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United States Lesra Martin is an acclaimed lawyer, motivational speaker, and author recognized for his pivotal role in securing the release of Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter.
Lesra Martin is an acclaimed lawyer who helped bring about the release of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, defining what it means to make a difference.
Acclaimed Lawyer Who Helped Bring About the Release of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. Lesra Martin is an inspiring example of the power in each of us to make a difference.
He and his wife Cheryl Martin (parents of two girls) also a barrister are partners in their own law firm, Martin & Martin Lawyers. Lesra Martin is one of the most prominent Canadian barristers.
Meanwhile, Lesra Martin, the kid plucked from the streets of Brooklyn, grew up to be a lawyer and landed in Kamloops, B.C. - where, ironically, he works as a lawyer.
Lesra's specialty is complex personal injury law, championing for those with brain injuries, chronic pain and long-term disability.
Chapman's guest this week is Lesra Martin, who is best known for his involvement in the release of former boxer Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter.
Lesra Martin has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to share his story.
Lesra Martin has appeared on Larry King Live on CNN.
Lesra Martin has been the subject of a National Film Board of Canada production, 'The Journey of Lesra Martin', directed by Cheryl Foggo.
Lesra Martin was born on April 11, 1963, in New York City, New York. Growing up in challenging circumstances in Brooklyn, he encountered a group of Canadians in 1980 who significantly altered the course of his life. This crucial interaction led to his involvement in the case of Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter, a boxer wrongfully imprisoned for murder since 1966. Martin read Carter’s autobiography, “The Sixteenth Round,” and initiated correspondence, eventually meeting Carter in prison in Trenton, New Jersey. This connection catalyzed a wider effort, involving the Canadian group he lived with, to pursue Carter’s release.
Martin’s sustained efforts, alongside the group, contributed to the reexamination of Carter’s case. Although Carter was convicted again in a 1976 retrial, a federal court proceeding in February 1985 led to his release in November of that year. Judge Haddon Lee Sarokin ruled that the original case was influenced by racism and that evidence that could have aided Carter was withheld. This event became a defining moment in Martin’s life and garnered significant media attention. The story of Carter’s release, including Martin’s involvement, was later depicted in the 1999 film “The Hurricane,” where Martin’s character was portrayed by Vicellous Reon Shannon.
Following his involvement in the Carter case, Lesra Martin pursued higher education, eventually becoming a lawyer. He established a law firm, Martin & Martin Lawyers, with his wife Cheryl Martin, specializing in complex personal injury law, particularly for individuals with brain injuries, chronic pain, and long-term disabilities. Beyond his legal career, Martin has become a prominent motivational speaker and writer, sharing his personal journey and experiences on platforms such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Larry King Live.” His life story has also been featured in a National Film Board of Canada production, “The Journey of Lesra Martin,” directed by Cheryl Foggo, highlighting his journey from poverty and illiteracy to becoming a lawyer and a globally recognized advocate.
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