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Photo By CBS 2 News Chicago

Nevest Coleman worked for the Chicago White Sox when he was charged for a crime he did not commit. The Chicago man was convicted in 1997 for rape and murder and almost faced the death penalty according to the Chicago Tribune. After serving 23 years in prison, he was finally released last year when DNA testing proved his innocence.

Now, the 49-year-old is welcomed back with open arms to his old job as a groundskeeper. His first day was Monday!

What’s remarkable about Coleman’s story is that he holds on to no bitterness about the time he spent behind bars. Although he missed out on spending time with his family and living a normal life, he is letting go and choosing to move forward.

“The past’s in the past now. There’s no more anger, upset, frustration, nothing,” The father of two told WGN-TV. “When I was in there I was miserable. But now I have my loved ones behind me, standing by my side, that misery’s gone now.”

Earlier this week, Lawrence McKinney, a black man who served 31 years in prison for a crime he did not commit was awarded $1 million dollars for his wrongful conviction. Despite the years that were robbed from them, both McKinney and Coleman have kept positive attitudes. Coleman was not awarded for his prison sentence, but is grateful to have his job back.

“Just by coming to work like this here every day is a blessing,” he said to WGN-TV.

TELL US: Should Coleman be awarded for his prison sentence? Let us know your thoughts!

Black Lives That Should’ve Mattered
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