Calvin Duncan to receive the John Thompson Award for Courage & Justice during the milestone celebration
NEW ORLEANS — Innocence & Justice Louisiana (IJLA) will host its 25th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, September 19, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Xavier University of Louisiana’s University Center Ballroom located at 4955 Drexel Dr. in New Orleans.
This year’s gala will celebrate 25 years of litigation and advocacy for innocent and unjustly sentenced people–work that has resulted in the freedom of 78 people who served over 1745 years in prison. The evening will honor Calvin Duncan as the recipient of the John Thompson Award for Courage & Justice, an award presented to individuals whose courage, leadership, and commitment have advanced the fight for freedom, accountability, and justice.
The theme of the gala is community: the community which IJLA clients and their families have with each other, with other currently and formerly incarcerated people, and with IJLA as an organization. The evening will feature an original film telling the story of the organization through the relationship of clients with one another and with IJLA.
Looking ahead to this year’s event, Executive Director Jee Park says, “For 25 years, IJLA has been on the forefront of fighting for freedom for people who should not be in prison. We are honored to be celebrating with our former clients and their families, and our allies, supporters and friends who believe in justice. We plan to continue building an equitable, unbiased and just criminal legal system where everyone is treated with dignity and humanity.”
The gala will be held in partnership with venue partner Xavier University of Louisiana and will feature premier local cuisine, an exclusive silent auction, live music, a film, a special presentation of clients, and other program moments, including the presentation of the John Thompson Award for Courage & Justice to Calvin Duncan, followed by remarks from Mr. Duncan.
Event Details
Saturday, September 19, 2026
6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Xavier University of Louisiana, University Center Ballroom, 3rd Floor
4955 Drexel Dr, New Orleans, LA
Tickets are available now. Community members, partners, and supporters are invited to attend and to support IJLA’s continued work. For more information about purchasing tickets or supporting the gala, visit here.
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About Innocence & Justice, Louisiana
Innocence & Justice Louisiana (formerly Innocence Project New Orleans) frees innocent people sentenced to life in prison and those serving unjust sentences. We recognize the root causes of wrongful convictions and unjust sentences as systemic racism and inequities. We work to expose and address these root causes by sharing our clients’ stories in court, the legislature, the community, and the media. We support our clients living well and fully in the world after their release.
