My name is Gregory Brown. I am 34. I have been in prison basically my entire adult life. I have been married for the past eleven years. My wife, Paulette, is a legal secretary who is currently studying to be an attorney. My twin sons, Dwayne and Derrel, are 15 years old. I have four siblings, all of whom attended college and/or served in the U.S. military. My mother is an elementary school teacher, and my father is a Vietnam Veteran who recently retired from a plant after more than twenty years of service. My parents raised my siblings and I to be respectful and morally upright citizens, however, I made a terrible decision that resulted in the loss of life and my present incarceration.

On July 4, 1993, after a night of partying, I shot and killed a man during an altercation. As a result of my actions, I was sentenced to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison. Undeniably, my actions were senseless and unwarranted. The consequences of my actions devastated numerous lives on both sides of this tragedy. To everyone I unwittingly hurt through my reckless and thoughtless decision, I pray for your forgiveness.

Nearly 15 years have passed since I made the worst decision of my life. No matter how much time passes, I will never forget the day I stood in court, forced myself to look into the eyes of a grieving mother, and searched my soul for words to express my regret for the unnecessary paint I had caused her. I want this woman to know that her tears did not fall on a heartless human being; nor did her cries enter deaf ears; they penetrated my soul and inspired me to transform my life.

Commendations Received

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, Certificate of Merit in Recognition of Outstanding Achievement (Awarded June 2005); Arlene Mohammed, Academic Coordinator, Hudson Link Mercy College Program, Sing Sing C.F., Dr. Carl Mazza, Osborne Association; Dr. Rosemary Murray; Literature, Language and Communication, Hudson Link Mercy College; Rev. Robert Hare, Coordinator, Certificate of Ministry & Human Service Program, Sing Sing C.F., Karen McDowall, CMHSP Coordinator, Fishkill C.F.

Special Skills

Office Management, Teaching, Computer-Literate, Group Leadership and Organization, Typing, Motivational Speaking, Writer.

Release Plans

Two of my goals upon my release are to become an educator and a writer. As a result of my tragic experience, I feel indebted to teach our youth about the dangers of alcohol, drugs, gangs, guns and the overall glorification of negative social images and beliefs. My aim is to help expose our young people to their inner potential, as I was exposed to my potential by men and women who embrace the spiritual message that compassion and mercy conquer sinful thought and action. In prison, I have served as a youth counselor, tutor and adjunct professor in order to be in a position to foster positive change. Recently, I cofounded and coauthored a Youth-Awareness and Empowerment Project named, "The Prison Deglamorization Project" (PDP) to help me achieve my goals.

Incarceration History

Education was a critical component in my transformation. In 1997, I was exposed to higher education through New York Theological Seminary's one-year Certificate in Ministry and Human Service Program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. It was during that year that God set my life back on the course that my parents had hoped for my siblings and I to follow when we were children. I continued my educational, spiritual and therapeutic journey through the Hudson Link Mercy College Program where, in 2004 and 2005 I earned an Associate's and a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science. In June of 2006, I earned a Master's Degree in Professional Studies and Urban Ministry at Sing Sing through New York Theological Seminary.

EDUCATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Masters of Professional Studies (MPS)
New York Theological Seminary
June 2006

Bachelor of Science Degree
Behavioral Science
Mercy College
June 2005 / Graduated Cum Laude

Associates Degree
Mercy College
June 2004 / Graduated Cum Laude

Dean's List (Fall Semester)
Mercy College
April 2002

1-Year Certificate in Ministry & Human Services
New York Theological Seminary
June 1998

HIV/AIDS Peer-Counseling Training
New York State Education Department
1997

Adult Peer-Counseling Training (140 hrs.)
Compadre Helpers Program
New York State Education Department
June 1996

VOLUNTEER WORK

Co Founder, "Prison Deglamorization Project" PDP
Youth Awareness & Empowerment Effort)
2007

Adjunct Professor/Graduate Teaching Assistant
Certificate in Ministry & Human Service Program
Rising Hope, Inc., Fishkill Corr. Fac.
Courses Taught:
A. History of Christian Religion
B. Pastoral Care & Counseling

In Closing ....

I am asking for your forgiveness. The current parole policy, instituted by ex-Governor, George E. Pataki during his tenure, severely limits parole release, even for the most accomplished and repentant men and women in prison.

If a person who has made a radical transformation in his life, and offered numerous contributions to the lives of other individuals can not earn parole, then who is worthy of this privilege? The current policy of parole distribution cripples the morale of men and women in prison; it slowly and in an emotionally excruciating manner takes away the hope of individuals who seek to address their shortcomings. When you deny parole for model prisoners, you are sending the message to the entire prison population that it makes no sense to try to change because "Nothing you do in prison can make you a better person or change the factors that contributed to your incarceration." Many men and women in prison subconsciously and consciously begin to believe this message and they stop trying to grow. By taking away the chance of parole, you take away hope. However, I have not given up hope, even after being denied parole three times and given two additional years at each hearing based solely on the current policy. I have taken responsibility for my past. Throughout my incarceration I have demonstrated remorse, and I have clearly rehabilitated myself. But only society can determine when I am forgiven. This is why I am asking for your support as I prepare to go for my fourth parole hearing in February 2008.

My past can never be undone and the nature of my offense can not be changed. I am sincerely remorseful for my past actions. Remorse is demonstrated by change in behavior, perception and attitude; I believe such a change is evident in me. I am not longer the young person that committed this thoughtless act. Today, I am a purpose-drive and responsible adult.

I will never be able to erase the pain I caused the individuals who were touched by this crime, but I sincerely hope they receive comfort in knowing I did not take this tragedy in vain.

If you Believe in the Power of Transformation, I am seeking your support.
If you Believe in Mercy and Forgiveness, I am seeking your support.
If you Believe God can Turn Tragedy into Triumph, I am seeking your support.

Thank you for taking the time to discover the person I am today.

Gregory Brown
Gregory Brown, Master's In Professional Studies
"Class of 2006"

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