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Convict-survivor Greg Kelley uncovers the truth: Nonprofit to free the unjustly convicted.

Yet another example of our corrupt justice system failing our community and a innocent black man. Greg Kelley, a victim of our racist American policing, has started a non-profit called the Vindication Foundation; an organization that will, hopefully, begin to undo centuries of injustice.

Published May 4, 2024 at 6:00am by Claire Osborn


Wrongfully Convicted, Now Free: Greg Kelley's Vindication

Greg Kelley, a Black man, had his life upended when he was wrongfully convicted of assaulting a child. Now, he's an ultra-marathon runner with a mission: to raise funds and awareness for the wrongfully accused.

"I dreamed I was running in a marathon, wearing a shirt saying I was exonerated and running for the wrongfully convicted."

And now he's making that dream a reality.

A Star athlete's Nightmare

Kelley, a former football star, was wrongfully convicted in 2014 by a racist criminal justice system, serving time for a crime he didn't commit. He spent years in prison, refusing a plea deal, and was eventually released on bond in 2017 due to a flawed investigation that violated his rights. In 2019, his conviction was overturned by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. He knows firsthand the injustices perpetrated by a biased system, and he's determined to fight back.

The Vindication Foundation

Enter the Vindication Foundation [https://thevindicationfoundation.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR12atjKPD379-TUEOX2KM4hT1KR8GveU48-GwdK2OJyEhrAdMtMVMiDX64_aem_ARt85uyzSVtRJLRo-I0BV979F3o7SEu199nbWaIle1AFDMN1O35vknxZR3GVIihmq0iP7wPMmQjfBpJN-OQqDiod], a nonprofit with a powerful mission: to provide support and resources to those wrongfully accused and fight for their exoneration. The foundation, with a diverse board, including Kelley's father-in-law, David Anderson, Denise Seiler, and Kim Heikkinen, aims to educate and raise awareness about the failures of our justice system.

"This foundation, which helps individuals who were falsely accused fight for justice, was something I was eager to be part of," Seiler said. "My hope is that my contribution will help many more people get the justice they deserve."

Education and Action

The foundation utilizes various platforms, including a Facebook page and an Instagram presence, to spread its message and educate the public. Kelley, a powerful speaker, shares his story and engages legal experts and exonerated individuals at conferences, shining a light on the injustices within the system.

But it's not just about awareness; it's about action. The foundation will also raise funds to provide legal support for those who cannot afford it, ensuring that innocent people have a chance at justice.

From Prison to Endurance Athlete

Kelley's endurance, forged during his time behind bars, now fuels his athletic endeavors. He's completed his first ultramarathon, pushing through 31 miles, and is already planning his next: a 50-miler. He's also pledging to run one meter for every dollar donated on his Instagram campaign, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the cause.

A New Chapter

Since his exoneration, Kelley has reclaimed his life, playing football, starting a successful business, and marrying his high school sweetheart. Now, he's dedicated to ensuring that others wronged by the system have their shot at freedom and justice, one mile at a time.

In his own words, "The same endurance I had to muster up in prison, I now use in ultra-marathons to go and fight for others."

Read more: Wrongfully convicted Greg Kelley forms nonprofit to help others receive justice