The People's Party, hosted by Talib Kweli, recently featured Yusef Salaam from The Exonerated Five in their latest episode. During the interview, Salaam discussed various topics including Donald Trump's threats, his time in Rikers Island, and more.

Salaam, along with four other young men - Antron McCray, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, and Korey Wise - were wrongfully convicted and served prison sentences for a crime they did not commit. Known as The Central Park Five at the time, their exoneration in 2002 shed light on the flawed justice system and their story has since inspired many.

One of the subjects Salaam addressed in the interview was Donald Trump's involvement in spreading misinformation about their case. Trump had taken out full-page ads in several newspapers back in 1989 demanding reinstatement of the death penalty for the Five. Salaam expressed his disappointment in Trump's role, stating that it was a "perfect convergence of person, timing, and place where he could become the hero" by appealing to the public's fear and progressively becoming influential in politics.

Moreover, Salaam acknowledged the significant role mainstream media played in influencing public opinion. He criticized the media for sensationalizing their story and portraying them as guilty before they even had a fair trial. This biased representation further fueled societal prejudices and contributed to their wrongful convictions.

Another topic of discussion centered around Salaam's experience in Rikers Island, one of the most notorious prisons in the United States. Salaam described the environment as brutal and the treatment of inmates as dehumanizing. He explained how the system was designed to strip individuals of their dignity and turn them into mere numbers. He called attention to the fact that prisons often perpetuate the same violence and harm that they are supposed to prevent.

Salaam's story represents the flaws and injustices prevalent in the criminal justice system. His struggle for justice and his subsequent exoneration have become symbols of hope and inspiration for those who have been wrongfully incarcerated. Through their platform, Talib Kweli and The People's Party aim to shed light on these issues and facilitate meaningful conversations that can lead to change.

Overall, the interview with Yusef Salaam provided valuable insights into the criminal justice system, the power of media, and the impact of influential figures in perpetuating injustice. Salaam's story serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and equality must continue, and that collectively, society must strive for a system that upholds everyone's rights.