Help us share this story of injustice to shed light on the fatal flaws
of the criminal justice system and how it affects every part
of a family’s life.
“Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. I use the word ‘love’ here not merely in the personal sense, but as a state of being, or a state of grace.”
- James Baldwin
In 2008, Willie Fleming could consistently be found in the Acres Homes community either working with at-risk / gang-involved youth, deploying outreach programs to those in need or teaching successful reentry strategies at a halfway house to individuals who had just returned home. What made these actions so unique is that he himself was a returning citizen on parole who was daily seeking to walk out redemption and demonstrate success after incarceration.
In 2010, Willie encountered a series of unfortunate events that hadn’t been factored into that “success plan.” His son was born in January of that year. While William was an extreme blessing, it also was an additional responsibility that he was committed to maintaining although his monthly earnings were meager. In June, after being hit by an 18-wheeler, Willie was prescribed prescription pain medication that led to a subconscious opioid addiction. The progressive use of the pills would ultimately impact his decision-making. Finally, in early October his salary earnings began to fluctuate, which became a trigger for survival in Willie’s already distressed mind and led to his complete lapse in judgement and robbery attempt on October 26, 2010.
Left with a 10 month old and limited funds to say the least, Candace was unable to retain paid counsel for Willie. Very early on they faced pretrial injustices that ranged from limited communication with the attorney to failure to consider notable character references. Ultimately, the plea bargain agreement offered to Willie was excessive at best, which led them to fear what a trial outcome would be.
The lack of humanity and injustice was evidenced in the sentencing and punishment that would send Willie to spend the next 48 years of his life in prison, which is deemed as a virtual life sentence given his age at the time of entry.
The inadequate counsel.
The excessive punishment.
This is injustice.
Unfortunately, this injustice has continued as the COVID-19 pandemic has attacked the nation and the correctional facilities. With a near impossibility of following correct measures to protect the incarcerated, there have been many outbreaks in these environments. Willie is a victim of this injustice as well. In late April of 2020, Willie had been tested positive for COVID-19 amongst many others incarcerated in the Wynne Unit in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Throughout this injustice, Willie has kept his head high and continued to lead with his God-given potential and gifts. He has mentored dozens of incarcerated men, he currently serves on the board of Restoring Justice and he is a published author of several books alongside Candace.
Candace Fleming is an educator by profession and a genuine lover of people at heart. She has spent the past 20 years pouring into the lives of at-risk youth and building communities in various capacities that include teaching, mentoring and workshop facilitation. Having a passion and commitment to training excellence, she has helped to create various curricula targeting the development of youth and young adults.
Join us in this campaign as we attempt to make Willie and Candace’s story known. It is a story of brokenness and injustice, but it is a story deserving of redemption and justice.
