3755 Richmond Ave.
11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Join us to meet Anthony Graves who will present his compelling story of 18 years on death row in Texas before being exonerated.
Anthony Charles Graves (born August 29, 1965) is a nationally recognized criminal justice reform advocate, author, and the 138th person exonerated from death row in the United States. Wrongfully convicted at age 26 for a crime he did not commit, Anthony spent 18 and a half years behind bars—12 of those years in solitary confinement on Texas death row—before his conviction was overturned and he was fully exonerated in 2010. His story, marked by resilience and the pursuit of justice, has become a touchstone for reform efforts nationwide.
Following his exoneration, Anthony transformed his trauma into purpose. He is the president and founder of the Peer Navigator Project—an innovative initiative that trains formerly incarcerated individuals to serve as expert partners to criminal defense attorneys and as mentors for returning citizens. Through this program, Peer Navigators are equipped to work alongside legal teams and to support individuals reentering society, providing mentorship and guidance during the crucial first 18 months of freedom. The Peer Navigator Project stands as a model for holistic, lived-experience-driven advocacy and reentry support, with a proven track record of reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals.
Anthony’s impact extends beyond direct service. His Emmy Award-winning documentary, Grave Injustice, chronicles his journey and exposes the systemic failures that lead to wrongful convictions, sparking national dialogue and legislative scrutiny. As a sought-after public speaker and consultant, Anthony has testified before the U.S. Senate, contributed to policy reforms, and educated legal professionals on the realities of wrongful conviction and the urgent need for systemic change.
Currently, Anthony serves as Director of Community Outreach at the Harris County Public Defender’s Office, where he leads efforts to build bridges between the legal system and the communities it serves. In this capacity, he continues to champion the integration of lived experience into defense strategy and reentry programming, ensuring that justice is not only served but also restored.
Born and raised in Brenham, Texas, Anthony is the eldest of five siblings and a proud father of three. His life’s work embodies resilience, hope, and the unwavering belief that justice must be accessible and fair for all. Through his leadership, advocacy, and storytelling, Anthony Graves remains a powerful force for change in the American criminal justice system.
