Remembering Courageous Rubin “Hurricane” Carter 10 Years After his Passing

Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who bravely fought nearly twenty years to overcome a wrongful conviction for a triple murder and win his freedom, passed away 10 years ago (April 20th, 2014) from prostate cancer.

He was seventy-six years old. Rubin, who announced his diagnosis in early 2012, was given just six months to live. It is so typical of his tenacity and extraordinary willpower that he dug deep, to continue campaigning for another two years, to help prisoners around the world, who have been wrongfully convicted, just as he.

Rubin was arrested along with John Artis in 1966 for a triple homicide at a bar in Paterson, New Jersey. With no physical evidence and although neither was identified by credible witnesses at the scene, both were convicted.

John was sentenced to life in prison, while Rubin was given double punishment. Both men were tried twice. John was paroled in 1981. His convictions were overturned in 1985.

Rubin wrote a book titled Round 16 about his wrongful imprisonment. Bob Dylan wrote and performed the famous song called “Hurricane”, there was also a movie called “The Hurricane” starring Denzel Washington in 1999 which became a huge box office success.

Rubin was robbed of a second chance to be world middleweight champion. He fought champion Joey Giardello for the title in December 1964, but lost a unanimous decision after a thrilling battle. Both men were awarded special belts by the WBC at an event in 1993.

Rubin, was Executive Director of the Association for the Defense of the Wrongfully Convicted from 1993-2005. He never forgot those who were unjustly imprisoned, as he had been, and he tried everything possible in campaigns to get them released.

As a professional boxer, Rubin Carter fought 40 times, with 27 wins, 19 of which were knockouts, one draw, and twelve losses.

As an activist Rubin Carter had many more battles and won many of them.
Rubin Carter taught us all what it means to be a true champion.
Today we remember with affection and respect our beloved eternal champion