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02/14/2006 Archived Entry: "An Appeal on Behalf of Boxer Clinton Jackson!"
An Appeal on Behalf of Boxer Clinton Jackson!
By Jacquie Richardson with Alex Ramos
February 12, 2006
I am writing on behalf of former Olympian and middle-weight boxer Clinton Jackson. I am his former wife and mother of two of his children. You may or may not know about the 1988 arrest of Clinton for alleged kidnapping charges which involved a bank official in Evergreen, Alabama. He was convicted of this crime in July 1989 and sentenced to life in prison. On March 6, 2006, Clinton’s case will go before the parole board in Montgomery, Alabama. Again we received last notice of this court date.
This has been a tremendous burden on all of his family and most of all his four children. Recently in the Evergreen Daily Newspaper, a news article was printed regarding the upcoming parole hearing. It stated the District Attorney has already sent a letter to the board voicing his opposition to Jackson’s release and there is also a petition posted at various places in Evergreen (Clinton’s hometown) for signature’s opposing his release as well. Clinton’s family who resides in Evergreen is also circulating a petition for those supporting his release.
At his last parole hearing in 2002, a few members of the 1976 Olympic team wrote letters on his behalf. Family members and friends wrote letters as well. A few of us were present at the hearing. It seemed as though the parole board did not acknowledge the letters presented, the support petitions with over 300 signatures, or our presence there. Two people in support of Clinton stood before the board to read the letters written and they did not even look in our direction.
We felt we were treated unfairly. Those present that were in opposition of his release including the victim was acknowledged properly and given respect. That was a very sad day for us. My daughter’s were present at the hearing and any good memories they had of their father was diminished because of all they heard and seen that day in the court room. It is not a good thing to face such blatant racism at this day and time as we did that day in court.
I do not wish to minimize a victim’s feelings if this did indeed happen and he felt his life was threatened. All I know is it did not describe the Clinton I knew, married, had children for and said he was innocent. At some point you have to examine the situation and ask how long a person should pay for a crime committed almost 18 years ago and the victim is alive and suffered no physical damage.
I am expecting different results this year regarding Clinton’s case. I pray for God’s mercy and an abundance of support from those who know Clinton or know of him and feel he deserves a second chance. His family deeply appreciates any support you and your organization and others could give. March 6th is approaching fast and we need all the support we can get in this short notice. Clinton will also need to show the board he has proper living arrangements and employment once released.
I am asking those who helped last time to please write letters again in his support. You may address the letters to the attention of:
State of Alabama Parole Board
P.O. Box 302405
Montgomery, AL 36130-2405
Due to the limited time, please forward the letters as attachments via email to Clinton’s sister and she will compile them along with the petition signatures and forward them together to the parole board. She will also have copies of the letters and petitions at the hearing in case needed. Please forward your letters to:
Lillie Pierson
Email: lppierson@yahoo.com
205-665-1815 or 205-541-5574
You may also contact me if necessary.
Jeanine Jackson
Email: jacko2k@bellsouth.net
678-289-0440 or 770-856-7689
Thanks again for your time and support. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours in Christ,
Jeanine
