Author: Jamila Hodge

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Blocking Black History Is Just The Beginning

Black History Month ended yesterday. It’s traditionally been a month where we celebrate the achievements of Black people, some iconic and some lesser known but still vital to U.S. history.  Our history is deep, long, complex, and incredibly inspiring to me. It is also an important lens for our work, which is why the growing… Continue reading Blocking Black History Is Just The Beginning

The Death of Tyre Nichols

Photo credit: DisobeyArt

We remain shaken by the murder of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man and father of a 4-year-old son, at the hands of Memphis police in a horrifying display of brutality. The pain we all feel is the too familiar, relentless trauma that policing inflicts. We have been here so many times before. After Minneapolis… Continue reading The Death of Tyre Nichols

Dr. King wanted us to act

Statue at the Martin Luther King memorial in Washington DC, USA in October 2013. Photo by Jannis Werner

When I was in college, I served on a committee planning the University of Michigan’s renowned Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium.  That year, Michigan brought Dr. Cornel West, the philosopher, activist, and professor, to campus as the symposium’s keynote speaker. He was a hero of mine (and still is). As a planning committee… Continue reading Dr. King wanted us to act

The EJUSA Difference

Happy new year! I hope you had a peaceful and joyous holiday season.  Personally, I appreciated the break after a thrilling but fast-paced year. We accomplished so much together thanks to your support, but I want to share one specific highlight of 2022.  When I started at EJUSA, I knew that one of my highest… Continue reading The EJUSA Difference

Just what I needed

Earlier this month, I celebrated my one-year anniversary at EJUSA in very special company. I attended a forum with brilliant, inspiring people who are changing their communities—our world—every single day.  I didn’t know until I was there that it was exactly what I needed.  This year has been as hard as it has been amazing.… Continue reading Just what I needed

Healing Communities through Trauma to Trust

A vision of a world where violence is rare is EJUSA’s north star. As we work toward making that vision a reality, we must address the violence that over-policing inflicts on Black and brown communities — which sows enduring fear and distrust. We invite you to watch a short video on Trauma to Trust, a… Continue reading Healing Communities through Trauma to Trust

Dr. King’s Vision on the Death Penalty

Today is a day for reflection. And I want to share the two thoughts foremost on my mind. The first is gratitude for the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact — while he was alive but also the enduring influence he has on our world, and the example he… Continue reading Dr. King’s Vision on the Death Penalty

Relieved…but we have far to go

In this moment, I’m thinking of Ahmaud Arbery’s parents. No doubt, they are feeling relief. The men who took Ahmaud away from them and their family and community are being held responsible. Despite an abundance of evidence, like so many, I was nervous about this verdict. Our justice system has signaled countless times throughout history… Continue reading Relieved…but we have far to go