This was a great feeling, it was a surreal moment.
From a jail sentence for robbery in the late 80s
to now working with those looking to re enter society
from behind bars, Abdur Azim now has a fresh start.
I always tell my clients when you want what you
never had, you have to do what you never did.
And if you do what you always did, you'll get
what you always got.
Every single one of these individuals has already proven that
they are committed to getting their lives back on track.
Azim was one of more than 30 people pardoned by
Governor Phil Murphy in his office in Trenton.
This is about the most momentous day I've had in
seven years as governor.
It's the result of an initiative Murphy launched in June
ordering the creation of a clemency Advisory Board to select
applications and make recommendations to the governor's office.
That executive order culminated Monday with the issuing of 33
pardons and three clemencies.
They have more than earned their second chance.
Among those who had their sentences commuted, Dawn Jackson, who's
serving time for murder in her case, and the other
two women granted clemency.
Governor Murphy said the women were survivors and were handed
sentences that were too long.
Based on information now known today, Jackson's daughter, L'Oreal Wilson,
looks forward to seeing your mom out of prison this
week.
Today has given me the ability to understand what perseverance
looks like, what it means to be resilient through, what
it means to be resilient through difficult times, and to
keep striving no matter what life may throw at you.
And the governor is not done.
He said there will be more pardons and clemency's granted
over the final thirteen months of his administration.
We will continue embracing a fair, impartial and balanced approach
for granting legal relief to New Jerseyans in need of
a second chance in the State House in Trenton.
Jim Vassell.
PIX 11 News.