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 Equitable Justice & Strategic Initiatives (EJSI) division of the National Urban League was founded in direct response to the social justice uprising of 2020. 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.
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Criminal Justice Reform & Restoration
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Voting, Civic Engagement & Democracy
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Safe & Equitable Communities
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At the forefront of our response to the calls for social justice and equity is the belief and principle that ALL PEOPLE HAVE A 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. |
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. |
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. |
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.
