Eric Blackmon, who was incarcerated for 16 years, became a paralegal when he was locked up at Stateville Correctional Center. With support from his family and friends, he represented himself and kept his case alive, winning a hearing by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a rare and extraordinary ruling. In January 2019, his long legal battle ended when prosecutors dropped the murder charges against him. Out on bond since May 2018, Blackmon has been working as a paralegal with the Lawndale Christian Legal Center. A former student of the Prison and Neighborhood Arts Project, he is also committed to supporting education in prison. Eric Blackmon will share his journey learning the law, representing himself, and working to reform the criminal legal system. Open to students, faculty staff and community.