Second Chances: Pardon Me film screening and panel discussion

Across the U.S., individuals with criminal records face prejudice and lost opportunities long after they have completed their sentences. These criminal records often trap hardworking adults into second-class status and act on communities as a cause of inter-generational poverty and a social determinant of health. Pardons are an underutilized tool that can help. In Pennsylvania, pardons allow individuals to pursue their full potential without the burden of their past convictions. Thanks to reforms made over the past few years, the process of applying for a pardon is free and does not require a lawyer.

Pardon Me is a documentary short film by Philadelphia filmmaker Shuja Moore that shows how pardons offer the potential to live as full citizens and how they uplift entire communities. The film features the stories of two people going through the pardon process and includes interviews with key civic leaders. By showcasing the transformative potential of pardons, Pardon Me sheds light on the importance of addressing the long-lasting impacts of criminal records and the need for a final release from the criminal justice system.

Join us for a screening of Pardon Me followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with:

• Shuja Moore, Director and Producer of Pardon Me
• A recent PA pardon recipient
• Nyron N. Crawford, Associate Professor of Political Science, Temple University College of Liberal Arts
• Shelby Dolch, Temple Law student and past Systemic Justice Project participant
• Tobey Oxholm, Director of The Pardon Project

Moderator: Shanda Sibley, Assistant Clinical Professor, Temple University Beasley School of Law & Director of the Systemic Justice Clinic at the Sheller Center for Social Justice

For more information about the film, visit https://www.pardonsnow.org/

For more information about pardons in PA, visit https://pardonmepa.org/  

To join the Pardon Project mailing list, volunteer, and find out other ways to help with The Pardon Project in PA, visit https://pardonmepa.org/how-to-help/

Event registration is encouraged but not required.