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In 1998, Jabar was wrongfully convicted for two murders in Manhattan. He always maintained his innocence. Despite no physical evidence connecting him to the crime, he was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, largely based on the false testimony of a coerced witness.
After he was exonerated, Jabar bought the Lux Bar and Grill, a lounge in Harlem, with his brother using some of the compensation he finally received. Growing up, Jabar said local business owners were his heroes and often helped his family out when they didn’t have money for basic necessities.
When the Knicks made it to the playoffs, Jabar began hosting watch parties for his favorite team — and the bar has quickly become a place for the community to come together and celebrate.
Jabar hopes his story of resilience will inspire young people in his community who might be facing adversities of their own. His advice? “Never give up. Never lose hope. Knicks in Five.”
Read Jabar’s story now.
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