John —

Exactly one year ago, I stepped into my role as Executive Director of the Innocence Project. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

It has been an extraordinary time, and I am immensely proud of the work we have accomplished with your tremendous support.

We continue to advocate for wrongly convicted people like Pervis Payne and Rodney Reed. We have freed and exonerated clients like Termaine Hicks, Eddie Lee Howard, and Jaythan Kendrick. In championing transformative legislation, scientific standards, and smarter practices that are making criminal legal systems more just and equitable, we’ve also secured major policy wins in 16 states across the country, often working with our partners in the Innocence Network.

But I have to be honest: The past year has not been easy.

Last September, the nation was experiencing a second surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths, barreling towards a pivotal, emotionally charged presidential election, and grappling with a racial reckoning sparked by the senseless murders of Black people at the hands of law enforcement. Still, at the end of the day, we found ourselves profoundly inspired by the once-in-a-generation demand for justice and we therefore redoubled our commitment to advancing equity and racial justice.

We’re incredibly grateful for each and every person in this community who helped us advocate for policy change, called legislators and district attorneys around the country, and generously supported fundraising efforts to bring relief to our clients. None of this work would be possible without you.

Take some time today to read my full thoughts on this past year, our list of accomplishments, and the work we still have to do together.

Thank you so much for all of your continued support,



Christina Swarns
Executive Director
Innocence Project