Confronting unjust systems through research, bridge building, and advocacy to create an Alabama that prioritizes justice and opportunity.

Montgomery, AL
Joined January 2014
"Governor Ivey has made the very wise decision to be smart on crime by supporting this well-crafted remedy for fairness in sentencing," - Champ Lyons Jr., served on the Alabama Supreme Court from 1998 to 2011.
From @ALReporter: “Opinion | The Second Chance Act is a conservative, commonsense, smart-on-crime bill” Justice Lyons is right — Alabama’s justice system must be both fair and firm. We must be smart on crime and hold offenders accountable. #alpolitics alreporter.com/2025/03/04/op…
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Thank you @GovernorKayIvey for recognizing The Second Chance Act as a commonsense, Smart-on-crime bill that will give many a deserving second chance at freedom. Your support is paramount, so thank you!
From @ALReporter: “Opinion | The Second Chance Act is a conservative, commonsense, smart-on-crime bill” Justice Lyons is right — Alabama’s justice system must be both fair and firm. We must be smart on crime and hold offenders accountable. #alpolitics alreporter.com/2025/03/04/op…
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The Alabama Department of Corrections saw 277 incarcerated individuals die within prison walls in 2024, a rate four times the national average. Appleseed's Eddie Burkhalter talks with APR about those deaths and what can be done to lessen the numbers. alreporter.com/2025/01/23/al…
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Appleseed is thrilled to announce that Georgetown Law student Joe Manasco has joined us as a legal extern. Welcome, Mr. Manasco! alabamaappleseed.org/news/we…
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At least 277 incarcerated people in Alabama died in 2024, which was 4 times the national average across state prisons. alabamaappleseed.org/news/in…
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For the first time in 33 years, Ronnie Peoples spent this past Christmas with family. It was the best Christmas he's ever had, Mr. Peoples told us. Here's to many more wonderful memories with his loving family. alabamaappleseed.org/news/ro…
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We look forward to partnering with @AlaAppleseed Center for Law and Justice for a special evening with Matthew Martens, author of "Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal" on January 23. samford.edu/law/events/Refor…
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Alabama Appleseed board members Pastor Richard Williams and Aylia McKee, chief public defender for Montgomery County, discuss the devastating impact of fines & fees on marginalized Alabamians. (1/2) alabamareflector.com/2024/12…
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Read Appleseed's 2018 report that details just how court fines & fees can leave many marginalized Alabamians unable to pay for basic needs, see them jailed and decrease access to diversion programs. alabamaappleseed.org/underpr…
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Joshua Hamer was beaten to death in November. The 41-year-old was imprisoned on a probation violation stemming from an 8-year-old  theft conviction for not returning Redbox rental movies and video game in 2016. alabamaappleseed.org/?p=1073…
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Daniel Terry Williams was 22 years old when he was likely smothered to death a year ago. The evidence on his body corroborated with what witnesses have said was his kidnapping and torture over a period of several days inside Staton Correctional Facility.
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Despite witnesses who saw Mr. Williams being held against his will in a secure prison staffed with officers, and despite clear medical evidence pointing to homicide and a suspect identified, that suspect has not been charged in Mr. Williams’s death.
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Newly elected Alabama Chief Justice Sarah Stewart hopes to dramatically reduce recidivism in the state during her term. Excited to have leadership in the Alabama Supreme Court who is focused on these issues.
New Alabama Chief Justice Sarah Stewart aims to reduce recidivism, expand accountability courts, and address juvenile justice and staffing challenges in the state's judicial system. #ALPolitics buff.ly/3YTtEvz
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Appleseed’s research shows that diversion programs like drug court, pretrial diversion & others are meant to help Alabamians who have made mistakes avoid convictions or incarceration. However costs, requirements, and access vary widely. alabamaappleseed.org/in-trou…
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Alabama Appleseed retweeted
Introducing @SaferPrisons - a new campaign launched by @One_VoiceUnited and @FAMMFoundation. They’re urging action to address the crisis in our nation’s prisons driven by understaffing, overcrowding, and poor conditions. Learn more and get engaged 🔗 saferprisonssafercommunities…
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Alabama Appleseed retweeted
What a beautiful night celebrating with @AlaAppleseed! From fines and fees to prison reform, Appleseed is changing policy and saving lives. So inspired by the work of @CarlaCrowder12 @leahanelson @BurkhalterEddie & others 👏🏻 👏🏻 TY to Kirk Forrester 4 including us 🎉
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Alabama Appleseed retweeted
$1.08 billion and some change.
First look at Alabama's billion dollar mega-prison, the most expensive prison ever built. Correct me if I'm wrong. I cannot find a prison this expensive in human history. Would love to be wrong.
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