John,

I’m Marvin Anderson, a proud member of the Innocence Project’s Board of Directors and an exoneree who endured 15 years of wrongful imprisonment for a crime I never committed. 

With Black History Month coming up, our team is reflecting on how the freedom, joy, and well-being of Black people are disproportionately impacted by the flaws in our criminal justice system. Astonishingly, more than 50% of the 3,454 people who have been exonerated since 1989 are Black, including myself. The percentage of Black exonerees is even higher on death row (Death Penalty Information Center). 

Wrongful conviction and incarceration are undeniably intertwined with Black history in this country. However, we’re determined to reshape the narrative by sharing the firsthand knowledge and expertise of those who’ve navigated these injustices. Our roster boasts a wealth of experts and exonerees with intimate insight into our criminal legal system, and we’re eager to bring their compelling stories directly to you.

Browse through our speakers and book one to come speak at your Black History Month event — in-person or virtual options available. 

Back in 1982, I was pursuing my dream of becoming a firefighter when I was accused of the rape of a young woman. I had no criminal record, yet my photograph was shown to the victim in a lineup. The bicycle identified as being used by the assailant was proven not to be mine. It didn’t matter — I was convicted by an all-white jury and sentenced to over 200 years in prison. Even after another man came forward and confessed, I remained behind bars.

Nearly two decades passed before long-lost DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene confirmed my innocence, and I can’t pretend those years didn’t take a toll on my spirit. But when I finally left prison, I went on to fulfill my dream of becoming Chief of the Hanover, Virginia Fire Department, where I oversaw a team of 30 people protecting our community. In the spare moments I have, I spend my time talking about my wrongful conviction.

Here at the Innocence Project, we work to free the innocent — and we acknowledge the outsized role of race in our work. The simple fact is, if you’re Black or brown in this country, you’re less likely to get the benefit of the doubt. We know this firsthand, and we are determined to change it for the better, one story at a time.

If you or your organization are interested in inviting an exoneree or Innocence Project staff member to speak about our criminal legal system and the work it will take to repair it, our speakers are available and ready. Book one today.

All my best,

Marvin Anderson
Exoneree and Board Member
Innocence Project