The Urban Expungement Program aims to establish a national model for record relief throughout the Urban League movement. In partnership with the Urban League affiliates of Akron, Greater Cleveland, Columbus, and Greater Southwestern Ohio nearly 1,500 residents across Ohio have been reached in our record relief efforts. Of the participants reached and screened for record clearance eligibility, 274 clients have been served to date. Providing them with pro bono services and financial assistance to cover all associated legal fees throughout the process. Explore our programming and events below.

 

Leveling the Playing Field

June 6th at the Cleveland Browns FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, this event marked a significant milestone in our efforts to highlight the program's success since its launch in the Fall of 2023.

It was a resounding success, drawing attention from the media, community leaders, and supporters. We were honored to host 150 attendees, including representatives from local government, justice system stakeholders, and partner organizations. We welcomed opening remarks from the National Urban League CEO and President Marc H. Morial, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Director of the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections Annette Chambers-Smith and more. During the program we premiered the Urban Expungement Program affiliate and client testimony videos. 

We concluded with two dynamic panels, The Urban Expungement Program: Breaking Cycles and Building Futures and Champions for Change: The Transformative Power of Advocacy moderated by the Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives (EJSI) Senior Vice President Jerika Richardson and Urban Expungement Program Senior Manager Luz Villar. We heard directly from Urban League clients, case managers, and stakeholders who have provided legal services, employment, and advocacy support for the program.

We are deeply grateful for the support from all internal and external stakeholders, which has been instrumental in achieving these outcomes. While we are expanding the Expungement Program in Ohio, our vision is to reach all Urban League affiliates in the movement serving justice-impacted individuals needing record relief.