20 Years of
UnCommon Law:
A Weekend to Remember
Healing From the Inside Conference
Our 20th anniversary celebrations kicked off with the Healing From the Inside Conference on October 22 at Merritt College in Oakland. The day highlighted innovative programs bringing healing, growth, and connection inside prisons through the arts, nature, therapeutic communities, and advocacy. The conference also featured a powerful conversation between survivor advocate Jess Nichol, Miguel Quezada, Co-Director and Co-Founder of Mend Collaborative; and UnCommon Law founder and Executive Director Keith Wattley for a conversation about restorative justice, accountability, and healing.
UnCommon Heroes Gala:
A Fundamental Right to Heal
Our 20th anniversary celebrations continued with the UnCommon Heroes Gala on October 23 at the historic Berkeley City Club, bringing together our community to celebrate two decades of UnCommon Law’s work. Emceed by former client Philippe “Kells” Kelly, the evening honored our 2026 UnCommon Heroes: Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, Sol Mercado, and Ken Oliver. The program featured a powerful keynote by civil rights advocate Dorsey Nunn, music by Maserati-E, and a special retrospective video celebrating UnCommon Law’s 20-year history.
UnCommon Heroes Picnic
We concluded our 20th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, October 24, with a special Homecoming Picnic at Mosswood Park in Oakland, welcoming our formerly incarcerated friends and community members home and celebrating the families and loved ones who supported them along the way.
