John,

In 1994, my life shattered. My husband, Stephen, was tragically murdered while I was asleep with our young children at home asleep. The following days were a blur of grief and confusion. Shockingly, I became the focus of the investigation, and despite a complete lack of evidence, I was wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder.

For over 22 years, I endured the unimaginable — prison for a crime I never committed. Thankfully, with the unwavering support of the Innocence Project, I was finally freed in 2019.

My story is not unique. Countless others languish in prison, victims of a flawed justice system.

I’m lucky. Now I am a passionate speaker, sharing my story to raise awareness and inspire action. I speak about the importance of criminal legal reform, the incredible work of the Innocence Project, and the fight to free the wrongfully convicted.

If you or your organization are planning events for Women’s History Month, consider booking me or another speaker from the Innocence Project to share our stories in hopes of coming together to build a more just legal system.

I’m so grateful to be free and reunited with my kids and loved ones. But reentering the world after decades of wrongful incarceration isn’t easy. 

When I came out of prison after 22 years, I had nothing, not even a toothbrush. I needed glasses, medical care, and help on just about every level, and the Innocence Project was there for me, supporting me every step of the way. That’s why I’m so excited to be a part of the Innocence Project’s Speakers Bureau — sharing my story and talking about the incredibly important work they do every day.

So if you’d like to consider inviting me or another exoneree to speak at your next event, take a look at the Innocence Project’s Speakers Bureau now.

The truth is, there are so many others who have stories just like mine who need this team’s help. I want to make a difference by sharing mine.

Sincerely,

Belynda Goff
Freed in 2019
Innocence Project