About Equitable Justice & Strategic Initiatives
The Equitable Justice & Strategic Initiatives (EJSI) division of the National Urban League was founded in direct response to the murder of George Floyd.
His death was a reminder of the cracks in our justice system and the inequitable balance of power between those who are supposed to serve and protect our communities and how we experience the system as a whole.
The division provides state and local advocacy strategy and rapid response to the National Urban League’s 90+ Affiliates. From policy guidance and research to coalition-building and convening conversations, EJSI seeks to expand the power of the Urban League movement by making it more accessible to our partners and the communities we serve.
Reimagining the Justice System
At the forefront of our response to the calls for social justice and equity is the belief and principle that all people have a right to justice and fairness.
EJSI’s campaigns drive policy, advocacy, and convenings for criminal justice reform and rights restoration, seek to make police accountable to people, and reign in on the systems that have served as a gateway to prison and civil rights abuses.
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Civic Engagement & Democracy
Our right to vote is sacred, and it is under attack. We are a leading voice in advocating for the protection of the right to vote for all Americans, regardless of race, gender, religion, or zip code.
Our programs not only advocate for stronger protections but use a coordinated grassroots approach to registering and educating voters nationwide.
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Restoring Our Communities
Our theory of change is that communities are safer when public institutions address social issues, promote healthy responses to trauma, and adopt community-led solutions.
In line with EJSI’s criminal justice and police accountability work, advocating for community-led solutions to violence and supporting gun reform are growing areas of focus.
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2024 Expungement Day and Criminal Justice Reform Advocacy
The National Urban League's Expungement Program champions second changes, sponsored by State Bill 288, to support those burdened by criminal records.
Rallying to Pass the SMART Act in California
To combat California's long, complicated history of racial profiling incidents, the National Urban League and four California affiliates, the Los Angeles Urban League, the Greater Sacramento Urban League, the Urban League of San Diego County, and the Urban League of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area rallied at the state capitol for the passage of California law S.B. 50, known as the SMART Act, which stands for Stopping Malevolent Altercations Regarding Traffic Stops.
Calling for More Just Conditions in Texas Prisons
The National Urban League rallied at the state capitol in Texas to push the state to pass the Second Look Act to allow some who committed crimes as teenagers that courts tried as adults to be considered for parole sooner. The bill would give youth offenders convicted of certain offenses a second look for parole at 20 or 30 years instead of 40.
NUL also pushed lawmakers in the state to allocated funds for HVAC and air conditioning in the state's prisons. At least 135 people died in Texas prisons during a historic global heatwave between June 1 and August 12, 2023.
No one deserves to be baked alive. We strongly urge the Texas Legislature to end the unbearable and inhumane suffering by fully funding the installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in all Texas detention facilities.