‘Hurricane’ blows away BLC Theater audience

By Valerie Cedeno

Dr. Rubin Carter, better known as the “Hurricane,” a 1960s boxer released from prison 20 years ago, explained to the Rider community how he strives to defend the rights of the innocent.

Carter voiced his viewpoints at the Bart Luedeke Center (BLC) Theater on Monday, Nov. 7, as he spoke of how social justice is impacted by the arts.

Originally from Paterson, N.J., Carter began boxing at an early age. He was given the title “Hurricane” because of his ferocious punching style, and in 1966, he was the world’s No. 1 contender for the championship. At the peak of his career, he was accused of gunning down three white patrons and was tried for the killings. With little evidence of the crime, Carter was judged by an all-white jury and was sentenced to life in prison in 1967.

“The conviction was based on racism, rather than reason,” said Carter.

During his imprisonment, he said he was engulfed by hatred. He realized that in order to survive prison, he had to change his image. The 1974 release of his book, The Sixteenth Round, sparked the interest of a group of Canadians who helped Carter prove his innocence through a fair trial. In 1985, Carter was freed after the judge wrote that the convictions were based on racial prejudices and not facts.

“I am a survivor,” said Carter. “Defending the wrongly convicted has become my life.”

Since his release, Carter works with an organization called Innocence International, which gives innocent people the opportunity to be free and start off with a clean slate. This organization will fight “civically, but not silently,” said Carter.

“I think it’s a good idea to have organizations that help people start over,” sophomore Kellianne Moodhe said. “Everyone deserves a second chance.”

In 1993, 37 years after the end of his career, he was honored by the World Boxing Council as an honorary world middleweight champion. According to Carter, the belt symbolizes the great victory of his determination to dream.

The audience received Carter with a standing ovation. Sophomore Joy Clayton said she felt Carter’s speech was moving.

“When I saw the movie based on his life, The Hurricane, I thought it was so inspirational,” said Clayton. “After hearing him in person, I feel his message was very powerful.”