Dewey Bozella, a former professional boxer who spent 26 years behind bars for a murder he did not commit, will speak at University of the Ozarks on Wednesday, Feb. 12, as part of the University’s 2024-25 Walton Arts & Ideas Series.
The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Rogers Conference Center. There is no cost for admission and the public is invited to attend.
Bozella’s story of courage, strength, faith, and perseverance began in the late 1970s, when he was wrongfully accused of murdering Emma Crapser, a 92-year-old resident of Poughkeepsie, New York. Sentenced to 20 years to life in prison, Bozella fiercely maintained his innocence throughout his ordeal at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, and even refused the prosecutor’s offer of instant freedom in exchange for admission of guilt.
But in 2009, more than a quarter century later, Bozella would reclaim his identity and his humanity when his conviction was vacated.
He was the recipient of the 2011 Arthur Ashe Courage Award and is the author of the 2016 book, “Stand Tall: Fighting for My Life, Inside and Outside the Ring.” The 2011 ESPY Awards celebrated his courage and conviction.
Bozella candidly discusses his tragic story of injustice and the perseverance, courage and faith that led to his long overdue exoneration. His inspiring story takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster as they struggle with the flawed U.S. justice system that sent an innocent man to prison for most of his life, while warming their hearts with Bozella’s unyielding determination and forgiveness.
Bozella still continues on his path of inspiration. During the summer of 2014, he launched CHAMPS Camp, a product of the Dewey Bozella Foundation. This boxing program was created for at-risk adolescents from Newburgh. There, they receive invaluable lessons from Bozella and other staff members, who help the campers become well-rounded individuals with teachings in responsibility, commitment, dedication, and perseverance. The program aims to educate at-risk youth with lessons that can be utilized both inside and outside of the ring.
For more information on the event, please contact the University’s Office of Public Relations at 479-979-1420.
Topics: WAIS