Criminal Justice Reform Activist, Member of "The Exonerated Five"
Raymond Santana: Biography at a Glance
- Raymond Santana is an author, designer, and activist who works alongside the Innocence Project and the New York City Justice League to spread awareness of wrongful convictions and false confessions.
- Santana was among five boys—four black and one Latino—who were tried and wrongfully convicted of raping a young woman in New York City’s Central Park. They became known collectively as “The Central Park Five.”
- On December 19, 2002, the convictions of the five men were overturned when the unidentified DNA matched its owner, a convicted murderer and serial rapist who confessed. Santana had spent seven years in prison for a crime he did not commit.
- The group, now known as "The Exonerated Five," has been committed to advocating and educating people on the disparities in America’s criminal justice system.
- To amplify their message, Santana tweeted award-winning director Ava DuVernay about their story, which led to it becoming the subject of the hit Netflix series When They See Us. The four-part series not only became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows but also earned the streaming giant its most Emmy nominations with a total of 16.
- Santana's memoir, Pushing Hope, reflects on his life journey from his move to Harlem as a teenager to the wrongful conviction that shaped his life, while also highlighting the enduring power of dignity, perseverance, and the fight for justice.
- He owns the clothing company Park Madison NYC, following his dream of creating aspirational clothing for all.
Videos
Biography
Raymond Santana is an author, designer, and activist who works alongside the Innocence Project to spread awareness of wrongful convictions and false confessions.
Santana’s mission is personal. On the night of April 19, 1989, a young woman was brutally attacked and raped in Central Park. When she recovered, she had no memory of the assault. Five boys between the ages of 14 and 16, including Santana, were tried and wrongfully convicted of the crime in a frenzied case that rocked the city. The boys became known collectively as “The Central Park Five.”
Eventually, unidentified DNA in this Central Park Jogger Case – unlinked to any of the five – was connected to its owner, a convicted murderer and serial rapist who finally confessed. Santana had spent seven years in prison for a crime he did not commit before the convictions of all five men were overturned.
Now known as “The Exonerated Five,” the group has been committed to advocating and educating people on the disparities in America’s criminal justice system. The investigation of this conviction has raised questions regarding police coercion and false confessions, as well as the vulnerability of juveniles during police interrogations.
To amplify their message, Santana tweeted award-winning director Ava DuVernay about their story which led to it becoming the subject of the hit Netflix series, When They See Us. The four-part series not only became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows, but it also earned the streaming giant its most Emmy nominations with a total of 16.
Santana currently travels around the country telling his story of hope and overcoming obstacles as he continues to fight against the injustice of America’s prison system.
Santana also owns the clothing company Park Madison NYC, named after his home city of New York. Following his dream of a career in fashion - which was nearly taken away from him - Raymond now brings aspirational clothing to all.
Topics
Pushing Hope: Finding the Strength to Keep Going
At just 14 years old, Raymond Santana’s life was shattered when he was wrongfully convicted as one of the Central Park Five. What could have broken him instead became the foundation of a story that continues to inspire millions. In this powerful talk, Santana opens his heart to share the lessons he’s learned about resilience, courage, and the unshakable belief that hope can carry us through even the darkest times.
With honesty and warmth, he reflects on his journey—from a childhood in Harlem, to years spent behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit, to his eventual exoneration and lifelong fight for justice. But this is more than a story about injustice. It’s about the power we all have to rise after being knocked down, to hold on to dignity when everything feels lost, and to use creativity and passion as lifelines for survival and growth.
Audiences leave not only moved, but empowered to believe in their own strength and to carry hope as a force for change in their lives and communities.
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FAQs
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How to contact Raymond Santana for speaking engagements?
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- Response time: 24 hours
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Raymond Santana booking information and availability
Check Raymond Santana's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
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- 3-6 months: Best availability
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Will Raymond Santana speak at private events?
Yes, Raymond Santana speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
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Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Raymond Santana?
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Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
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