Meet Obie Anthony

 

We recently connected with Obie Anthony and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Obie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

At the age of 19, I was wrongfully framed and convicted, spending 17 years in prison for a crime I did not commit. Finally exonerated in 2011, I had to learn how to build a new life outside of prison, struggling with employment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and reestablishing relationships with my family. This experience was immensely traumatic. It fueled my dedication and drive to help others who’ve experienced similar injustices. In 2015, I founded Exonerated Nation to help make sure other exonerees didn’t have to be alone when facing the challenges that I faced. Through my non-profit organization, my team and I work tirelessly to create a supportive community and provide essential programs and resources in support of exonerees in their restorative journeys.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

While Exonerated Nation offers assistance for the more immediate needs, such as provide resources for temporary housing, job training, and health services, our service centers around healing and empowering exonerees. Our annual healing retreats remain a cornerstone of our organization. Through these retreats, we aim to:
– support the overall physical, emotional and mental well-being of exonerees and their families,
– build leadership skills among exonerees, empowering them to advocate effectively and influence policy change,
– address and heal the impacts of the trauma experienced by exonerees and their families, and
– provide a space for exonerees to connect in safe spaces, share their experiences, and support one another.
This year’s Healing Intergenerational Trauma retreat is coming up in September and will focus on healing and strengthening bonds between exonerees and their loved ones. Also, we’re very excited to be planning a special retreat for 2025, focusing on the unique needs of women in the exoneree community.
In April of this year, we held our second annual Hike for Justice which invites exonerees, their family and loved ones, and advocates of the wrongful conviction movement for an event promoting overall well-being through physical exercise and peer connection in beautiful scenery.
We also have a research arm which is dedicated to a participatory action framework that empowers exonerees to lead and fully engage in all aspects of our research platform. This approach ensures that exonerees are not only involved but also influential in shaping the direction and outcomes of our studies. We are also committed to research efforts that have the potential to drive policy change, recognizing that our findings can significantly impact the development of supportive measures and legislation.
Our research is centered on mental health and well-being, aiming to raise awareness about the unique reentry needs associated with trauma. Through a series of state and national projects, we have identified the resources and support systems that are most beneficial to exonerees. Currently, we are advancing to Phase II of our Virtual Reality (VR) for Exonerees: Usability Study. This phase evaluates the effectiveness of VR technology, specifically mindfulness applications, in alleviating symptoms related to the trauma of wrongful conviction. This innovative approach aims to provide exonerees with practical tools for managing their recovery and enhancing their quality of life.
Finally, Exonerated Nation has provided education to California policy makers since 2015, advocating for the development of legislation that improves the lives of exonerees and furthers overall criminal justice reform.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say three things have really made a difference in my journey: collaboration, resilience, and finding the balance between sticking to my values and being open to new ideas.
1. Collaboration: Working with others has been key. In the wrongful conviction movement, building strong connections with people who are passionate about the cause can make a huge difference. If you’re just starting out, try to find mentors, peers, and allies who share your goals. Talk to them, learn from them, and offer your support in return. Having a network like this can really help you tackle challenges and make a bigger impact.
2. Resilience: Staying focused and resilient is crucial. The journey can be tough and full of ups and downs. When you hit roadblocks, remember that progress often takes time. Find ways to manage stress and keep motivated, and lean on those who support you. Every small step forward is a step in the right direction.
3. Balancing Personal Values with Open-Mindedness: It’s important to stay true to your values while being open to new ideas. This balance has helped me grow and work well with others. As you move forward, be ready to adjust your approach if needed, but always keep your core values in mind. This helps you stay adaptable and innovative while remaining grounded.
For those just starting out, focus on building relationships, stay resilient when things get tough, and practice balancing your values with openness to new perspectives. This will not only help you grow but also make a bigger difference in your field.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

We’re definitely looking to team up with some great folks right now! Our organization has done a lot with limited resources, but we’re at a point where we need to level up. We’re eager to bring in experts to help us with fundraising—people who can help us create and roll out a solid plan. We’re also on the hunt for marketing and branding pros to boost our visibility and spread the word about what we do. Plus, we’re looking to expand our reach beyond California, so if you’ve got experience with advocacy or scaling services to new states, we’d love your help. And, we’re growing our board and would welcome passionate, experienced individuals who want to guide our mission. If any of this sounds like a fit, get in touch! Drop us a line at [email/contact form] or connect with us on our website at https://exoneratednation.org/. We’re excited to see how we can work together to make a bigger impact!

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