The Alliance of Families for Justice

Hola mi gente,
I have another round of interviews set up, so wish me luck. If I don’t work this month my ass is grass, as they used to say back in the day.

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Today, I’m lending my blog space to a worthwhile cause… 

The Alliance of Families for Justice

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work with inspirational, strong women leaders. In fact, Soffiyah Elijah is the most recent of “bosses” I had for the last 16 years -- all women. First, there was Lizzette-Hill Barcelona who was the executive director at STRIVE while I was there in the early 2000s. She was a fierce advocate for me and supported me when I most needed that kind of guidance and protection.

Then I had the opportunity to serve under Michelle de la Uz, the ED at the Fifth Avenue Committee while I was the program director for a project called Developing Justice. She challenged me to reach higher, to work to actualize my full potential.

Then there is Soffiyah Elijah. Soffiyah is the kind of leader who will sit patiently and listen intently while you describe something you want to do and (if it’s within reason) will say, “Well, what’s stopping you? Let’s do it!” I loved that about her. Her leadership is aspirational and visionary.

I was very happy to hear that she is now about to launch her own initiative, The Alliance of Families for Justice. In fact, tomorrow night there will be a launch event at the historic National Black Theater. In attendance, among others, will be her friend and actor/ activist Danny Glover.

The other day, I had the pleasure of sharing a meal with Soffiyah (her treat, of course! I’m broke). I asked her what motivated her to start this organization and she spoke about her passion for the people and families of those severely impacted by criminal justice system.

In brief, The Alliance of Families for Justice will support families of incarcerated people and people with criminal records, and help empower them as advocates, mobilizing them to achieve systemic change.

Sounds good to me! 

Hope to see you there. I think this is the start of something meaningful, grassroots-oriented, and accountable to the people. 

My name is Eddie and I’m in recovery from civilization…