8 Defining Moments from the Innocence Project’s 2026 Gala — Free At Last: A Celebration of Freedom and Justice

1. Christina Swarns Opened the Night by Honoring Art Guerrero

Executive Director Christina Swarns highlighted the contribution of court bailiff Art Guerrero, who brought Carmen Mejia’s case to the Innocence Project and helped free her after 22 years of unjust incarceration.

Talking to a room full of Innocence Project friends and family, she said, “I would not be speaking about Ms. Mejia today if it were not for the courage and integrity of a man named Art Guerrero, who served as the bailiff during her trial.” 

Like Mr. Guerrero, “Everyone in this room has the ability to help free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create more fair, compassionate and equitable systems of justice for everyone,” she added.

2. Mark Denny Expressed Gratitude, Faith, and Hope

Exoneree Mark Denny paid homage to the women who were critical to his journey: his grandmother, wife, and his Innocence Project attorney, Nina Morrison. 

3. Charlie Edmondson, Emily Tow, and Sean O’Brien Named 2026 Champions of Justice

The Award for Freedom & Justice celebrates people who have demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing justice in the system. This year, the Innocence Project celebrated Emily Tow, President of The Tow Foundation; Sean O’Brien, public defender and clinical professor; and Charlie Edmondson, founder of the Edmonson Walking Fund.

“I look at Charlie and I say — I cannot thank you enough for your gift to me. Do you want to know why? I’ll give you two reasons,” said Perry Lott, who presented the award to Mr. Edmondson. “One: Decades in prison on a fixed income of $11 a month teaches a person that a gift of any amount is a real help. Two: In my case, upon release on limited funds, I would not have survived if I did not receive emergency help. Along came someone who gave the extra help I needed. An immediate answer to an immediate problem.”

Mr. Lott, who was exonerated in 2023, received $2,000 from Mr. Edmondson’s Walking Fund, which has provided financial assistance to more than 500 newly freed individuals since 2012. 

Innocence Project Board Member Alondra Nelson delivered a heartfelt introduction to Ms. Tow, sharing her transformative contributions to creating more compassionate, fairer criminal legal systems. 

“Through her service as a trustee of The Marshall Project and on the New York State Juvenile Justice Advisory Group, she has helped elevate the voices of directly impacted people and advance more just policies grounded in evidence and lived experience,” Ms. Nelson said.

Innocence Project senior staff attorney Jane Pucher expressed her admiration of Mr. O’Brien’s work and shared memories of “cold emailing” him in search of an investigator for Sandra Hemme’s case. This simple ask transformed into a partnership as Mr. O’Brien became a core part of the Innocence Project’s fight to free Ms. Hemme, who was exonerated in 2025 after 43 years of wrongful incarceration. 

“Sean, you make us feel brave and teach us that there is always a way forward if you lead with empathy, grit, and humility. Thank you for all you have given to us, to our clients, and to this movement,” Ms. Pucher said.

Leonard Mack and Ummer Ali shown in short film “Rebuilding Life After Exoneration.” (Image: Matthew Adam Photography/Innocence Project)

4. Two New Innocence Project Short Films Debuted

The One You Call: How to Rebuild a Life 

Freedom is just the first step for so many exonerated people. In a beautifully produced video debuted at the gala, exonerees Leonard Mack and Ron Jacobsen reflected on their respective relationships with Innocence Project social workers Ummer Ali and Kyana Campblin. Mr. Mack and Mr. Jacobsen spoke candidly of how Mr. Ali and Mrs. Campblin helped them navigate their transition to freedom— with everything from shopping for everyday necessities to facilitating support groups.

“I get comfort. I get relief. You give me different perspectives on things, on life. And I appreciate that. And I need that,” Mr. Mack said of his social worker, Mr. Ali.

Brian Boles’s film projected on a large screen at the 2026 Innocence Project gala. (Image: Matthew Adam Photography/Innocence Project)

Reclaiming Life: Brian Boles

In this deeply personal portrait, Brian Boles reflects on what freedom truly feels like. 

In July 2025, Mr. Boles was exonerated after 30 years of wrongful incarceration. New DNA evidence proved his innocence. Now, he says the most important part of his day is: “reminding myself that I am free.”

6. Samara Joy Delivered a Soulful Performance

Bronx-born jazz vocalist and Grammy Award winner Samara Joy moved the room with her extraordinary and soulful performance. Her rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Visions” filled the room with love and hope for a peaceful, just world. She closed the performance with a showstopping cover of Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey’s “When You Believe.”

Leonard Mack accepts his raffle win at the 2026 Innocence Project gala. (Image: Matthew Adam Photography/Innocence Project)

6. Leonard Mack Won a First-Class Trip

The audience cheered as Leonard Mack, who was exonerated in 2023, accepted the special raffle prize — a pair of first-class tickets to any destination of his choosing together with a beautiful leather travel bag, courtesy of our incredible partners at United Airlines and Saddleback Leather Co. 

His victorious smile melted hearts and truly made the night!

7. Celebrating 41 Exonerees and Remembering Clifford Jones

The night culminated with 41 exonerees taking the stage sharing hugs, shaking hands, and cheering each other on. Standing side by side with people who truly understand what each had been through, the scene was made even more powerful by Samara Joy’s moving accompaniment.

“The people on stage have had 1,018 years collectively stolen by a broken system. Your support helps ensure future injustices like this don’t happen again,” Christina Swarns said.

Ms. Swarns also led the room in a moment of silence to remember exoneree Clifford Jones, who recently passed away. Mr. Jones was exonerated in 2016, nearly 30 years after his wrongful conviction.

8. Tony’s Chocolonely and Saddleback Leather Co. Keychains – mementos of a special evening

Thanks to the generosity of Tony’s Chocoloney’s ethical candy company and Saddleback Leather Co., attendees not only left with beautiful memories and inspiring stories but also with Innocence Project-branded mementos— “Freedom Tastes Sweet” chocolate bars, and premium Saddleback Leather Co. keychains embossed with “Innocence Project”— reminding everyone to carry their solidarity and commitment to justice wherever they go.

This event would not have been possible without our gala co-chairs, Tony Goldwyn, Brett Hart, Johnny Hincapie, Sara Naison-Tarajano, and Alondra Nelson, as well as the hundreds of supporters who purchased tables and tickets and made generous contributions.