We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marvina Haynes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marvina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I have experienced first-hand how families are affected when their loved ones are wrongfully incarcerated, my goal is to uplift and empower other families to become a
voice for their loved ones that are wrongfully incarcerated. I formed an organization
called MN Wrongfully Convicted Judicial Reform for this purpose. Along with helping
families, I want to bring awareness to these injustices and to seek judicial reform to
prevent wrongful convictions and over-sentencing, especially for juveniles in Minnesota.
I want to see laws change to protect our juveniles from being questioned by the police
without their guardians or a lawyer present. My third objective for this organization is to
educate and provide for my community; to empower all of us to know our rights and to
do this work together. It is my love for my family and my community, my sense of
justice, and my faith that keep me connected to this work every single day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For the past 14 years, I’ve been deeply immersed in the realm of social justice, starting my journey in 2010 and never looking back. Throughout this time, I’ve amassed a wealth of skills and experiences that have shaped me into the passionate advocate I am today.

Driven by an innate self-motivation to learn and grow, I’ve actively pursued numerous trainings to hone my skills in community organizing. I’ve held various leadership positions across multiple organizations, from founder and CEO to executive director and activist.

My journey has equipped me with a diverse skill set, including strong organizational abilities, adept networking, savvy media engagement, and strategic planning. From public speaking engagements to grassroots canvassing, and from leading protests to representing as a vendor at events, I’ve embraced a range of methods to amplify voices and effect change.

One of my proudest achievements has been the founding of Minnesota Wrongfully Convicted in 2021, an initiative dedicated to advocating for the rights of those unjustly incarcerated. Additionally, I’ve spearheaded the design and implementation of educational exhibits that delve into the historical and sociological ramifications of slavery, particularly its ties to mass incarceration.

Furthermore, in 2023, I played a pivotal role in organizing major protests addressing the Stillwater Prison Water Crisis, rallying community members to demand accountability and justice. Our relentless advocacy efforts in December 2023 led to the exoneration of my brother, Marvin Haynes, a significant victory in the fight for justice and accountability.

In addition to my advocacy work, I ran for city council in 2023, seeking to bring about systemic change from within the political sphere.

My commitment to social justice is unwavering, and I’m driven by a deep-rooted passion to effect positive change in our society. Moving forward, I’m dedicated to continuing this journey, advocating for equity, justice, and empowerment for all.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During my years of advocacy and community organizing, I encountered numerous challenges and setbacks, but one particular experience stands out as a testament to resilience.

In 2017, while leading a grassroots campaign to address environmental injustices in our community, we faced fierce opposition from vested interests and encountered significant pushback from local authorities. Despite our best efforts to engage in dialogue and advocate for change through peaceful means, we were met with obstacles at every turn.

At one point, it seemed like our efforts might falter in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition. However, instead of giving in to despair, we rallied together as a community, doubling down on our commitment to the cause.

We sought creative solutions, forged alliances with like-minded organizations, and leveraged the power of grassroots mobilization to amplify our voices. Through perseverance and determination, we continued to press forward, undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead.

Ultimately, our resilience paid off. In 2023, after months of tireless advocacy and grassroots organizing, we achieved a significant victory when local authorities finally agreed to address concerns around my brother Marvin Haynes’ wrongful conviction. This victory not only brought justice to my family but also served as a beacon of hope for our community, demonstrating the power of resilience and collective action.

This experience taught me the invaluable lesson that resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity but also about finding strength and purpose in the face of challenges. It reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of social justice.

As I continue on my journey, I carry this lesson with me, drawing inspiration from the resilience of my community and remaining steadfast in my commitment to effecting positive change in the world.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2023, our organization faced a critical moment in our advocacy efforts as we confronted the Stillwater Water Crisis, a pressing environmental issue affecting our community. For years, residents in the area had been grappling with contaminated water sources and inadequate access to clean drinking water, posing serious health risks and environmental concerns.

Determined to address this urgent issue, we mobilized our team and launched a multifaceted advocacy campaign to raise awareness, demand accountability, and push for solutions. We organized community forums, conducted water quality tests, and collaborated with local experts and environmental organizations to assess the extent of the problem and identify potential remedies.

As we delved deeper into the crisis, we encountered resistance from authorities and vested interests who were hesitant to acknowledge the severity of the situation and take meaningful action. Despite these challenges, we remained steadfast in our commitment to advocating for the well-being of our community and the protection of our natural resources.

Through tireless advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and strategic partnerships, we gradually gained momentum and began to see tangible results. We leveraged media attention, public pressure, and legal avenues to hold responsible parties accountable and push for policy changes to address the underlying issues contributing to the water crisis.

Finally, in a landmark victory, our advocacy efforts bore fruit when local authorities committed to implementing measures to improve water quality, increase transparency, and ensure equitable access to clean drinking water for all residents affected by the Stillwater Water Crisis. It was a pivotal moment that underscored the power of grassroots advocacy and community mobilization in effecting positive change.

This pivotal moment in our organization’s journey reinforced our belief in the importance of environmental justice and community empowerment. It demonstrated the transformative impact that dedicated advocacy and collective action can have in addressing pressing environmental issues and safeguarding the health and well-being of our prison.

As we continue our work, we remain committed to building on this momentum, advocating for sustainable solutions, and empowering communities to create a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mnwcjr.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mnwcjr?igsh=MXgwdnljczY0djRteA==
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MNWCJR

Image Credits
Melissa Lund-