Justice in Motion: Fundraiser Supports Zachary Pettus' Fight Against Racial Bias in California Courts

A powerful grassroots effort is underway to seek justice for Zachary Pettus, a Cincinnati native imprisoned in California since 1983. Family friend Tina Jackson has launched a Spotfund campaign to support Unite the People Inc., a nonprofit legal team filing a federal writ of habeas corpus on Pettus’ behalf under California’s groundbreaking Racial Justice Act (AB 256). The law, enacted in 2023, allows incarcerated individuals to challenge convictions tainted by racial bias. Pettus, who moved to Huntington Beach to finish high school, found his life derailed within months. Now, this campaign aims to shine a light on systemic injustice while raising funds to push the case forward. Supporters are calling for truth, transparency, and a second chance for a man they believe was failed by the system.