My heart is full as I write this message. On July 31, 2021, I will step down as the executive director of EJUSA after more than 20 years at this organization that I love.
The events of the last year have intensified the urgency to reverse centuries of racial injustice in our nation. That includes the need to address decades of inequity in the nonprofit sector – and for white leaders like me to step aside.
I made this decision with a strong vision to see EJUSA led by those from communities most affected by our justice system. We’ve already made a lot of progress. EJUSA’s powerful, multiracial leadership team includes survivors of violence, people impacted by mass incarceration, and allied partners. In this pivotal moment for our nation, my transition will deepen our impact even further and take our work to new heights.
From the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others; to the way COVID-19 has ravaged Black and Brown communities; the spate of executions rammed through in Trump’s last days; to the global uprising that has forced a long overdue reckoning with white supremacy and systemic racism – the task before us is enormous.
We are ready. EJUSA’s vision, voice, and leadership are more important than ever. We are reimagining justice with new, effective solutions to violence that will make our current system of punishment and cruelty obsolete. The world we are building heals and repairs. It breaks the cycles of trauma and violence that are everywhere. It creates safety in communities that have been deeply harmed. It helps bring about the equity that this nation desperately needs.
I remember when EJUSA was a team of one, then three, then five. We achieved trailblazing victories that ended the death penalty in multiple states and propelled us to this bold, transformative vision.
Today, our brilliant team of gifted leaders is 22 strong and growing, bringing decades of experience and achievements to our mission. We are breaking new ground in cities across the country, supporting community-led strategies to end violence, while continuing to push back against some of the most egregious features of the current system like the death penalty, police violence, and systemic racism. We are also working tirelessly to build an equitable workplace, to ensure that our organization centers healing and reflects internally the vision we are building externally.
I have no doubt that the next 20 years and beyond will be EJUSA’s most critical chapter yet. This moment is too urgent for anything less. There has never been a better or more important time to join us in our vision and build this movement for collective action. Thank you for standing with us.
As we like to say, this is the work of lifetimes. It will always be at the center of mine.
With profound love and gratitude,
Shari
