NEW YORK, NY – August 6, 2025 –  The Last Prisoner Project (LPP)  will host its second annual Journey to Justice Gala  on Wednesday, October 15, at Sony Hall in New York City, bringing together artists, advocates, and supporters to celebrate progress in the fight to end the War on Cannabis. 

This year’s gala will honor the resilience of those directly impacted by cannabis incarceration, highlighting their stories through powerful performances and moving tributes. Presenting guests will include NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, who recently co-founded Grand National with Jesce Horton and Brandon 'Beedy' Pierce, an agency that supports LPP.  NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson,  Eddie & Dr. Wendy Osefo of the Real Housewives Potamac franchise, along with comedian and actor Guy Torry,   who will serve as the evening’s MC, will also be in attendance. Additional attendees include Jason Flom & Khaliah Ali, Donte West,  and Fab 5 Freddy. Guests will also be treated to a musical performance by Joy Oladokun,  plus a DJ set by Keith Shocklee, founding member of Public Enemy. 

“I’m just thrilled to lend a voice to such a noble cause, so that everyone who supports Happy Eddie through purchasing my products will know that no one should be in prison for something that is now legal in many states,” said Eddie Osefo, owner of Happy Eddie. “As we come together as a community to celebrate and advocate for criminal justice reform and lessening social stigmas around cannabis, we must remember to support organizations like LPP that provide prisoner support initiatives aiming to improve the lives of incarcerated constituents by providing them with financial and emotional support during their time behind bars."

The event will honor LPP constituents who have returned home and are using their freedom to advocate for others. Former constituents like Mario Ramos, who served 13 months for cannabis before opening his own dispensary, Conbud, in New York City, and Deshaun Durham, who was granted clemency by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly  at the end of last year, will receive awards for their activism post-release.

We will also be recognizing the work of our Cannabis Justice Initiative (CJI), which has saved constituents over 350 years of unjust sentences, as well as seven life sentences. One of those to be honored at the event is Leonel Villasenor, a federal clemency recipient who served almost 22 years of a 30-year sentence for cannabis. Recognized alongside him will be advocates like Alicia Deals, who fights for the freedom of her father Robert Deals, a CJI constituent and Air Force veteran serving an 18-year sentence in Arizona. 

Stephanie Shepard, who served a 10-year federal sentence and is now   Board Chairwoman and Director of Advocacy at Last Prisoner Project, said, “The Journey to Justice Gala is a powerful celebration of freedom and the lives forever changed through our work. This year, we’re honored to uplift several of our formerly incarcerated constituents—like DeShaun Durham, who is now thriving and leading in his community after years behind bars for cannabis. Your attendance helps us raise the critical funds needed to support more stories like his. Join us for a night of purpose, progress, and people power.”

All proceeds from the evening will go directly to LPP’s legal, policy, and reentry services  to ensure the longevity and sustainability of these programs. 

We are grateful for the support of our sponsors Goodwin, DeLisioso, Gotham, Grand National, General Hydroponics, Vladick, Raskin and Clark, Edie Parker, Blazy Susan, Free My Weedman, Happy Eddie, Primitiv, GTI, iAnthus, ConBud, Ethos Cannabis,  who have helped make this night and our work possible. Shout out to our recently added sponsors BATCH, PuffCo, Sweed,  and Ben & Jerry's,   who will be scooping ice cream at the event.   For more details, ticketing information, or to view sponsorship packages, visit theLast Prisoner Project Gala website. 

ABOUT LAST PRISONER PROJECT

The Last Prisoner Project is dedicated to freeing those incarcerated due to the War on Drugs, reuniting their families, and helping them rebuild their lives. As laws change, there remains a fundamental injustice for individuals whose conviction is no longer a crime. We work to repair these harms through legal intervention, constituent support, direct advocacy, and policy change. 

Visit www.lastprisonerproject.org or text FREEDOM to 24365 to learn more.

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For Media Inquiries:

Stephen Post, Last Prisoner Project

stephen@lastprisonerproject.org |  LPP@westendstrategy.com