Bill > HJR0687

This resolution honors Dr. William E. Arnold, Jr., a Memphis native who was wrongfully convicted in 2013 and subsequently exonerated in 2020, becoming the first individual to receive relief from the Davidson County Conviction Review Unit. After his exoneration, Dr. Arnold transformed his personal experience into a mission of social justice, currently serving as the director of the Tennessee Office of Reentry—the first comprehensive, state-funded reentry office not affiliated with the Department of Corrections. In this role, he has developed initiatives that provide job training, housing support, and mentorship for formerly incarcerated individuals, directly impacting families and reducing recidivism. Additionally, Dr. Arnold is the founder of Arnold Diversity Consulting, has served on various state-level administrative roles, and holds advanced degrees from the University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University. The resolution acknowledges his remarkable journey of resilience, his commitment to advancing justice and equity, and his efforts to create pathways to stability and success for returning citizens, ultimately commending him as an exemplary Tennessean who has turned a challenging personal experience into a powerful force for positive social change.

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HJR0687&ga=114