Wrongful convictions have been a pervasive issue in Black history, reflecting systemic racism and discrimination within the criminal justice system. The wrongful convictions of Black individuals have had devastating consequences, often resulting in loss of freedom, separation from families, and in some cases, even execution.

One notorious example in history is the case of the Scottsboro Boys, a group of nine African American teenagers who were falsely accused of raping two white women in Alabama in 1931. Despite the lack of evidence and inconsistencies in the accusers' testimonies, all nine boys were quickly convicted by all-white juries in a deeply racist and unjust trial. The case drew national attention and sparked outrage, leading to a series of legal battles and retrials. Ultimately, some of the Scottsboro Boys were exonerated, but their lives had already been irreversibly altered by the injustice they faced.

In more recent history, the cases of individuals like Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and the Central Park Five have brought attention to the issue of wrongful convictions in the Black community. Carter, a Black boxer, was wrongfully convicted of a triple murder in 1966 and spent nearly 20 years in prison before his conviction was overturned. The Central Park Five were a group of Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted of raping a white woman in New York City in 1989. They were later exonerated after spending years in prison when another man confessed to the crime.

These cases serve as reminders of the deep-rooted racial biases and injustices that have plagued the criminal justice system and led to the wrongful convictions of many Black individuals throughout history. Efforts to address these systemic issues, such as criminal justice reform, increased oversight of law enforcement, and greater access to legal resources for marginalized communities, are essential steps towards preventing future wrongful convictions and ensuring justice for all.