- Welcome, Alfred Cleveland! Alfred Cleveland is a passionate advocate, speaker, and survivor who turned tragedy into triumph after being wrongfully convicted for 25.5 years and fighting his way out. Having endured the depths of injustice, Cleveland emerged not only with his freedom but with an unshakable mission—to reform the justice system and bring the families and those wrongfully convicted inspiration and hope to continue in their fight. Cleveland was one of four men convicted in 1991 of a murder in Lorain, Ohio, on a date when alibi witnesses confirmed that Cleveland was in New York. The convictions were based on the testimony of an alleged eyewitness who demanded $10,000 to testify and repeatedly changed his story. Cleveland served over 25 years in prison before finally being released. In 2024, the Lorain County Prosecutor filed a motion to grant the four men a new trial, stating that after an extensive review he found “serious flaws in the case that cast overwhelming doubt” on the validity of the convictions. Today, Cleveland is a member of “Voices of Injustice,” a local organization of wrongfully convicted individuals who now use “their experiences with wrongful conviction to educate others and drive reform. Through personal stories and advocacy, [they seek to create] pathways to justice for those who need it most.” Today, Al Cleveland travels the country, empowering audiences with his message of strength, faith, perseverance, and the power of truth. Through his work as Stage Director for their new play, “The Lynched Among Us”, Cleveland challenges society to rethink justice, be properly enraged, and believe in the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the darkest trials.
- FMC Retreat: Saturday, June 20, join us at our retreat property in Geauga county. We will gather at 4pm for hiking, games and fellowship and have a potluck dinner around 5pm. Please bring a dish to share as well as your own table service.
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