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John Bunn: “Through my nightmare I found my dream”- from wrongfully convicted to literacy advocate

By September 17, 2018News, Political

John Bunn spent 17 years wrongfully imprisoned as a teenager, for a crime that occurred while he was actually asleep in bed. His life has been dictated by the incompetence and racism of the system that accused him, and for years John Bunn has been fighting the courts for his exoneration, all while battling with PTSD caused by his horrific ordeal.

This disgusting treatment of young Black men is a perfect example of why Colin Kaepernick kneels.

Today, Bunn visits schools to as a mentor and literacy advocate through his program bringing books to prisons.

“There’s no greater feeling than me feeling like I’m existing for a purpose, and this is what gives my life purpose right now,” he says.

“Through my nightmare … I found my dream.”




John Bunn was wrongfully convicted at age 14

John Bunn’s project began as a book drive aimed at refurbishing the libraries at New York City’s main jail complex, Rikers Island, and providing struggling communities with educational books. To date, Bunn’s initiative has provided over 20,000 books to help others suffering the effects of illiteracy and incarceration.

“Reading changed my life,” he says. “I want to share that experience with other people.”

Bunn works at the prison twice a week, running mentoring sessions with 16- and 17-year-olds, and starting a teen book club. Bunn’s worst fear is for the kids he is mentoring to feel alone like he felt, and allow themselves to give in to prison life and become institutionalised by the system.

He tells them: “Anything is possible. Feel like you’re too good to be in here!”

John Bunn now works to help kids, and communities like his own. 

If it wasn’t for men like John Bunn, many children would be suffering the consequences of illiteracy, imprisonment, and if we are completely honest- a system that from the day they are born has been working against them. Bunn and people like him give these communities access to a brighter future, and above all hope. 

No child should have been treated like John Bunn was treated, incarcerated with no real evidence, by men clearly picking on the nearest young, Black boy.

As long as racists are allowed positions of power, we will continue to need brave, selfless men like John Bunn.

For more information and the full background to John Bunn’s story- visit CNN.




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