100 signatures reached
To: Governor J. B. Pritzker of Illinois
Derick White Release Campaign
My sentence no longer advances the interest of justice. Now in my mid fifties, serving the 28th year of a sentence that is not expected to be over until 2054. I filed my second clemency petition requesting a commutation.
The person that committed that offense that landed me in prison no longer exists. And in his place is a reformed elderly gentleman. I am thoughtful, considerate, understanding and patient. I have learned through my own lived experiences temper control and how to process my emotions. With this knowledge I have been able to help many of my fellow inmates. I haven't spent one day as a parent to my only daughter, and now I'm a grandparent to a child that very much wants me present in every way that I wasn't for her mother.
Why is this important?
I am on duty 7 days a week, no days off, and no holidays from 7:30am until 9 pm. I teach temper control on the reentry wing at Danville Correctional Center. I am a peer educator/ mentor. Unlike the other volunteer mentors in this wing, I was chosen for the position. I'm working on my 21st year without acquiring a ticket. I said all that to say that my actions can relay what my words can't. My action I pray show whom I have become so that I can be a productive member of society. I do regret my past decisions but I'm grateful for the chance to help others before they find themselves in my shoes. By helping them with accessin their feelings and learning to control their actions. I'm not denying who I was but I'm asking for consideration for the man that I have become and aspire to be. I value life on a totally different level now. Upon my release I plan to continue to level up. I plan to use the tools that I have available to restore my family and myself.
Thank you for your time and consideration
Derick U. White
N80896