Photos by Justin Bench Photography
On November 1, 2025, our community gathered at The Bridge Yard in Oakland for UnCommon Heroes, Centering Community: A Celebration of Solidarity. This annual gathering served as a powerful homecoming where we welcomed former clients and others recently released from prison, honored those still inside, and celebrated the people and partners who stand with us in the movement for healing-centered justice.
We are beyond grateful to every supporter, sponsor, partner, and friend who registered, donated, invited others, believes in our work, and helped make this event possible. Because of you, we were able to celebrate a community committed to healing, accountability, and bringing people home.
Former UnCommon Law clients shared a moment of connection during the gathering.
Tinisch Hollins delivers her UnCommon Hero acceptance speech.
Amika Mota shares remarks during her UnCommon Hero acceptance speech, highlighting the power of community-led change.
Keith Wattley, Emile Suotonye DeWeaver, and emcee Pendarvis Harshaw joined together onstage during the program.
The program opened with Pendarvis Harshaw, KQED Arts & Culture columnist and Oakland native, who guided the afternoon with intention, honoring the stories and voices that shape our shared work. This was followed by a grounding led by Emile Suotonye DeWeaver, an award-winning writer, activist, and former UnCommon Law client.
We recognized our 2025 UnCommon Heroes — Amika Mota, Executive Director of the Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, and Tinisch Hollins, Executive Director of Californians for Safety and Justice — whose leadership and decades of advocacy have expanded opportunities, shifted narratives, and strengthened community-driven movements for justice and safety across California. Community introduction videos for each Hero were presented, filmed and edited by UnCommon Law Advisory Board Member and former client Troy Williams. This year’s program also included the Unbreakable Spirit Award, which was presented to Jasmine Reyes, Legal Assistant for UnCommon Law’s Home After Harm program.
Keith Wattley, UnCommon Law’s Founder and Executive Director, brought the program to a close with a video featuring our spring Home After Harm event at California State Prison, Los Angeles County (Lancaster), where we invited public officials, policymakers, and system leaders to meet and sit with Home After Harm participants to learn about the program and join in conversation.
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Keith Wattley and several former clients gathered after the program to reconnect.
Emile Suotonye DeWeaver led a special grounding that brought the room together before award presentations.
Guests also participated in several interactive stations after the program, including a Polaroid photo booth, a video storytelling booth, opportunities to write postcards to our clients inside, and an ofrenda honoring those who passed away still fighting for their freedom and those who stood with us in the struggle for decarceration.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring UnCommon Heroes to life. Everyone involved ensured this event was grounded in community, love, and unwavering belief in people’s capacity to grow, heal, and lead.
