Blaze Vincent
Paralegal
Vidal “Blaze” Vincent was tried as an adult and convicted of Attempted Murder and Assault at the age of 17. He was sentenced to 30 years and six months. He would have received no more than 4 years had he been tried as a juvenile. In light of the Washington State Supreme Court’s decision in State v. Blake, Blaze was resentenced and immediately released from incarceration in 2022 after serving 18 years. The sentencing judge held that Blaze was more valuable to society outside of prison than inside because of his rehabilitation and commitment to service. Despite prison conditions that were unsuitable for youth, Blaze grew to become a peer mentor and community advocate. While incarcerated, he earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management from Grays Harbor College with a 3.8 GPA, a paralegal diploma from Blackstone Career Institute, and Competent Communication and Competent Leadership Awards from Toastmasters International, as well as a myriad of other certificates for completing positive programs. While incarcerated, Blaze co-created a successful behavioral health program called the Redemption Project alongside Anthony Powers and Karlton Daniel. Before his release, he was serving as Vice President of the Harbor Lights Toastmasters club and facilitator of the Black Prisoners Caucus legislative committee at Stafford Creek Corrections Center. He also continues to serve as a contributor to Kids are Kids, a grassroots community-based organization that seeks to abolish laws that cause juveniles to be tried as adults in Washington state. Blaze continues his lifelong commitment to service alongside his wife, Dyneeca, with massive support from family, friends, and his community.