Marshan Allen
Marshan Allen is the director of policy and communications at Illinois Prison Project. He also attends Chicago Kent College of Law as the recipient of a full-tuition scholarship and has assisted the Illinois State Bar Association with a revision of the Post-Trial Remedies Handbook. Marshan’s family and friends look up to him to help them solve their technological issues, answer their legal questions, and act as their all-around handyman.
Marshan was 15 years old when he was tried as an adult, convicted of murder, and sentenced to double life without parole. Marshan states, “During my incarceration, as result of self-reflection, I took responsibility for my actions and committed my life to helping others.” He immersed himself in education and earned an associate degree while inside.
He was released from prison after almost 25 years following the US Supreme Court’s decision prohibiting mandatory life without parole sentences for children.
He embraces the philosophy of Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”