Social Justice Speaking Tour
Keynote Speaker: Vernon T. Bateman
May 2-3, 2025
Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Phoenixville
Vernon T. Bateman spent over half of his life unjustly incarcerated by the state of Indiana. He is still fighting for his–and our–freedom. This weekend, we have the chance to hear his story and join his fight as he speaks in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Phoenixville.
In 1998, he was falsely convicted and sentenced to 70 years in prison. There was no evidence tying him to the “crime scene,” the cops never asked him for an alibi, the alleged victim and only “eyewitness” both recanted their testimony and admitted a cop coerced them into identifying Bateman, among numerous other injustices. We are honored to host him for our first annual statewide social justice speaking tour so the people of Pennsylvania can hear his story and be part of the growing movement to support his exoneration.
Throughout his time in prison, Vernon never lost hope. His fellow inmates taught him how to read and write. When the mother of his daughter was killed by a drunk driver in 2010, he wrote, illustrated, and published a children’s book as a way to parent his child from an isolation unit. That was the first of five children’s books that tackle topics from police brutality to anti-LGBTQ bullying he published from decades in solitary confinement. From Indiana’s brutal prison system, he started Babyy22GunSafety LLC to allow those in prison for gun violence to make amends by making financial contributions to the victims of gun violence and their families. His hope kept him and so many other victims of the state alive.
Vernon was released on parole in June 2023. Despite so many other hurdles, every day Vernon is making positive contributions to our community and world. In the words of Indiana Congressman André D. Carson:
“Vernon’s work is a powerful reflection of his unwavering commitment to social justice, offering both a challenge and a solution to the injustices we face. His ability to turn adversity into such inspiring and impactful art is truly exceptional.”
You don’t want to miss these opportunities to hear from Vernon T. Bateman and his friend and comrade, Dr. Derek R. Ford:
Pittsburgh
- Friday May 2
6:00 pm
Pittsburgh Liberation Center
3459 Fifth Ave. #110
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Philadelphia
- Saturday May 3
12:00 pm
Philadelphia Liberation Center
147 W Susquehanna Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phoenixville
- Saturday May 3
Phoenixville Liberation Center
First Presbyterian Church
145 Main St, Phoenixville, PA 19460
For inquiries, contact Prof. Curry Malott.