Uncommon Law invites supporters to Oakland to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the organization with a film screening of the documentary Life & Life. This documentary explores incarceration, accountability, and transformation through the story of Reggie Austin, a former UnCommon Law client and a musician who spent 35 years in prison before being granted parole.
Following the film, stay for a conversation with Reggie Austin and Keith Wattley, Founder & Executive Director of UnCommon Law, who also is in the documentary and represented Reggie throughout his parole journey, ultimately helping secure his release. They will discuss the realities of long-term incarceration, the transformative work that makes release possible, and the role of art, healing, and community in creating lasting change.
Life & Life probes questions of violent crime and punishment through the story of Reggie Austin, a likable, surprisingly honest musician who spent 35 years behind bars, denied time and again by the parole board despite many recommendations that he be released.
While filming the Frank Morgan tribute concert in San Quentin for Sound of Redemption, director NC Heikin met Reginald Austin, a fellow musician who knew Frank when they were in San Quentin together. By then, Reggie had been in jail for 33 years for second-degree murder. He was not sure he’d ever get out. But he was sure of two things: his own guilt, and the inadequacies of the criminal justice system.
When: Thursday August 6th, 630pm PT
Where: The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th St, Oakland, CA 94612
How: Buy tickets here –>> Life & Life; The New Parkway Theater note: You do not need to create an account to purchase a ticket. If you don’t have an account or prefer not to register, simply select “Continue as Guest” during checkout to complete your purchase.
UnCommon Law supports people navigating California’s discretionary parole process through trauma-informed legal representation, mental health counseling, legislative and policy advocacy, and in-prison programming led by those who have been through the process themselves.
