Johnny Hincapie (Image: Kenny Karpov/Innocence Project)
What the Innocence Project’s Exoneree Advisory Council Is Reading (and Listening to) This Summer
Inspired by Calvin Duncan’s new memoir, members of our Exoneree Advisory Council share the books, music, and stories that have helped them heal, reflect, and grow.
08.07.25 By Alyxaundria Sanford
(Image: Innocence Project/Connor Sovak)
Calvin Duncan wrote his memoir, The Jailhouse Lawyer, to tell the story that nearly three decades of wrongful incarceration tried to silence. At 19, Mr. Duncan was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sent to Angola Prison in Louisiana, one of the most notorious prisons in the U.S. With no legal training, he began filing appeals — first for himself, then for hundreds of others — becoming a powerful legal advocate from inside prison walls.
The Innocence Project of New Orleans took on Mr. Duncan’s case in 2003 after uncovering withheld evidence that proved his innocence. After more than 28 years in prison, he was released in 2011 through a plea deal, though he maintained his innocence. On August 3, 2021, his plea was vacated, and he was fully cleared of the murder he did not commit.
Two years later, he earned a J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School and now leads The Light of Justice Program, which assists incarcerated people gain access to the courts.
Published this July, The Jailhouse Lawyer chronicles Mr. Duncan’s extraordinary transformation from imprisoned teenager to a self-taught legal force whose impact ripples far beyond the prison gates. The book has already earned high praise including from bestselling author and Innocence Project Ambassador John Grisham: “If I created a fictional character like Calvin Duncan, no one would believe him and the story wouldn’t work,” said Mr. Grisham. “[Mr.] Duncan’s story is so incredible it strains belief.”
It’s a memoir of persistence, justice, and the will to bring others along with you.
That same spirit resonates deeply with our Exoneree Advisory Council (EAC) members. Established in 2016, the EAC was created to elevate the voices and experiences of those who’ve been wrongfully convicted and to ensure that their insights guide every part of the Innocence Project’s work. From advising on policy and strategy to shaping public education and advocacy, EAC members bring lived experience to the center of our fight for justice.
This summer, we asked our EAC members to share the books, music, and streaming favorites that are shaping their own journeys. These recommendations offer insight into the resilience and spirit that define their lives.
Johnny Hincapie was exonerated in 2015 after serving 25 years for a crime he didn’t commit. While incarcerated, he earned two degrees and dedicated himself to education, theater, and today advocates for criminal justice and social reform.
- Book: Love by Leo Buscaglia
“The book Love by Leo Buscaglia teaches everyone what love is according to Leo, the profound depths of love as well as the importance of love. What I mostly liked about this book is that it gives different and great examples of not only how to love oneself but how to love one another unconditionally. That is something many societies lack today because of politics. At 18, when I was wrongfully convicted, love for my family, from supporters, and eventually for myself is what kept me going.” - Music: “Holy Forever” by Megan Tibbits
“When listening to this song you have to open your heart, your mind, and have no bias or favoritism toward any music genres you are used to. You have to let yourself go and allow the song’s lyrics to give you either reflection or introspection of what matters most. For me, that is God and my family. This song became a spiritual anchor for me. It is music that forces you to open your heart.” - Film: Braveheart
“Braveheart symbolizes, represents, and demonstrates the fight for freedom in me for love and innocence while in prison for something I never did. It was not just about fighting for independence. For me, it was about fighting for everything, your family, your community, your own survival. It reminded me that love and justice are worth fighting for, no matter the odds.”
Stefon Morant (Image: Kenny Karpov/Innocence Project)
Stefon Morant was exonerated in 2021 after serving over 21 years for a wrongful conviction in New Haven, Connecticut. Since his release, he’s dedicated his life to mentoring exonerees, supporting reentry, and serving the very city that once failed him.
- Book: The Bible
“When I read the Bible, it gives me hope. I think about how my Lord and Savior went on trial and was punished unjustly, and it gives me the will to live on and be the best person I can be for myself and others. I read it daily because it guides me through both the good and the bad.” - Music: “Be Encouraged” by William Becton
“This song came to me at the hardest moment of my life. My father came to see me in prison once, and it hurt him so much he cried and left. A few years later, he passed away, and I couldn’t even attend the funeral. A brother in my cell shared this song with me, and I prayed with it over and over. It spoke to me in so many ways and brought me through those dark times.” - Film: The Shawshank Redemption
“I connected with Andy Dufresne’s willpower and determination. The way he planned everything in detail, the way he set himself up for success on the outside, it gave me chills. It reminded me to speak things into existence, to keep going, and to never use the word ‘can’t.’ For me, that film was a model for hope.”
Termaine Hicks at the 2022 Innocence Network Conference (Photo Credit: Kenny Karpov/Innocence Project)
Termaine Hicks was exonerated in 2020 after serving 19 years for a wrongful conviction rooted in police misconduct. Since his release, he’s focused on healing, advocacy, and mentoring youth through his nonprofit, StepUp4Youth — an organization that aims to empower children and young adults to use their voices to prevent bullying and gun violence.
- Book: From the Streets of Shaolin by S.H. Fernando Jr.
“I’m a huge Wu-Tang Clan fan, so this book was a no-brainer for me. I actually picked it up when I was at a Black-owned bookstore in Portland, Oregon. Once the owner heard my story, he let me take three books, and this was one of them. I love backstories, especially about a group like Wu-Tang. The genius of how RZA brought together his friends and cousins to form such a powerful group, and how they’ve been able to stay relevant for so long, is incredible. They’re all talented in their own right, and this book gave me even more appreciation for their legacy.” - Podcast: Shawn Stockman’s On That Note (Ep. ft. Jimmy Jam)
“I’m all about the backstory, and this episode was exactly that. Jimmy Jam shared the story behind the song ‘Scream’ by Michael and Janet Jackson, and it was just so dope. Hearing how Janet didn’t want to record after Michael, and then how Mike flew to Minnesota the next day to re-record his tracks because he was so competitive. It made me laugh. I love those little stories because they remind you that even icons are human.” - Series: Cross (Prime Video)
“This show is a spinoff of the Alex Cross novels by James Patterson. It’s suspenseful and kind of a sleeper hit — you don’t realize how good it is until you start watching. For me, shows like this are just a good, healthy outlet. They don’t connect to my work, and that’s the point. Reading and watching certain shows is a way for me to relax my mind. I’m always heightened, so I don’t want to watch something where I have to put a lot of forethought into it. This is my downtime.”
Michelle Murphy at the 2024 Innocence Network Conference in New Orleans (Image: Claire Bangser/ Innocence Project)
Michelle Murphy was exonerated in 2014 after serving over 20 years for a wrongful conviction based on a false confession and withheld evidence. Ms. Murphy is a passionate advocate for trauma recovery and human dignity and has been a member of the Exoneree Advisory Council since 2019.
- Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
“This book offers advice on how to work through the traumas we have endured and cope with them. Everyone has been through traumatic points in their life, and our bodies hold the score, often without us knowing. I went through trauma as a child and ignored it for years, even before my wrongful conviction. Reading this book made me realize how much I had been holding onto all that stress, PTSD, and pain. It eventually broke my health down because I didn’t take care of my body. This book was a wake-up call.” - Music: “The Living Proof” by Mary J. Blige
“My sister dedicated this song to me when I first came home, and it really hit home. I’ve been through things I wasn’t meant to survive, and I am living proof of the power that got me through those tough times. When you listen to this song, close your eyes and think about what exonerees or even you yourself have been through. I promise it will make you cry.” - Film: The Help
“This film is about standing up for the underdog and standing for what’s right for everybody. It’s about humanity and fighting for equality no matter who you are or what your skin color is. Everyone matters and everyone is worth it, and that message really spoke to me.”
Marvin Anderson at the 2023 Innocence Network Conference in Phoenix, AZ. (Kenny (Karpov) Corbin/Innocence Project)
Marvin Anderson was only 18 years old when he was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. In August 2002, became the 99th person in the United States to be exonerated due to post-conviction DNA testing. Mr. Anderson now lives in Virginia, where he is the retired district chief of the Hanover Courthouse Volunteer Fire Company and is currently the Career Technology Education Vocational Maintenance in Henrico County Public Schools.
- Book: Muscle Cars: Marvels of Power and Performance
I grew up around drag racing and mechanics, so this book really hit home for me. Recently, I even restored a 1973 Chevy Nova. Cars are more than just nostalgia for me. They’re about freedom, craftsmanship, and a connection to my family legacy.” - Music: “Go For It” by Slick
“This song has stuck with me since right before I went to prison, when my uncle played it at home. While I was incarcerated, the radio station would only play it at night during the ‘Quiet Storm’ segment. I made it a ritual to listen every time it came on. Those songs kept me going and reminded me of life outside the walls.” - Film: The Trial of Billy Jack
“This film may be decades old, but the themes of injustice and protest are just as relevant today as they were back then. Watching it is a reminder that the struggle for fairness is still not over.”
Angel Gonzalez (Kenny Karpov/Innocence Project)
Angel Gonzalez was exonerated in 2015 after serving over 20 years in prison for a rape he did not commit. In 1994, Mr. Gonzalez was misidentified by a victim and misled by police into signing a false confession. Although he maintained my innocence from the beginning, it wasn’t until DNA testing in 2013 that I was finally cleared.
- Book: Daily Bread Devotional and the Bible
“I start my mornings with the Daily Bread Devotional and the Bible. As exonerees, we have to find something that helps us make sense of what we’ve been through and why things happen the way they do. For me, it leads to bigger questions about how we got here and how we can build a better society. Reading scripture and devotionals gives me perspective, especially when you’re up against a system that’s wrong.” - Music: “Dream On” by Aerosmith
“I love Spanish music and Classic Rock, and Dream On by Aerosmith has always been a favorite. The song reminds me that you can’t fix everything in life and you can’t let it drive you crazy. If you’re not careful, time will pass you by. Eminem even sampled the song in Sing for the Moment, which made me appreciate it even more.” - Series: Bible Secrets Revealed (The History Channel)
“This series on the History Channel explores the Bible’s historical context. To me, it’s about understanding how we got here. How countries formed, why they fought, and why conflicts like the ones we see today in Israel keep happening. History shows us the root causes of these problems. We can’t fix anything if we don’t understand how it started.”
Tyra Patterson (Image: Lacy Atkins/Innocence Project)
Tyra Patterson was exonerated in 2017 after serving 23 years for crimes she did not commit. While incarcerated, she discovered her artistry as a means of survival and expression. Today, she is a nationally recognized artist and activist based in Cincinnati, leading community outreach at the Ohio Justice & Policy Center and speaking across the country about mass incarceration and social justice.
- Book: Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
“This collection of essays and speeches always enlightens me. The essay ‘The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House’ especially stands out because it underscores how our liberations are connected, no matter our backgrounds. It’s a reminder that dismantling oppressive systems requires collective action, and that’s something I carry with me in my work.” - Music: The Heart, The Mind, The Soul by Tank and the Bangas
“This album is rooted in culture and soul. Tank and the Bangas bring such joy and honesty to their music. It’s the kind of music that makes you feel grounded in who you are while celebrating the beauty of Black culture.” - Series: Harlem (Prime Video)
“I love Harlem because the artistry and cinematography are just exquisite. Black people are beautiful, and this show captures that. The storyline and the diversity of characters really pull you in, and it’s refreshing to see such dynamic representation on screen.”
From love and faith to muscle cars and music, these picks from the Exoneree Advisory Council show us that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s personal, powerful, and deeply rooted in the things that help us feel seen. Whether it’s a memoir that mirrors your struggle or a song that gets you through the darkest moments, stories can be lifelines.
What are the books, songs, or shows that keep you grounded, inspired, or moving forward?
Let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear what’s resonating with you this summer.
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August 14, 2025 at 3:36 pm
August 8, 2025 at 4:33 pm
Thank you for these lists. Some I have come across years ago, some new. I’m looking forward to the inspiration.
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Me. As a writer. Writing helps bring your struggles and pain to power of strength. Been able to help and guide others through their pain. Being spiritually gifted helps to stay grounded and balance.