The Lincoln School in West Plains, in collaboration with Privette Law Office in Willow Springs, has announced Lamar Johnson will be hosted as guest speaker for the schoolhouse’s Juneteenth celebrations. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. June 19 at Lincoln School, 1400 E. Pony Thomas St.
Johnson will share his story, bringing to light within the U.S. justice system and the enduring human spirit's fight for truth and justice, said organizers.
Johnson’s ordeal began in 1994 when Marcus Boyd was tragically shot and killed in south St. Louis. Despite Johnson’s solid alibi and another man later confessing to the crime, Johnson was convicted of the murder. The conviction largely hinged on the testimony of an eyewitness, who later recanted, admitting that he had been compensated for his false testimony. Despite this and Johnson's consistent declarations of innocence, his appeals were repeatedly rejected by state and federal courts.
The tide began to turn in 2018 when Kim Gardner took office as circuit attorney and reviewed Johnson’s case. Her attempts to secure a new trial were initially thwarted by higher courts. However, a change in Missouri state law in 2021 allowed her to push for justice once more. In December 2022, Circuit Judge David Mason heard new evidence and, on Feb. 14, 2023, ruled that Johnson was innocent of Boyd’s murder. Johnson was finally released, marking a bittersweet victory after nearly three decades of wrongful imprisonment.
In the wake of his release, Lamar Johnson has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of St. Louis and the police officers involved in his wrongful conviction. The lawsuit, filed by his lawyers, accuses several former St. Louis officers of fabricating the entire case against Johnson, in violation of his civil rights.
“This lawsuit is about accountability,” stated Emma Freudenberger, a partner with a national civil rights firm and one of Johnson's attorneys. “The defendant officers framed a young man with his life ahead of him. Even after the court declared his innocence, there have been no apologies and no consequences. The City of St. Louis cannot continue to simply ignore the glaring police misconduct that has caused Mr. Johnson and his family so much harm.”
The lawsuit seeks both punitive damages and compensation for Johnson’s years in prison. Due to a loophole in Missouri law, Johnson is not eligible for restitution from the state, making this lawsuit his primary avenue for seeking justice and recompense.
Johnson’s visit to Lincoln School is set against the backdrop of Juneteenth, a significant day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Johnson's will provide a narrative of resilience, hope and the relentless pursuit of justice. It is hoped his story will not only highlight the systemic issues within the judicial system but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for all who fight for truth and justice.
In conjunction with Johnson’s visit, the Lincoln School is also hosting a Juneteenth Essay Contest, encouraging students to engage deeply with themes of justice and integrity. Participants are required to watch the 48 Hours episode on Lamar Johnson’s case, “Lamar Johnson: Standing in Truth,” and write an essay of at least 250 words, reflecting on conviction integrity and its connection to Juneteenth and Johnson’s case. Submit essays to erin.lovelace@zizzers.org by 5 p.m. on Friday.
Winners will have an opportunity to meet Johnson and read their essays during his June 19 visit to Lincoln School.
The Lincoln School Project is a community effort to programs and services in an embodiment of “unity in our community.” It is housed in a former segregation-era schoolhouse, the Lincoln School, which was in operation from 1926 to 1954 as an educational facility for Black students. It closed as a school following the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling which ended segregation in education. In the decades since, the building has been occupied by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the city Parks & Recreation summer programming and Alcoholics Anonymous. Learn more about the school and how to support it at lincolnschoolproject.com.
To attend Johnson’s presentation, RSVP by contacting the Lincoln School administration at admin@lincolnschoolwp.org or call 555-123-4567.
