NEW YORK: Kevin Richardson, one of the Exonerated Five, returned to his alma mater at Bronx Preparatory Charter School on Friday to share critical lessons about knowing your rights when interacting with law enforcement.
Through his newly launched C.P.R. Workshop (Courage, Perseverance, and Resilience), Richardson is on a mission to help teens navigate encounters with police and understand their civil rights.
Richardson’s Journey and Mission
In April 1989, Richardson, then just 14 years old, was wrongfully accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Central Park, along with four other teenagers. The group, once known as the Central Park Five, spent years fighting for justice until DNA evidence proved their innocence.
Today, they are recognized as the Exonerated Five, and Richardson is using his experience to empower the next generation.
“It’s very important for people to know how to navigate through [police encounters] and know your rights, because it is your civil rights,” Richardson said.
The C.P.R. Workshop: Key Takeaways
Richardson’s C.P.R. Workshop is designed to provide teens with practical advice and guidance on how to handle encounters with law enforcement.
Key lessons include:
- Understanding Miranda rights:
- “You have the right to remain silent when you’re approached by police officers,” Richardson explained.
- He emphasized how speaking without legal representation can lead to statements being used against individuals in court, as it did in his own case.
- Staying calm and knowing your legal protections:
- Richardson stressed the importance of remaining calm and respectful while asserting your rights during police interactions.
Students Respond to the Workshop
Richardson’s words struck a chord with many of the students at Bronx Prep, who expressed their gratitude for the workshop’s valuable lessons.
“What he said today resonated with me. I think this is something that I won’t forget,” said senior Jacob Hampden.
“It was an enriching experience. I hope my community learned about their rights, and I’m thankful to Kevin Richardson,” added senior Jayleen Pina.
Richardson’s Future Plans
After receiving an honorary diploma from Bronx Prep, Richardson revealed that this is just the beginning of his mission. He plans to travel across the country, bringing the C.P.R. Workshop to schools and communities in multiple cities to educate young people on their rights and the importance of resilience and perseverance.
“I want to prevent others from going through what I went through,” Richardson said.
Kevin Richardson’s C.P.R. Workshop is more than just an educational session—it’s a testament to his personal journey of courage and redemption. By sharing his story, Richardson hopes to empower young people, giving them the tools to navigate challenges and protect their civil rights.
His message of strength, perseverance, and knowledge is already leaving a lasting impact on students and communities across the country.
