Episode Details

Disclaimer: Parts of the conversation you are about to hear are challenging and at times uncomfortable. With that said, we believe it's important to hear stories from every corner of Indiana to better understand our Hoosier neighbors. Vernon Bateman was convicted of crimes in 1998 and served over 20 year in prison and is now pursuing exoneration for the crimes he was convicted of. I encourage you to do your due diligence, there are many journalists who have covered how this has unfolded over the last 10 years.

This episode does give a look into what it was like growing up in Gary Indiana

On today's show I sat down with Vernon T. Bateman, an Indiana-based artist, author, and activist who spent over 25 years incarcerated.

Vernon, raised in Gary, Ind., shares his harrowing journey, including grappling with the justice system and enduring solitary confinement for 13 years.

Bateman's resilience shines through as he recounts how creating children's books and murals fueled a movement for him to try and become exonerated.

Joined by DePauw University professor Derek Ford, the discussion gets into Vernon's early life, conviction, and his enduring hope and dedication to uplift his community through art.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Vernon Bateman's Sentencing and Ensuing Years in Prison
- How Vernon Learned to Forgive and Persevere
- Vernon's Artistic and Storytelling Abilities
- What Life Is Like Growing Up in Gary, Indiana

Thank you to our partner:
Indy Grills

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:13 Guest Introduction: Vernon Bateman, Artist, Author, and Activist
02:23 Vernon's Early Life in Gary, Indiana
02:53 Challenges of Growing Up in Poverty
06:22 Tragic Losses and Early Traumas
13:51 Accusations and Legal Struggles
28:22 Life in Prison: Solitary Confinement and Gang Influence
29:23 The Role of Gangs in Community and Personal Development
33:41 Revolutionaries vs. Neighborhood Fighters
34:13 First Time in Solitary Confinement
35:11 Faith and Transformation
36:22 Writing Children's Books in Solitary
40:38 Hunger Strikes and Talk Fasts
42:08 Legal Battles and Recantations
56:11 Release and Parole Challenges
01:06:57 Art as a Universal Language

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