When examining the current state of restorative justice, criminal justice reform, and racial justice work, you will find an innumerable amount of Black leaders, activists, and change-makers who have paved the way to where we are today.
In celebration of Black History Month, we have highlighted a few influential Black leaders of these movements:
Kenneth P. Thompson
Kenneth P. Thompson, through a social and racial justice lens, accomplished quite a bit in the world of criminal justice reform. Thompson, as a trial attorney and civil rights champion, recognized inequity in the criminal justice system and a need for change. During his time as an attorney and prosecutor, he “declined to prosecute most low-level marijuana possession arrests, with the goal of keeping young people out of the carceral system and sparing them from criminal records that would prevent future success and expanded restorative justice efforts for otherwise prison-bound young adults.” (2) When Thompson ceased “prosecutions of low-level marijuana possession, the NYPD adopted his approach—as did prosecutors throughout the country.” By shifting practices in the nation’s third-largest prosecutors’ office, and proving these shifts effective, Thompson paved the way for similar shifts all over the country.
Edwin "Eddie" Ellis
Edwin “Eddie” Ellis “was a champion of prison reform. He worked hard to provide concrete evidence of the racial and class disparities that remain in our criminal system and to push for real and lasting improvements.” (3) In 2008, Ellis founded the The Center for NuLeadership on Human Justice & Healing, a nonprofit organization focused on moving from criminal justice to “human justice.” The center prioritizes healing and interruption of the arrest and incarceration cycle through community-led public safety and conflict mediation. To learn more about Ellis, check out an interview he participated in here.
Ella Josephine Baker
"The major job was getting people to understand that they had something within their power that they could use, and it could only be used if they understood what was happening and how group action could counter violence…” (4) - Ella Josephine Baker
Ella Josephine Baker was known for her promotion of grassroots civil rights efforts, challenging male-dominated leadership, advocacy for building strong relationships, and diffusing power equally among those most oppressed. Baker also focused on incorporating and empowering youth into community activism efforts. Baker founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the early 1960's. (5) As a founder of the SNCC, Baker advised student activists organizing "to promote “group-centered leaders” rather than the “leader-centered.” style" (6)
James Baldwin
James Baldwin was a speaker, activist, and most notably, a writer. Through his literary works, he encouraged readers to think differently, foster dialogue, and lead with love. “He believed that understanding and empathy could bridge the divides of race and sexuality, a conviction that informed both his writing and his public life.” Baldwin urged, “a deeper examination of the systemic forces that perpetuate inequality. This perspective has been particularly influential in shaping discussions around police brutality, mass incarceration, and racial profiling, issues that lie at the heart of the BLM movement.” (7) His writings were, and continue to, transform our collective consciousness to think more equitably, with forgiveness, and with an open heart.
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Celebrating and learning about Black history does not stop in the month of February. Black equity is a top priority in every aspect of our work here at CYS. In order to prioritize Black equity, we must understand Black history. Read about CYS’ Black Equity Priorities here.
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