Discover the passionate individuals behind PleadThe8th. Our team, from key leaders and visionary founders to dedicated volunteers and influential advisors from within the prison system, all play a pivotal role in driving our mission forward.
Leadership and Key Members ▶
JESSICA RICHARDSON
Founder & Executive Director
Jessica is the Founder and Executive Director of PleadThe8th. She holds a BA in Business Administration, Psychology, and further education in Applied Behavior Analysis. With over a decade of experience as a social worker for at-risk youth, Jessica passionately leads efforts to promote justice and equality.
TERRENCE GRAHAM
Co-Founder
Co-founding PleadThe8th and inspiring its establishment, Terrence, once incarcerated as a child and behind the US Supreme Court case Graham v. Florida.
AMBER GIBSON
Advocacy & Marketing Specialist
Amber brings her expertise to both our advocacy efforts and marketing strategies, driving our mission forward with passion and precision.
Samantha Edwards
Board of Directors
Samantha is an officer of PleadThe8th's Board of Directors.
Roshawnda Wallace
Board of Directors
Roshawnda is an officer of PLEADTHE8TH's Board of Directors.
Ashlee D
Youth Justice Advocate
Ashlee assists our team with research, advocacy, and outreach efforts to champion the needs and rights of youth.
De'neair Stanley
Co-Founder
Co-founding and inspiring the establishment of PleadThe8th, De'neair is 1 of the 2,632 currently incarcerated in Florida for crimes committed as a child.
The Founder's Daughter ▶
The Inspiration Behind Our Name- Aakyrah R.
At just 10 years old, Aakyrah, the daughter of our founder, inspired our mission’s name, PleadThe8th. Learning about the injustices highlighted in Graham v. Florida, she recognized the power of the Eighth Amendment in advocating for fair treatment of juveniles. Her insight continues to inspire our work and vision.
Continuing her Advocacy
Building on the insights that inspired our organization's name, Aakyrah, now a 6th grader, has taken her commitment to juvenile justice reform a step further. In her award-winning speech titled 'Kids in Prison', she articulately addresses the harsh realities faced by juveniles in the penal system and advocates for transformative changes. Her speech, delivered with both passion and poise, has not only won accolades but also sparked meaningful conversations about reforming youth justice. We invite you to watch her compelling presentation to understand the depth of her concern and her call for empathy and action.
Volunteers ▶
Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are the backbone of our operations, offering their time, skills, and passion to drive various initiatives. They are integral to our community engagements and daily activities, helping us make a tangible impact.
Contributions from Incarcerated Individuals ▶
Voices from Within
At PleadThe8th, we deeply believe in the voices and contributions of those we serve. Our mission is not only to advocate on behalf of those who are currently incarcerated but also to involve them directly in our efforts. We recognize the immense value of their firsthand experiences and insights in shaping the policies and practices that affect their lives and the lives of others in similar situations.
Philip
Incarcerated Advocate
Ronald
Advocate from Within
Thomas
Incarcerated Advocate
Daryl
Advocate from Within
Your Support Matters
A gift today helps us fight for kids without a voice.
Pleadthe8th
is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed under the law.
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