Stand up against wrongful convictions. Because every human deserves freedom.
Research shows that 4 to 6 percent of people in U.S. prisons are innocent, meaning about one in 20 are serving time for crimes they did not commit. Many spend decades behind bars before exoneration, and Black Americans are disproportionately affected, revealing deep racial injustice within the system.
After 26 years behind bars, the Waverly Two finally walked free. I_am_HUMAN played a key role in their fight for justice, led by Abby Pollak, who began advocating for their pardon while serving as a Senate Page. Working with Life After Justice, Not Guilty Serving Life, and the Department of Justice, she helped bring their story to President Biden, who granted their freedom in 2025. Their story is a reminder of why we fight — because justice should never take a lifetime.
Meet our founder
At just 16 years old, Abby Pollak co-founded I_am_HUMAN with her brother Matthew, transforming a small act of compassion into a national movement for justice. What began with distributing hundreds of winter hats, socks and meals to unhoused neighbors, now drives major advocacy to end wrongful convictions. Abby led a two-year campaign that freed the Waverly Two, meeting with the Department of Justice, Senators, the White House, and President Biden to secure their pardon. She also organized art auctions that raised over $100,000 to support exonerees and launched the I_am_HUMAN Fellowship for Young Artists, funding creators aged 18–24 impacted by incarceration. With extraordinary courage and vision, Abby’s leadership shows how grassroots action and creative partnerships can achieve lasting change. Through I_am_HUMAN, she continues to amplify silenced voices and inspire the next generation of advocates.
“I believe every person deserves to be seen, valued, and free. That is why I created I_am_HUMAN.”
Abby Pollak
Co-Founder, I_Am_Human
Stand Up
Against
Wrongful Convictions
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Stand Up Against Wrongful Convictions •
Listen to our podcast
Through powerful conversations with people who have been wrongfully incarcerated, Abby explores their experiences, the human cost of injustice, and the urgent need for reform. Each episode offers listeners practical ways to advocate for change and gives a platform to voices that must be heard.
Artist Fellowship
In partnership with the Center for Art & Advocacy, I_am_HUMAN supports one young artist each year whose life has been touched by incarceration. The fellowship provides funding, mentorship, and national exposure to create art that challenges mass incarceration and inspires social change. Through advocacy and creative fundraising, we help justice-impacted artists share their stories and shift the conversation.
Nowhere to Go: Criminalizing Homelessness and Constitutional Rights
Abby Pollak’s new research traces how cities punish survival itself, from vagrancy laws to Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024), and explains why the lack of a constitutional right to housing keeps these policies in place. It offers clear alternatives like Housing First and a path to shift public policy from punishment to stability.
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The story of our impact is still being written. Stand with us as we continue to fight wrongful convictions and bring humanity back to justice.