Equitable Justice
Every American has an equal right and responsibility to fully participate in our democracy and civic processes, and all people have a right to justice and fairness.
About Equitable Justice & Strategic Initiatives
The National Urban League knows that America has the potential to fulfill its promise of being the land of liberty and justice for all. However, significant work is still required to fully realize a truly equitable nation. To create systems that protect, serve, and restore all communities, we must first acknowledge and address the inequities in our society and institutions. Born in response to George Floyd’s tragic death, EJSI empowers our affiliates and communities by supporting them in advocating for equitable justice through policy guidance, research, coalition-building, convening conversations, drafting legislation, and organizing advocacy days and meetings with elected officials to push for reforms. This is the National Urban League’s approach to bringing America closer to not only equal justice under the law for all, but also equitable opportunities in every arena.
Our Advocacy Areas
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 advocate for stronger protections and 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
Our Equitable Justice division traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to kickoff our Urban Expungement Program. Hosted by the Cleveland Browns, we expanded our program to Cleveland to help level the playing field for working people impacted by the justice system.
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 allocate 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.
Support Our Work
Justice won’t restore itself—it takes all of us. Every summit, convening, and grassroots effort we lead influences lawmakers and empowers communities to create real, lasting change. As we forge ahead, our division will broaden its impact, advancing equity through civics education and tackling economic, environmental and climate justice. When you support the National Urban League today, you’re not just making a donation—you’re fueling action. You’re helping to make our communities safer, defend democracy, promote economic equity and fight injustice everywhere. Invest in this movement, and together, let’s build a future where justice and equity truly belong to all.
Explore our one-pager to learn more about your support can make an impact and drive change.
