2002 Awards Recipients: (far left) Aliza Kaplan, Deputy Director of the Innocence Project; John Edgar Wideman, writer; Mary Beth Mullaney, The Legal Aid Society; (far right) Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, Executive Director-Counsel, The Law and Policy Group, Inc.         

John Edgar Wideman received the James Baldwin artist as activist award. Mr. Wideman is an intellectual, educator, essayist, novelist and recipient of the MacArthur Award. His books include Brothers and Keepers, Philadelphia Fire, The Homewood Trilogy, Fatheralong and Hoop Roots. Mr. Wideman's books and essays have provided readers with remarkable insights into the American criminal justice system.

John Edgar Wideman, writer James Baldwin Award Recipient

The artist premiering at UFA GALLERY is Francks Deceus. Mr. Deceus' new series "Give and Take"is a plea for open dialogue. 

The Legal Aid Society of New York receives the The Law and Policy Group, Inc.'s Stalwart Award for their long tradition of empowering others through the use of laws and policies. The Legal Aid Society of New York handles approximately 300,000 cases. Their lawyers provide representation in indigent criminal cases, civil legal matters such as eviction and housing, benefit entitlements and disability as well as major class action litigation.

Mary Beth Mullaney, Esq. of       The Legal  Aid Society

Innocence Project received The Law and Policy Group's Young Lion Award. Innocence Project provides pro bono legal assistance to inmates who are challenging their convictions based on DNA testing of evidence. Founded in 1992 by Barry Scheck, Professor of Law, and Peter Neufeld, Esq., the Innocence Project has represented or assisted in more than 100 cases where convictions have been reversed or overturned in the United States.

Aliza Kaplan, Deputy Director,

  Innocence Project receives the
  Young Lion Award