For 25 years, you’ve helped us tackle one of the most serious flaws in the U.S. justice system: the death penalty. We’re not done with that work. But you know what? We’re almost there. Really.
So what’s next when we end the death penalty?
We believe it’s not enough to just dismantle the parts of the justice system that aren’t working. We also have to build up the system we want in its place.
Today, we’re expanding that part of our work with two new programs that I’m thrilled to share with you:
- Our trauma initiative will work in select cities to advocate for better access to trauma care for people harmed by crime and violence. We know that the justice system willingly marshals millions of dollars to execute a single person who causes harm. It’s time to invest our resources in healing the communities most impacted by crime, so we can reduce violence in the future. Fatimah Loren Muhammad is the new Director of our Trauma Advocacy Initiative.
- Latrina Kelly-James will lead our work to bring racial equity to victims’ services. She’ll work with community groups serving crime survivors in communities of color to help them gain access to new resources. We’ve already helped to increase funding for victims’ services in a couple of states through our death penalty repeal campaigns. This work will enable us to build the capacity of local organizations so they can expand their programs and serve more people.
Meet Fatimah
“I am a psychotherapist who specializes in trauma among adults, adolescents, and communities. My work at EJUSA will entail bringing together the diverse stories and perspectives of crime survivors to advocate for a trauma-informed justice system, a system that recognizes that justice doesn’t begin or end when someone is ‘locked up,’ but instead promotes the restorative work of healing communities. I am so excited about this role because it places EJUSA at the cutting edge of advocacy and supporting those who often feel marginalized in the justice system.”
Meet Latrina
“I’m excited to be a part of such an innovative and necessary program. In my new role at EJUSA I bring my years of experience working in communities and nonprofit organizations to build capacity and organize around social issues. But this opportunity to recognize the disparities in victims services for people of color, and to help communities build their infrastructure to access resources that will make all crime survivors a priority, is an opportunity of a lifetime. It speaks to my life’s mission to use my talents to break down barriers and disparities for the most marginalized. I thank EJUSA for recognizing the need, and meeting it head on.”
Please join me in welcoming Fatimah and Latrina. Click here to write them a welcome message. Tell them what excites you about this work or ask them a question about our growing focus on trauma.
Together we can build a justice system that is the solution instead of the problem. Thank you for embarking on this journey with us.
