John,

We’re back with another installment of 21 to Watch in ‘21 – a biweekly series where we spotlight and introduce you to some of the people and issues to keep your eye on in the progressive movement.

Our eighth spotlight belongs to Keeda Haynes, former DFA-endorsed candidate for Tennessee's 5th congressional district in 2020 and current freedom fighter, public defender, legal advisor, and criminal justice reform advocate. 

Although she may not have won her race against a 17-year entrenched incumbent, she is winning the war on freeing incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals from the shackles of inhumanity and voter suppression.

Keeda continues to do the work that progressives fight for; her run for congress only amplified her passion for serving the disenfranchised and positioned her for greater success as a progressive advocate.

Currently legal advisor at Free Hearts, a non-profit organization led by formerly incarcerated women, Keeda supports other formerly incarcerated women and children whose parents have been incarcerated, as well as assists with Free Heart’s legislative agenda.

Oh, you didn’t know she was a convicted felon and served prison time? Yeah, that part. And after that she went to law school and became a public defender. Her fight for justice began inside the system and has been parlayed into a career against it, against it’s racist constructs and antidemocratic norms.

Since Keeda isn’t currently running for office, we’re not asking for a contribution this week, we’re asking you to like, comment, and share her story on social media to boost her message.

On receiving DFA’s endorsement during her 2020 run:

“I absolutely love DFA, and I am a huge supporter of Democracy for America. . . Democracy for America was very supportive and very instrumental in my race and helped me to really get the name recognition that you need. I will be forever grateful for the support.”

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On why she decided to run for office against a 17-year incumbent: 

“I just felt that we needed somebody who understood us, who was more representative of us in our community and someone who was really going to go to Congress and was really going to fight for us and the issues that we face every single day in our community.

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On what motivates her: 

“Our past doesn't define us and it doesn't determine who and what we're going to be able to do. I think that I am an example of that. . .  that's why I do the work, because I am blessed to be in the circles and the positions that I am in. I don't take that for granted.”

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Thank you for checking out Keeda Haynes in 21 to Watch in ‘21. If you can, please share these clips of Keeda on your social media to share her incredible story with your friends and family. 

Until next time, keep fighting for change.

- Kelley

Kelley Jackson
Communications Director
Democracy for America