Interrogations in an effort to ensure that confessions are voluntary and not coerced. Joining us today is jeffrey deskovic. His coerced confession to a murder cost him 16 years behind bars. That is until dna evidence cleared him. Also here is dr. Matthew johnson, or professor matthew johnson, i should say. He is a psychology professor from John Jay College who has done research on false confessions and wrongful convictions. Thank you both for being with us this afternoon. Thanks for having us. Im gonna start with you, jeffery. 16 years behind bars for something you didnt do. How did all that play out . What role did your confession play in your conviction . That was that was the only piece of evidence that they had. Basically i was interrogated for seven hours, driven out of county, threatened, and given false promises. It was not recorded. Details out of their testimony, and i was wrongfully convicted despite a negative dna test. How old were you . I was 16 when i was arrested, 17 whe
Tavis bernard and Shirley Kinsey are behind the unique art exhibit. The kinsey collection has been viewed by 3 Million People in eight u. S. Cities, with more on the way, beginning in 2013. The companion book to the exhibit is called the kinsey collection. It is an honor to have you both on this program. Good to be here. Tavis let me start with whether or not in the obama era a door has been at open for greater appreciation of africanamerican art. I ask that for the obvious reasons, because there are some people for whom black history does not start until the black president gets elected. Is there something that has happened, you think, that may be leading to a greater embrace and appreciation for our culture and contribution . We started in 2006. I think we sensed a change in america in 2006, 2007, even before barack obama became president. I think there is more willingness to understand the story, but the story has not been told. It is the story of the europeans, the indians, and the