his time to habilitate himself in positive and proactive ways.
Jose has completed all programs the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has offered him such as Alternative to Violence Program (AVP), Aggression Replacement Training (ART) and assisting in the preparation of G.E.D. exams. Jose has obtained a Paralegal/Legal Assistant certificate, with distinction, from the Blackstone Career Institute. He is currently enrolled in Mercy College, earned additional college credits from Columbia University for his enrollment in a correspondence writing course and has earned an Entrepreneur Certification through R.E.A.P. (Re-Entry Acceleration Program) a course offered by Columbia University School of Business that will be credited towards his bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. He is also working towards creating a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) curriculum through his organization, I.M.O.K. – If. Mother. Only. Knew.; is a published author and contributing writer for The Wall Magazine.
He is currently employed as an Administrative Clerk in the Education Building and assists facility faculty with developing and identifying academic goals and strengths. He acts as a peer educator, facilitates weekly orientations and assists faculty with yearly HSE tests. He encourages those who lack education to get involved to seek some type of educational credential that will be beneficial upon their release.
His earnest effort to improve himself and his desire to help others is apparent. He has demonstrated his commitment through his involvement in programs designed to facilitate positive interactions between the incarcerated and their loved ones. Jose’s participation in a 2022 Restorative Justice Circles, assists incarcerated men in coming to terms with trauma through cooperative workshops.
Additionally, as a block clerk, he processes all incoming Covid-19 quarantines (part of his housing unit was converted into a hospital Annex for the overflow of positive cases). He was an “essential worker” working closely with the Executive and Administrative staff to prevent the spread of Covid-19 throughout the pandemic.
Jose is an active member of Latinos Unidos organization and learned to read, write and speak Spanish fluently while incarcerated. He realized the importance of helping his peers who had difficulties understanding the English language to assist with translation. Through the Latinos Unidos organization, he helped raise money for the Hurricane Maria relief victims in Puerto Rico and has worked with the Veterans Association as a volunteer to help raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and other projects. He is also a member of Carnegie Hall in conjunction with Musical Connection that work with professional artists to write, compose and perform music. Jose is currently one of the resident violinists.
Jose’s first goal after release is to apply to Columbia University and make available to him all of the reentry courses that they offer to formally incarcerated alumni which include, but are not limited to, employment and re-enrollment in academic programs. He will also enter a network of self-supporting alumni, who were formally incarcerated and are now thriving in a variety of fields in New Post release. Jose will also have a robust support network that consists of his family, friends, attorney and advocates. If granted clemency, he will have stable housing, healthcare and social support from his family, who are ready.
This request does not absolve Jose of accepting responsibility, expressing remorse, and establishing a record of change. He has offered a sincere apology through his participation in the Responsibility Project by writing a letter to the “Apology Bank”. He will forever live with the enormous pain and suffering he caused to the victims and families and equally guilt-ridden for the hurt to his family and loved ones. He is truly remorseful for his actions. Jose hopes this apology can help begin the process of reconciliation of his past, himself and those communities his actions negatively affected. The notion of paying a debt does not begin and end with a lengthy prison sentence. A debt of this kind can only be repaid by understanding that life is a gift and giving that life meaning is its reward.
Please allow Jose an opportunity to be a pillar in his community as he is prepared to join his wife and daughter, reenter society and become a productive and successful person.
-The family of Jose Colon