A group of activists, led by civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton and members of the Exonerated Five, embarked on a bus tour from Harlem to Philadelphia to energize the youth vote ahead of the 2024 election. The strategic choice of a battleground state like Pennsylvania, known for its slim margins and significant Black vote, aimed to recruit speakers who were formerly known as the Central Park Five. These men, who were wrongfully convicted as Black and Latino teenagers, now known as the Exonerated Five, are using their voices to encourage voter participation, in contrast to the actions of former President Donald Trump, who supported their unjust convictions.
The case of the Central Park Five, which involved Trump calling for the teenagers’ execution, was a pivotal moment in the racial tensions of the time. Today, more than 34 years later, the Exonerated Five see Trump as a convicted felon who passed through the same courthouse hallways where they fought for their innocence. Yusef Salaam, one of the exonerated men, emphasized the importance of fighting for justice and participating in civic duty. Salaam, now a New York City Council member, champions the need to prevent a return to the American nightmare and to protect future generations.
Trump’s involvement in the Central Park jogger case was a precursor to his tough-on-crime political persona, which later evolved into overtly racist rhetoric. However, despite his divisive language, Trump has implemented reforms that address flaws in the criminal legal system, such as reducing harsh sentences for non-violent drug crimes. The Exonerated Five, who had their convictions vacated in 2002, continue to advocate for justice and participation in the democratic process. Salaam and Korey Wise, two of the wrongly convicted men, engaged with residents and students in Philadelphia to encourage voter turnout.
The bus tour, sponsored by Sharpton’s National Action Network, aimed to raise awareness and mobilize the community for the upcoming election. Despite not endorsing political candidates, Sharpton and the exonerated men have been vocal about Trump’s rhetoric and record on racial issues. Their appearance at the Democratic National Convention and confrontations with Trump during debates showcase their commitment to holding leaders accountable for their actions. Sharpton plans to continue the voter engagement tour in other battleground states like Ohio, Wisconsin, and North Carolina in the coming weeks.
The success of the voter engagement tour will be measured by the community’s turnout on Election Day, as National Action Network’s chief operating officer, Malcolm Byrd, emphasized the importance of sparking a fire for justice in Pennsylvania and beyond. The efforts of activists like Sharpton, the Exonerated Five, and their supporters reflect a broader movement towards social justice and political engagement. By amplifying their voices and advocating for change, they hope to inspire others to stand up, speak out, and participate in shaping the future of the country.
