The Exonerated Five: Where Are They Now? Political Careers, Activism, And The Fight For Justice In 2025
The story of the Central Park Five, now universally known as The Exonerated Five, remains one of the most painful and powerful examples of systemic injustice in American history. Thirty-six years after their wrongful conviction in 1989 for the assault and rape of a female jogger in Central Park, and over two decades since their exoneration in 2002, the five men—Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise—have transformed their trauma into a monumental force for criminal justice reform. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, their individual paths have diverged into politics, advocacy, and private life, but their collective mission to speak truth to power is stronger than ever.
Their journey from being wrongly imprisoned teenagers to becoming globally recognized figures, thanks in part to the 2019 Netflix series When They See Us, is a testament to resilience. Today, they are not defined by the crime they didn't commit, but by the powerful, new chapters they are writing as activists, speakers, authors, and even elected officials, continuing to fight against the very system that failed them.
The Exonerated Five: Complete Biography and Profile
The men who were wrongfully convicted as teenagers for the 1989 "Central Park Jogger" case have rebuilt their lives after a DNA match in 2002 led to the confession of the actual perpetrator, Matias Reyes, and the vacation of their convictions. Here is a look at the biographical profile of each member of The Exonerated Five.
- Yusef Salaam (Born 1974):
- Role in Case: Convicted at age 15, served nearly seven years.
- Life After: Became a motivational speaker, author, and activist. He earned a degree in Sociology and is an ordained minister.
- Current Status (2025): Incumbent member of the New York City Council (District 9 - Central Harlem), a significant political achievement.
- Korey Wise (Born 1972):
- Role in Case: The oldest, convicted at age 16. Due to his age, he was tried as an adult and served the longest sentence: 13 years in adult prison.
- Life After: Received the largest portion of the $41 million settlement. He is a passionate advocate for the wrongfully convicted.
- Current Status (2025): Founder of the Korey Wise Innocence Project (KWIP) at the University of Colorado Law School, which actively works to free and support the wrongfully convicted. He travels the country as a speaker.
- Raymond Santana Jr. (Born 1974):
- Role in Case: Convicted at age 14, served five years.
- Life After: Became a criminal justice reform advocate and public speaker, working closely with the Innocence Project. He is also an entrepreneur.
- Current Status (2025): Active advocate, public speaker, and founder of the clothing brand "Park Madison NYC." He recently ran for the New York City Council, amplifying his political voice.
- Kevin Richardson (Born 1975):
- Role in Case: Convicted at age 14, served nearly seven years.
- Life After: A public speaker and advocate focused on the psychological and emotional trauma of wrongful incarceration. He was an aspiring trumpeter before his arrest.
- Current Status (2025): Continues to share his story of healing and resilience at colleges and events across the country, advocating for systemic change.
- Antron McCray (Born 1974):
- Role in Case: Convicted at age 15, served five years.
- Life After: Opted for a more private life after his release, moving away from New York to the South.
- Current Status (2025): Lives a private life in the South, working as a warehouse forklift operator. He is a father and remains a committed member of The Exonerated Five in their collective advocacy efforts.
The Political Power of Yusef Salaam and Raymond Santana's New Ambitions
The most significant and inspiring development for The Exonerated Five in the 2020s is their direct entry into the political arena, turning their personal pain into legislative power.
Yusef Salaam: From Wrongful Conviction to City Council Member
In a powerful twist of fate, Yusef Salaam achieved a monumental victory by winning a seat on the New York City Council for District 9 (Central Harlem) in the 2023 general election, officially taking office in January 2024. His election is a stunning reversal of fortune, positioning an exoneree as a lawmaker directly responsible for policy and justice reform in the city that once wrongly imprisoned him. Since taking office, Salaam has been active, introducing legislation in the 2024-2025 session, focusing on issues that directly impact marginalized communities and prevent future miscarriages of justice. His presence in the council chamber serves as a constant, living reminder of the need for systemic accountability and change in the criminal justice system.
Raymond Santana's Continued Political Advocacy
Following Salaam's success, Raymond Santana Jr. also sought a seat on the New York City Council, running for the District 8 primary. While he did not win the primary election, his campaign itself was a powerful statement, using his platform to advocate for criminal justice reform, housing equity, and community empowerment. Santana continues his advocacy through public speaking and his work with the Innocence Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to freeing the wrongfully convicted. He also runs a thriving clothing brand, Park Madison NYC, which serves as another avenue for his entrepreneurial and social voice.
The Enduring Legacy: Activism, Foundations, and a Collective Lawsuit
Beyond their political aspirations, the five men continue to work individually and collectively to ensure their story is never forgotten and that justice is accessible to all. Their collective work forms a significant part of their current life and legacy.
Korey Wise and the Innocence Movement
Korey Wise, who served the longest sentence, has channeled his settlement funds and his dedication to justice into creating a lasting institution. The Korey Wise Innocence Project (KWIP) at the University of Colorado Law School is a major entity in the innocence movement. The project actively works to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals in Colorado and advocates for legislative reforms to prevent future injustices. Wise himself travels extensively across the United States, sharing his story and raising awareness about the urgent need for criminal justice reform, often speaking at universities and legal conferences.
Kevin Richardson and Antron McCray: Healing and Private Life
Kevin Richardson and Antron McCray have taken different, yet equally valid, paths to healing. Richardson has become a prominent public speaker, focusing on the psychological toll of wrongful conviction and the long journey of overcoming trauma. He speaks openly about his healing process and the importance of mental health for exonerees. McCray, meanwhile, chose a path of greater privacy, moving to the South and finding work as a warehouse forklift operator, where he is raising a family. While more private, McCray remains a full and active member of The Exonerated Five, participating in their collective public engagements and legal battles.
The Ongoing Fight: The Defamation Lawsuit Against Donald Trump
In a major development in 2024, The Exonerated Five continue to pursue a defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump. Trump, who took out full-page newspaper ads in 1989 calling for the death penalty for the teenagers, continues to publicly insist on their guilt despite their exoneration. The lawsuit, which a judge refused to dismiss in 2024, is a powerful demonstration that their fight for justice is not over. This legal action underscores their commitment to challenging powerful figures who perpetuate false narratives and demonstrates their collective resolve to protect their names and their legacy from continued slander.
The Impact of "When They See Us" and Their Enduring Legacy
The 2019 Netflix series When They See Us, directed by Ava DuVernay, brought the story of The Exonerated Five to a global audience, dramatically increasing their visibility and influence as advocates. The series fueled a renewed public conversation about race, policing, coerced confessions, and the deep flaws in the American justice system. This platform has allowed them to speak at major events, including the 2024 Democratic National Convention, solidifying their status as leading voices in the national dialogue on criminal justice. Their enduring legacy is a powerful and multifaceted movement—one that includes a New York City Council member, a national Innocence Project, an active clothing brand, and a collective legal fight—all stemming from a shared, horrific injustice. They have transformed from victims into architects of change, ensuring that the term "Central Park Five" is permanently replaced by the triumphant and accurate title: The Exonerated Five.
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