LAST PRISONER PROJECT | THE PEN TO RIGHT HISTORY

Cannabis is legal all across the United States. But hundreds of thousands of people across the country are still suffering the consequences of minor cannabis convictions. And all it takes to right this historical injustice is one signature from the president or a governor. So we created The Pen to Right History to help them do it.

We put the pen in the hands of the family and friends of those who are still experiencing cannabis injustice, asking them to write advocacy letters for their loved ones. Then, we asked politicians to use the very same pen to sign their pardons. And on June 17, 2024, Governor Wes Moore of Maryland used it to pardon over 175,000 people—the largest of its kind in American history.

Press:
Maryland Governor Moore Pardons More Than 175,000 For Weed Offenses, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore To Issue Mass Pardon of 175,000 Cannabis Convictions, Maryland Governor Uses “Pen to Right History” to Pardon 175K Marijuana Convictions, McCann PSA Makes a Cameo in Historic Weed Pardons in Maryland, Last Prisoner Project Looks to the Power of the Pen to Free Those Incarcerated for Cannabis, Last Prisoner Project Calls on Lawmakers to Release Cannabis Inmates, The Pen to Right History in Shots

Recognitions:
Silver - Cannes, Glass Lion for Change, Initiatives
Shortlist - Cannes, Direct, Breakthrough on a Budget
Shortlist - Cannes, Sustainable Development, Peace
Wood
 - D&AD Awards, Writing for Design, Naming
Wood - D&AD Awards, Impact, Creative Use of Budget
Gold - New York Festivals, Best Use of Direct, Social Good
Silver - New York Festivals, Purpose, Human Rights
Merit - The One Show, Public Relations


Launch Film:

 

The Pardon
On June 17, 2024, Governor Wes Moore of Maryland signed a historic pardon using The Pen to Right History. Before the official signing, Shiloh Jordan, a Maryland constituent who was receiving a pardon that day, used the pen to write a letter of advocacy. Shiloh then handed the pen directly to Governor Moore, who proceeded to pardon 175,000 Marylanders with a single signature.

 

The Pen & Binder:

 

Team:
Shayne Millington – Co-Chief Creative Officer
Pierre Lipton – Co-Chief Creative Officer
Cristina Reina – EVP, Global Executive Creative Director & Head of Art, North America
Pete Johnson – EVP, Global Executive Creative Director
Brad Soulas – SVP, Group Creative Director
Kristine Salm – SVP, Group Creative Director
Dan Trimarchi - Associate Creative Director
Camilla Ciappina – Associate Creative Director
Matt Van Leeuwen - Head of Design
Mook Phoungbut – Design Director
Chocho Han – Designer