Art and justice intersected at Strokes of Innocence, an exhibition held at St. John’s University’s School of Law. The event was hosted by the Justice Initiative Center and supported through a Cross-Disciplinary Grant from the University. It showcased the artwork of Billie Allen, an artist and federal death row inmate who has spent 27 years incarcerated for a crime he maintains he did not commit.

Allen's work offers a personal look at wrongful convictions, incarceration's psychological toll, and human resilience. More than 20 original pieces were unveiled at the opening night event on February 26, which included a documentary screening and a panel discussion with legal experts and criminal justice reform advocates.

“For 27 years, Billie Allen has been incarcerated for a crime he asserts he did not commit. And yet, through his art, he has found a way to reclaim his agency, to tell his truth, and to remind us all of the profound injustices that continue to exist within our legal system,” said Dr. Marina Sorochinski, Research Director of the Justice Initiative Center at St. John’s. “His story is not unique—it is one of many. And that is precisely why we are here tonight: to bear witness, engage, and ask ourselves, What can we do?”

The Justice Initiative Center focuses on challenging systemic injustices and amplifying voices of those impacted by the justice system. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, it aims to remove barriers for individuals affected by the criminal legal system.

The panel discussion featured exoneree Fernando Bermudez; Yvette Allen, Billie Allen’s sister; media strategist John D. Garland; and Adam Solis, an advocate in political and legal efforts.

Discussions centered on art's role in amplifying voices of justice-impacted individuals. Attendees witnessed both pain from wrongful conviction and resilience through Allen's work. His paintings combine Afrofuturism elements with personal storytelling.

For Allen's family and supporters, the exhibition was crucial in bringing attention to his ongoing legal battle.

"The Allen family and the Free Billie Allen Campaign are grateful for this important opportunity to share Billie's story," said Whitney Meilan Yang. "Our fight to prove Billie's innocence continues."

Beyond showcasing artwork, Strokes of Innocence was also about advocacy. Discussions addressed systemic failures leading to wrongful convictions and lack of post-release support for exonerees.

"My research has focused on this often-overlooked toll: what happens to the families of the wrongly convicted?" Dr. Sorochinski shared.

Community engagement was highlighted as essential in preventing such injustices.

The exhibit remains open through March 20 for broader engagement with Allen’s work.