Dear Friends,

The Human Justice Village is coming together to support the family of Wyatt Payne, a beloved elder whose love, integrity, and quiet leadership live on through the people he touched.

Wyatt gifted our Human Justice village with his son, Terrance, who is now pioneering our From the Hood to the Woods camping retreats—introducing Black youth, many of whom have never camped before, to nature, healing, and possibility. These young people are too often caught in a revolving door of a criminal legal system that criminalizes instead of caring. Wyatt’s legacy lives through Terrance through his work of healing, conflict mediation, community organizing for new opportunities and possibilities in food justice and green construction.

At this time, Wyatt’s family is in need of financial support to cover the cost of his cremation services. We are calling on our extended village to give whatever you can. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps his loved ones come together to honor his life and celebrate the love, wisdom, and gifts he shared so freely.

About Wyatt Payne

What made Wyatt truly special was his unwavering willpower and integrity. If he said something, he meant it—and he stood by it. He never made a promise he didn’t keep. As kids, we lovingly called him “POPS,” a name that perfectly captured his supportive, grounded, and generous spirit.

Wyatt was smart, hardworking, caring, and deeply resilient. No matter what life placed in front of him—whether challenges at home or struggles at work—he met them with strength, adaptability, and grace. He showed up with a smile, a story, and often a bit of tough love, turning even hard moments into lessons filled with meaning.

The wisdom Wyatt shared continues to shape who we are and who we are becoming. He made the world better simply by being in it, and his influence will be carried forward through his family, his community, and the young people whose lives are being changed because of the values he lived by.

Thank you for holding this family in love, solidarity, and care.

With gratitude,

The Human Justice Village