Grace Under Pressure: My 27-Year Journey of Injustice, Resilience, and Purpose

The gripping, poignant, and ultimately hopeful story of Jimmie Gardner, a Black man falsely convicted of a heinous crime and sentenced to 110 years in prison, of which he ultimately served 27.

In 1989, Jimmie Gardner was falsely accused of sexual assault in West Virginia, even though he was miles away at the time of the attack. Although he was frightened, he trusted in the justice system--trust that an innocent man would not be convicted. But due to falsified evidence, manipulated testimonies, and racial bias, Jimmie was sentenced to 110 years in prison, of which he served 27. However, this is not just one man’s fight for freedom and truth in the face of overwhelming odds, but an indictment of the brutal and oppressive justice system that creates inequality at every turn.

Moving and beautifully written--and with a foreword by political activist and bestselling author Stacey Abrams--Grace Under Pressure shares the inspiring path of Jimmie’s self-growth and change, and offers important insight into the urgent issues of racism and inequality.

Jimmie C Gardner was born on July 1, 1966, in Dawson, GA, the fifth of eight children. He grew up in Tampa, FL, where he developed a great love for sports as a child. Since his release, Gardner has become an advocate for other wrongfully imprisoned men and women who have felt the sting of this country’s systemic and racial injustices throughout the criminal justice system. He also advocates for prison reform and inmate rights all over the country.