Marcus Kelley

Marcus Kelley, Founder of The Change Up, is a nationally recognized human rights advocate whose nine-year wrongful incarceration ignited a life’s mission for justice. While imprisoned, he led a landmark hunger strike that exposed systemic abuses in the Michigan Department of Corrections, resulting in the termination of a major food contractor for serving maggot-infested meals. Surviving solitary confinement, PTSD, and the overlooked reality of Post Incarceration Syndrome, Marcus emerged determined to dismantle the legal discrimination and disenfranchisement perpetuated by the 13th Amendment’s exception clause.

Today, he encourages implementation of reentry programs rooted in mental health, civic education, and economic fairness, and champions reforms including prisoner voting rights, fair wages, and OSHA protections for prison workers—standing as a relentless voice for restoration, dignity, and the full enfranchisement of impacted communities.

Marcus’ Ambassadorship is supported by our nominating partner, Detroit Justice Center.