Ambitious Writer, Loving Dad Get 'Second Chance' From NJ Pardons

NEW JERSEY — Racha Barlow is proof that it’s possible to turn your life around, according to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Barlow was convicted of drug offenses as a young adult. She was in-and-out of the court system – later adding weapon possession to the list – and spent time in state prison for her crimes.

She has since come a long way since then.

On Tuesday, Barlow was one of 87 people who received an official pardon from the governor as part of a wave of clemency decisions.

>> Read More: NJ Governor Pardons Dozens Of Ex-Prisoners – Again (See The List)

According to Murphy, everyone on the list has “earned their legal relief” by dedicating themselves to becoming “responsible, well-rounded citizens who are passionate about contributing to their communities and society as a whole.”

And that includes Barlow, who was present at a news conference to announce the governor’s latest wave of pardons.

“Today, I officially retire my state number #14489,” Barlow enthused. “I am deeply grateful to Gov. Murphy for granting me a second chance at life. His decision to grant me clemency has opened doors I never could have imagined possible.”

Currently, Barlow works as a reentry specialist with the City of Trenton, helping other court-involved people to get their lives back on track. Over the past three years, she’s helped more than 250 former inmates to find jobs – a personal source of pride.

Barlow has written four books, and composed and performed over 500 poems for grieving families in the city. She is also studying filmmaking, and hopes to get one of her projects greenlit soon.

“I say all of this to give God the glory,” Barlow said. “He has brought me a long way from that young girl lying on a prison bunk at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, dreaming of becoming a writer.”

Barlow isn’t the only former prison inmate who is getting a second chance thanks to this week’s round of pardons.

According to the governor’s office, Jamal Muhammad was incarcerated for more than 28 years after his accomplice shot and killed a victim during a robbery. During his time in jail, Muhammad became passionate about ethics and religious studies. He is now writing a book about anti-bullying, and credits religion with transforming his decision-making and mindset.

A “proud and loving father,” Muhammad has kept a close relationship with his two children – despite being incarcerated for nearly all of their lives. He has even co-authored an online book with his son, using the experience as a chance to bond.

Islah Muhammad said her brother is a “genuinely sincere and compassionate individual” who has always been a pillar of strength within their family and community.

“Even during his incarceration, he remained an asset to those around him,” Muhammad said. “And we are confident in his ability to teach, mentor, and uplift our youth—particularly young men—both within the community and beyond upon his release.”

Watch footage of Barlow and Muhammad speaking at Tuesday’s news conference below (video is cued to their comments).

Meanwhile, the ACLU of New Jersey shared the stories of four other people who received clemency from the governor this week: Rashon Barkley, Paige Pfefferle, Alberto Salazar, and Michelle Tierney.

According to the ACLU-NJ:

• Mr. Barkley was arrested when he was 18 years old and offered a plea deal to serve a 10-year mandatory minimum for felony murder. After exercising his right to a fair trial where he was found guilty, Mr. Barkley received an aggregate sentence of life in prison with a 50-year mandatory minimum, resulting in an extreme trial penalty of a 40-year mandatory minimum.
• Ms. Pfefferle, a survivor who defended herself against her abuser when she was 19 years old, was convicted for the killing of her high school boyfriend. She was sentenced to 30 years.
• Mr. Salazar rejected a plea deal for 19 years of incarceration for felony murder. Maintaining his innocence, Mr. Salazar went to trial where he was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years, resulting in a trial penalty of 11 years.
• Ms. Tierney, a survivor who defended herself against her abuser with a knife, resulting in his death, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after a jury rejected her defense.

The governor’s clemency announcement got a round of applause from several advocates and community leaders on Tuesday. They included:

Jim McGreevey, Executive Director, New Jersey Reentry Corporation – “Today marks a significant next step in New Jersey’s journey toward a more compassionate and equitable criminal justice practice.”

Jessica Jackson, CEO, REFORM Alliance – “Clemency should be a routine part of effective governance and the governor is demonstrating how this powerful tool, used responsibly, paves the way for stronger, safer communities.”

Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer, Founder, Salvation and Social Justice – “Coinciding with April's "Second Chances" month, we are once again united around the fundamental belief that everyone deserves a chance to be restored and set free from past trauma and mistakes.”

• See Related: NJ Should Issue More Pardons To Prisoners, Advocates Urge
• See Related: NJ Latino Caucus Backs Murphy’s Plan For Prison Pardons

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