Dewey Bozella speaks on importance of freedom

When Dewey Bozella was released from prison he said, "I felt the beauty of the rain, and looked around at the society I would be a part of. "
After 32 years, four parole boards and numerous trials, the free, innocent man was able to sincerely touch Prairie View A&M University students in the Tuesday's Students Participating in Transcending Knowledge lecture.
Bozella has future plans for a boxing gym, a movie and a variety of programs for the underprivileged to encourage youth to "never let fear determine who you are, or where you come from determine where you are going."
His experiences have shaped and allowed him to understand the value of life and he wants students to do something with their youth because he believes "freedom is one of the most beautiful things you can ever have."
Bozella knows what it means to live without freedom due to his refusal to confess to committing the murder of a 92-year-old woman. Despite offers of parole and even early release, he refused to compromise his morals and give a false confession.
While talking to God and questioning the futility of his situation, he believes God questioned his character through tests of forgiveness. He had to let go all his anger regarding the murders of his mother and brother as well as his condition "How can you ask for forgiveness if you can't forgive," he said.
Bozella earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree along with 52 certificates, and learned three trades.
"Make a commitment, finish your education and be persistent," he said.
"What would you do without fear?" Bozella asked. Without fear an individual considered civilly dead by law was able to be reborn beyond all boundaries his own man.