National Black Women's Justice Institute

We envision a society where healing—not punishment—is upheld as justice.

At the National Black Women’s Justice Institute, we research, elevate, and educate the public about innovative, community-led solutions to address the criminalization of Black women and girls. We aim to dismantle policies and practices that place Black women and girls at risk of contact with and punishment by the U.S. criminal legal system and deny us access to safety, well-being, and economic stability.

We envision a society that respects, values, and honors the humanity of Black women and girls and that takes accountability for the harm it has inflicted. We envision a society where healing—not punishment—is upheld as justice.

Our Core Commitments

Dismantle pathways to criminalization and confinement for Black women and girls.

Racial and gender inequities are embedded in U.S. systems and institutions. These inequities produce unjust barriers and disadvantages that increase Black women and girls’ risk of coming in contact with law enforcement, courts, and places of confinement. It is critical that we study and understand risk and protective factors to create interventions and advance policy that build avenues to success and well-being for Black women and girls.

Increase and enhance opportunities with and for formerly incarcerated women and girls.

Returning home from a period of confinement is a daunting experience filled with uncertainty, instability, and a sense of powerlessness. It is imperative that we increase access to services and strengthen and amplify community-led solutions—and we must do so in partnership with women and girls who have been incarcerated, as well as the organizations that support them.

Promote healing-centered justice.

The overwhelming majority of Black women and girls who come in contact with the criminal legal system have experienced deep trauma and harm in their lives. The status quo of criminalization and punishment only causes more trauma and does little to heal or increase public safety. We must advocate for access to and expansion of services that support and promote healing and connection and help Black women and girls reclaim their power.

Our Work

• We’re leading an in-depth research study of girls in public schools to provide training and technical assistance to educators and staff to address gender based violence against Black girls.   
• We're working with youth to develop a gender responsive, culturally affirming mental health policy agenda for Black girls and other youth of color. 
• We’re conducting a survey of educational practices in youth detention centers across the country to identify gaps and opportunities to improve educational experiences of youth directly impacted by the juvenile legal system. 
• We’re examining reentry experiences of formerly incarcerated women who have been released during COVID-19 pandemic.