Danielle Metz
At 51, Danielle has spent almost half her life in prison. But now she is free, and she is making the most of her life today in New Orleans. She is a student, a community activist, an advocate on behalf of incarcerated people, a mentor and a public speaker.
And she is a force.
America, meet Danielle Metz.
Get in touch
Danielle is a powerful speaker and mentor. Reach out to learn more or invite Danielle to speak or screen the film at your event.
“When I was in prison I always thought, ‘if I had the opportunity to talk to kids, talk to them and prevent them from making the same mistakes I’ve made, I would.’ Nobody told me that transporting drugs across state lines could cost me my life. I want them to know what the consequences of their actions can be. Let them know it’s not worth their life.”
Danielle Metz
Press about Danielle
The Washington Post: Justice Dept. warns judges against unconstitutional fines, touts pardons
Metz on Friday described spending more than two decades incarcerated, trying to do everything right to ensure she had a chance of one day being released…Metz now works as a community health worker and advocate and said clemency has enabled her to “shine” outside her jail cell. “She is the living embodiment of justice achieved,” Polite said Friday. Read Full Article.
Nola.com: Once serving a federal life sentence, New Orleans woman now helps other former inmates get healthy
One morning this summer, Danielle Metz stood in front of a packed New Orleans courtroom as shackled inmates and onlookers in the gallery listened in rapt attention. “In 1993, I was sentenced to three life sentences plus 20 years,” she told the crowd. “My judge told me that I had forfeited my right to live in a compassionate society.” Read Full Article.
USA Today: Obama sends letter to prisoner he freed, who made the dean's list: 'I am so proud of you'
This week, Obama wrote her a letter, wishing Metz all the best. “I am so proud of you, and am confident that your example will have a positive impact for others who are looking for a second chance,” Obama wrote to Metz. “Tell your children I say hello, and know that I’m rooting for all of you.” Read Full Article.
The Advocate: Obama grants clemency to two New Orleans drug offenders, one with life sentence
As the decades passed, the nation’s attitude toward the war on drugs began to shift. At the same time, Bernard and others, including her mother, Barbara Mae Bernard, were lobbying on Metz's behalf. Read Full Article.
EssencE: Danielle Metz, Woman Granted Clemency By President Obama, Speaks At 2019 Essence Festival
Speaking to a group of students earlier this year, Metz talked about freedom, telling them, “Now here I am outside in society living my best life. I love the fact that I can just ride down the streets of New Orleans and get me a hot sausage sandwich or yaki mein. But what I value most is my education.” Read Full Article.
The Hechinger Report: From prison to dean’s list: How Danielle Metz got an education after incarceration
The sun glowed gold, and a second line parade was tuning its horns just a few streets away. But Danielle Metz had missed half her life already, and she couldn’t spare the afternoon, even one as unseasonably warm as this mid-February Sunday. Read Full Article.