A Triumph of Justice and Public Health
Obie Anthony Honored at TUC Commencement
As the moments counted down, Obie Anthony stood just off stage, shifting from foot to foot with increasing nervousness. His hands rested in front of him like they were holding something fragile, maybe the weight of seventeen years, maybe the memory of a cell that never let in enough light.
The auditorium buzzed with the joy and pride that accompany commencements, but for Obie, it was something else entirely. As Dr. Gayle Cummings painted his life in broad, reverent strokes, his eyes only left the stage to center himself. He listened like a person who had waited a lifetime to be seen, really seen. His stature, usually squared with the pride of a man who had survived the unthinkable, now took a final deep breath, as if bracing for the flood of it all. And in that moment, just before calling out his name, you could almost see it: the boy who went in, the man who came out, and the fire walked through to get here.
Obie Anthony, a nationally recognized advocate for the wrongfully convicted, was imprisoned for 17 years before being exonerated for a crime he did not commit. Since his release, he has dedicated his life to justice reform and public health advocacy through his non-profit organization, Exonerated Nation. His work has not only transformed lives but also shaped policy, most notably through the passage of Obie’s Law, a landmark California statute that provides critical support for exonerees re-entering society. Anthony’s contributions to community health, restorative justice, and the well-being of marginalized populations have highlighted the connection between criminal justice and public health, reminding the world that healing communities begin with acknowledging and correcting injustice.
Touro University California (TUC) awarded its first-ever Honorary Master of Public Health degree to Obie Anthony during the College of Education and Health Sciences commencement ceremony at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium on May 20, 2025. As Mr. Anthony accepted the degree, he addressed the Class of 2025 with a powerful message: “The intersection between wrongful convictions and Public Health is undeniable, and my work with Touro has crystallized this for me and my community...I am especially grateful for the opportunity to support and inspire students who will continue to carry this important work forward. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine.”
Beyond advocacy, Mr. Anthony has made lasting contributions to Touro University’s Master of Public Health program, particularly within the Criminal Justice Concentration. For nearly a decade, he has served as a guest lecturer and mentor, offering students invaluable insights into the intersection of public health and the criminal justice system. His work has informed research, inspired global presentations, and led to several academic publications.
“This moment is incredibly meaningful for our program,” said Dr. Gayle Cummings, Program Director and Assistant Dean in the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California. “Obie is so deserving of this degree. He has made such a profound impact not just through his personal story but through his dedication to supporting exonerees and advocating for a more just and equitable system.”
The ceremony marked a historic milestone for TUC, not only celebrating the achievements of its graduates but also honoring a person whose life’s work continues to redefine what it means to serve the public good.