Today, approximately 87% of all arrests in DC are of Black individuals, and 90% of people held in the DC jail are Black. We are committed to understanding the historical roots of DC’s criminal legal process and the impact of DC’s current policies on DC residents. We use data and research to document how discriminatory laws are being weaponized and to make recommendations for equitable legislative reform.
We invest in the future generation of criminal justice champions. Our initiatives offer opportunities for pro-Black nonprofits and community members to learn how to challenge unfair criminal laws that disproportionately publish Black residents. We also offer fully funded fellowships to empower lawyers dedicated to criminal justice reform.
Our justice system is failing DC residents. We’ve built a network of local advocates dedicated to transforming the way local policymakers approach public safety. Through public advocacy, we spotlight abuses in DC’s criminal justice system and center the concerns of DC’s black residents to fight for a more racially-just criminal legal system.
We target four critical areas of DC’s criminal justice system that disproportionately impact Black residents. Our work focuses on breaking cycles of crime, rebuilding fair policing and judicial processes, and restoring trust in our criminal justice system.