On January 15, 2025, the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law hosted an extraordinary event that brought attention to the resilience of the human spirit and the urgent need for justice reform. The event, held at Thorne Auditorium, featured Deon Patrick and his co-authors of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men. The gathering served not just as a book signing but as a powerful rallying cry for systemic change.

Deon Patrick’s story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. At just 20 years old, he was wrongfully convicted of a double murder in Chicago alongside seven others. Coerced into confessing to a crime he did not commit, Patrick endured over two decades of imprisonment before his conviction was vacated in 2014. His story sheds light on the systemic failures within law enforcement and the justice system—failures that disproportionately target Black men.

During the event, Patrick shared his journey from incarceration to exoneration, recounting the harrowing details of his arrest, the coercive tactics used against him, and the years he spent fighting for freedom. He also discussed the broader issues at play, including the learned behavior within law enforcement that perpetuates wrongful convictions and the disproportionate impact these injustices have on Black communities.

The evening’s panel discussion was moderated by Stuart Chanen, an esteemed attorney instrumental in Patrick’s exoneration, alongside Nicole Nehama Auerbach. Both advocates provided valuable insights into the systemic challenges and the legal battles fought to free Patrick and others like him.

The event also included a reception, where attendees engaged directly with Patrick and his co-authors, Daniel Taylor, Lewis Gardner, and Paul Phillips. Their memoir, The Hazel Boyz, delves deeply into their shared experiences of wrongful imprisonment, the fight for justice, and the triumph of truth. It serves as a testament to their resilience and a call to action for justice reform.

Patrick’s reflections on his life post-exoneration were equally powerful. He spoke about the importance of sharing stories like his to amplify the voices of those still fighting for their freedom. “People have been telling our story for too long,” he said during the discussion. “Now, you’re hearing it from us, and you’re seeing how this has directly affected our lives.”

He also emphasized the critical role of organizations like the Center on Wrongful Convictions, which not only fought for his freedom but continues to support others trapped by systemic injustice. Patrick called for greater accountability within law enforcement, highlighting how intentional acts of misconduct—like fabricating evidence and coercing confessions—destroy lives and communities.

The significance of the event’s timing was not lost on attendees. Held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the book signing underscored Dr. King’s legacy of fighting for justice and equality. For Patrick and his co-authors, the day also marked an opportunity to reclaim their narrative and inspire others to join the movement for change.

As the evening concluded, attendees were left with a renewed sense of urgency to address the systemic flaws in our justice system. Patrick’s story, and that of his co-authors, is a sobering reminder of the work still needed to ensure that justice is not just a word but a reality for all.

How You Can Take Action:

• Purchase and read The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men. The memoir is available on Amazon.
• Support organizations like the Center on Wrongful Convictions, which advocates for those wrongfully imprisoned.
• Share Deon Patrick’s story and spread awareness about the need for justice reform.

The fight for justice is far from over, but events like this remind us that change is possible when we amplify voices, demand accountability, and stand together.