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Dr. Yusef Salaam Peabody Awards CC BY 2.0
On April 19, 1989, a violent crime was committed in New York City’s Central Park. The victim was a young woman, attacked and sexually assaulted. Five young people from Harlem—Yusef Salaam, Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise—were arrested, tried and convicted of the crime. The trial was closely followed in the press, creating passionate reactions. The victim became known as the “Central Park jogger,” and the accused young people became known as the “Central Park Five.” Yusef Salaam was 15-years-old when he was arrested, and his life was changed forever.
The Central Park Five received sentences ranging from six to twelve years. In 2002, all charges were vacated after a prison inmate confessed to the crime.
Better, Not Bitter by 
