The Global Directory of Who's Who Honors Kwame Ajamu for His Inspiring Advocacy and Fight for Justice

Richfield, OH –The Global Directory of Who's Who is pleased to announce the inclusion of Kwame Ajamu, a passionate advocate for justice and an unwavering champion of social reform, in its prestigious registry. Kwame Ajamu's journey from wrongful conviction to tireless activism is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and a commitment to systemic change.

Kwame Ajamu, born Ronnie Bridgeman, was a Cleveland teenager when he fell victim to a gross miscarriage of justice. Alongside his brother Wiley Bridgeman and their friend Ricky Jackson, Kwame was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death in 1975 for the murder of Harold Franks, a crime they did not commit. The convictions were based on false testimony from a coerced 13-year-old eyewitness, Eddie Vernon, despite the absence of physical or forensic evidence. Years later, Vernon courageously recanted his testimony, admitting that he had been pressured by the police to lie.

After spending 28 years behind bars and more than a decade after his parole in 2003, Kwame’s conviction was finally overturned in 2014. The charges were dismissed, and Kwame Ajamu, alongside Wiley Bridgeman and Ricky Jackson, was fully exonerated after 39 long years of injustice. This remarkable journey of triumph over adversity has since propelled Kwame into the national spotlight as a powerful voice against the death penalty and for criminal justice reform.

Now residing in Ohio with his wife, Kwame serves as Chairman of the Board for Witness to Innocence, an organization committed to abolishing the death penalty and providing support to exonerees. His advocacy work spans across the country, where he speaks to raise awareness about the profound flaws in the justice system, wrongful convictions, and the harsh realities of the death penalty.

Kwame’s leadership extends beyond his advocacy work. During his time in prison, he played a pivotal role in promoting education among inmates, participating in the Each One Teach One program and working closely with the NAACP. He has also been recognized as an Ohio State University (OSU) Alumni, honored for his community contributions and relentless pursuit of justice.

The Global Directory of Who's Who is proud to celebrate Kwame Ajamu's exceptional courage, advocacy, and dedication to improving the lives of others. His story is a reminder of the human spirit’s resilience and his inclusion in this esteemed directory underscores his status as a beacon of hope for countless individuals who continue to fight for justice. Kwame’s tireless work in addressing systemic injustices is an inspiration, and his legacy continues to influence real and lasting change.

About Kwame Ajamu

Kwame Ajamu, formerly known as Ronnie Bridgeman, was just a teenager in Cleveland, Ohio, when he became a victim of wrongful conviction due to false eyewitness testimony and police misconduct. Along with his brother Wiley Bridgeman and friend Ricky Jackson, Kwame was wrongfully sentenced to death for the 1975 murder-robbery of Harold Franks, despite the absence of any physical or forensic evidence linking them to the crime. The sole evidence against them was the coerced testimony of a 13-year-old boy named Eddie Vernon, who later admitted to lying under police pressure. Kwame Ajamu spent 28 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. In January 2003, he was released on parole, but the stigma of the wrongful conviction remained. In 2011, a detailed examination of the case by Cleveland Scene magazine revealed numerous inconsistencies in Eddie Vernon's testimony. On December 9, 2014, Kwame Ajamu's conviction was vacated, and the charges against him were dismissed. After 39 years, Kwame was fully exonerated. Since his release, he has dedicated his life to advocating against the death penalty and supporting other wrongfully convicted individuals.

Name: Kwame Ajamu

Phone: (216) 318-0434

Related Links

https://www.witnesstoinnocence.org/


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