During the final night of the Democratic National Convention, four members of the infamous 'Central Park Five' took the stage. Dr. Yusef Salaam, a New York City Council member, along with activists Korey Wise, Raymond Santana, and Kevin Richardson were present. The fifth member, Antron McCray, was notably absent.
Who are the Central Park Five?
The Central Park Five gained notoriety in 1989 when they were arrested as teenagers in connection with the rape and assault of a white female jogger. Despite no witnesses to the attack and the victim having no memory of it, the five youths were convicted based on coerced confessions. They served between six and over 13 years in prison for charges including attempted murder, rape, and assault.
In a turn of events, the men were exonerated in 2014 after another individual confessed to the assault, and DNA evidence proved his involvement. Notably, no DNA evidence linked any of the Central Park Five to the crime.
Trump's Involvement
Donald Trump played a controversial role in this case by taking out a full-page advertisement in New York City newspapers advocating for the return of the death penalty for the teenagers. Despite their exoneration, Trump has maintained his stance, even during his presidency.
The reunion of the Central Park Five at the Democratic National Convention serves as a reminder of the injustices they faced and the importance of criminal justice reform.
