LBCC student Vernon Robinson was recently released from San Quentin Prison after serving decades on a sentence for a murder he claims he did not commit.
Robinson hosted an in-person book signing for his book “All Men Are Created” at the A building on Thursday.
This event was one of the school’s series of Black Heritage Month events planned throughout the month.
Robinson chose to come to LBCC not just because he was invited, but also because he considers it a home.
He claims he came straight to LBCC from the prison gates to seek educational opportunities.
“It’s easy to lose hope when you’re neck deep,” said Robinson.
He wishes to encourage other incarcerated people to not give up hope.
Robinson explained how around 25 years into his sentence, he felt as if he was going to die in prison.
“I want the readers to understand that the people sent to prison are human beings and as a society, we can’t discard them,” said Robinson.
Shyra Compton, who is an associate director for scholarships at LBCC, decided to buy Robinson’s book after hearing him speak on how the county system is worse than the federal system.
“After reading the book I imagine I’ll have a better understanding of the experience of someone who claims to be wrongfully incarcerated,” said Compton.
“The amount of time that has been taken from his life can’t be given back to him, however it’s considered inspiring how he has a positive attitude and wants to help others by mentoring,” said Compton.
Manuel Gomez, a close follower of Vernon Robinson’s story and someone who also shares a similar story, offers support to LBCC students through the Justice Scholars program.
“I’m able to relate from the incarceration which is a beautiful thing because there’s students who also can relate and knowing there’s help offered to them is a rewarding experience,” said Gomez.
The Justice Scholars program offers support to formerly incarcerated students by helping them return to their education in an inclusive environment.