Dalton Joseph

Chapter Organizer | New Orleans

Dalton was born in New Orleans and raised all over the Uptown area. He was educated by the Black Panther Party in his neighborhood and while serving time in the Parish Prison. In 1979, Dalton was convicted for a crime he didn’t commit. For this, he served 28 years on a 50-year sentence. 

While incarcerated at Angola, Dalton became a member of the Substance Abuse Clinic and acquired his GED. He also earned a certificate in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. At Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, Dalton co-founded the Method Group focused on mentoring new arrivals.  

After his release, Dalton started working for the Service Employees International Union fighting for the rights of service employees in schools and several colleges. Now he is recovering from cancer surgery and using digital organizing to fight with VOTE for equal justice for people, families, and communities that are impacted by criminal injustice. 

Dalton is an avid reader and loves learning about Black history and Black power. He is also planning his first international trip – ideally on an African safari as he loves animals.