OCC 2025 MLK Convocation

A Conversation with Yusef Salaam

Start 2025 off with Dr. Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Exonerated Five, who will share his story of profound resilience and commitment to justice, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals.

Oakland Community College presents the 2025 MLK Convocation: “When They See Us: A Journey of Resilience and Justice” in partnership with Henry Ford and Macomb Community colleges. During this online event, Salaam will courageously share his personal journey, shedding light on the devastating impact of systemic inequities, and offering a powerful narrative of healing, advocacy, and transformation.

You are invited to join us at the MLK Convocation where Salaam’s insights into prison reform, Black male achievement, juvenile justice, civic responsibility, and community engagement will equip and empower all who participate to take meaningful action toward positive change.

Speaker Biography

In 1989, at just fifteen years young, Dr. Yusef Salaam was tried and convicted in the “Central Park jogger” case along with four other Black and Latinx young men. The Exonerated Five spent between seven to 13 years behind bars for crimes they did not commit, until their sentences were overturned in 2002. Since then, they have received a multi-million-dollar settlement from the city of New York for its injustice and have been profiled in award-winning films, including The Central Park Five documentary from Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon and most recently the Emmy award-winning Netflix limited series When They See Us, written and directed by Ava DuVernay.

Over the past two decades, Yusef has become a family man, father, poet, activist, and inspirational speaker. He continues to utilize his platform to share his story with others and educate the public about the impact of mass incarceration and police brutality rooted in our justice system. He regularly advocates for criminal justice reform, prison reform and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement and capital punishment.

Yusef is also a New York Times bestselling author, and recently released his memoir, Better, Not Bitter., detailing his journey where in the face of misjustice, Yusef found hope.

Yusef is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama (2016) and more recently has shared his story and stance on current issues on CNN, MSNBC, REVOLT TV, NPR Atlanta, FOX and more.