Meet Marvina Haynes

 

We were lucky to catch up with Marvina Haynes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marvina , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I draw my resilience from my personal experiences and the deep sense of purpose that comes from fighting for justice. Growing up in a family that faced systemic injustice firsthand, particularly through my brother’s wrongful incarceration, gave me an unwavering drive to push through obstacles. My resilience also comes from the communities I serve—seeing their strength in the face of adversity fuels my determination to keep going. Every small victory, every life changed, reminds me why I continue this fight. Ultimately, my resilience is rooted in love for my family, community, and the belief that change is possible.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am Marvina Haynes, a civil rights activist and founder of Minnesota Wrongfully Convicted Judicial Reform (MNWCJR). My work is centered on advocating for those wrongfully incarcerated, with a particular focus on youth and families. This mission is deeply personal to me—my brother, Marvin Haynes, was wrongfully incarcerated at the age of 16, and his fight for justice has fueled my passion to reform the criminal justice system and raise awareness about the devastating impact of judicial injustices.

One of the key initiatives I’m most excited about is our 5th Amendment Cards, or “5A Cards.” These cards educate youth and vulnerable communities about their constitutional right to remain silent during interactions with law enforcement, helping to protect them from wrongful convictions. After our success in getting Marvin exonerated in December 2023, our movement has gained incredible momentum. I encourage everyone to get involved, whether through volunteering, attending our events, or simply spreading the word about the injustices we are fighting. Together, we can create real change and protect those most vulnerable in our communities.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, a deep sense of purpose, and the ability to build and maintain strong community connections.

Resilience has been crucial in navigating the challenges that come with fighting for justice, especially when the system is resistant to change. For those early in their journey, I’d advise developing resilience by embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. The road to reform is long, but staying committed and pushing forward, even when it seems like progress is slow, is key.

A deep sense of purpose has driven me to stay focused on my mission, even in the face of personal loss and hardship. My advice here is to find your “why”—whether it’s personal or rooted in your community—and let that be the anchor that keeps you grounded. Passion and purpose are powerful motivators when the going gets tough.

Community building has also been essential, as the work I do relies on collective power. To those just starting, I’d say surround yourself with like-minded people who share your vision. Build relationships, collaborate, and tap into the strength of your community. Together, we are always stronger.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I am actively seeking partners and collaborators who share a commitment to justice reform and community empowerment. Specifically, I am looking to connect with:

1. Organizations focused on criminal justice reform Whether you are working on policy change, legal assistance, or public awareness, collaboration can amplify our impact.

2. Community groups and activists Individuals or groups passionate about supporting those affected by wrongful incarceration, particularly youth and families, would be valuable allies.

3. Financial supporters and sponsors:
Organizations or individuals willing to support initiatives financially or through in-kind contributions to help advance our cause.

If you are interested in collaborating, please reach out to me through MNWCJR’s website Mnwcjr.org or email us directly at Mnwcjr@gmail.com We can discuss potential projects, joint efforts, and ways to work together to make a meaningful difference.

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