I love this ...

Here you see Derrick Hamilton and Shabaka Shakur ... owners of the Brownstone restaurant in Brooklyn.  The interesting thing is that both men grew up in Brooklyn but didn't meet until more than 20 years ago when they were behind bars. Their bond really grew when they shared that they were both imprisoned for murders they didn't commit and, even of more interest, they also believed they were framed by the same New York City police detective: Louis Scarcella.

From the day they met and had their first conversation they vowed to strive for freedom. They became Jailhouse Lawyers. It's mind boggling to think how difficult that must have been but they persevered and over two decades later they were finally set free.   Louis Scarcella who helped imprison both men, is now retired, but allegations including “evidence manipulation” led judges to overturn 11 of his convictions and settlements have cost the city more than $30 million.

The men say the Brownstone is their way of giving back to the community.  They offer good, tasty food at a fair price (teriyaki ginger chili chicken wings ($10), to fried calamari ($12) and pan-seared salmon ($20) but it's also their way to give a hand up to others who need it.  They often hire employees who have trouble finding jobs because of past felonies and the kids in the neighborhood know they are always good for a "little cash" if they wash windows or sweep floors ... "anything to keep them off the streets" say the men.

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