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Lift Our Voices
The “Lift Our Voices” blog features analysis and opinion from NBWJI’s experts on the latest issues and news.

Statement on police shooting and killing of Sonya Massey
NBWJI statement on police shooting and killing of Sonya Massey
NBWJI
Jul 29, 20242 min read

Black LGBTQ+ women, girls, & gender-expansive people disproportionately impacted by criminal-legal system
Black LGBTQ+ women, girls, & gender-expansive people are disproportionately impacted by the criminal-legal system
NBWJI
Jun 9, 20243 min read

National Black Women’s Justice Institute Book Club
NBWJI's Book Club spotlights books by Black women that highlight the real impact of incarceration on Black women & girls.
NBWJI
Mar 27, 20241 min read

What We're Still Learning from Sandra Bland
The consequences of “simple” police stops are anything but simple.
NBWJI
Jul 28, 20233 min read

LBTQ Women, Girls, & Gender Nonconforming People Disproportionately Victimized & Criminalized
This Pride, we are reminded that Black LBTQ women & girls are at greater risk for victimization, criminalization, & punishment.
NBWJI
Jun 21, 20233 min read


Black Women, Sexual Assault, and Criminalization
The impact of sexual violence on Black women cannot be overstated.
NBWJI
Apr 11, 20233 min read


Black Women & Girls, Gender-Based Violence, and Pathways to Criminalization & Incarceration
Gender-based violence—including domestic violence—impacts an astonishing number of Black women.
NBWJI
Oct 24, 20224 min read

NBWJI Statement on SCOTUS Decision Overturning Roe
We adamantly disagree with the SCOTUS decision overturning Roe that effectively eliminates women’s & girls’ control over their own bodies.
NBWJI
Jun 24, 20222 min read

Statement on Police Shooting of Leonna Hale
NBWJI statement responding to Kansas City Police shooting of 26-year-old Black woman Leonna Hale
NBWJI
Jun 1, 20221 min read


How to Support the Safety of Black Women Survivors of Domestic of Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month (DVAM). DVAM was launched 34 years ago as a way to raise awareness about the prevalence of...
Janaé Bonsu
Oct 29, 20213 min read


Extreme Sentences Disproportionately Impact and Harm Black Women
Black women account for one-third of women serving life sentences and virtual life sentences in the U.S.
NBWJI
Sep 23, 20215 min read


LGBTQ People in the Criminal Legal System
As we celebrate Pride this month, we must acknowledge its history—which is at least partially a story of police violence against Black women
NBWJI
Jun 28, 20212 min read

NBWJI Statement on Rochester Police Pepper-Spraying Mother with Child
NBWJI released the following statement responding to the report that the Rochester PD pepper-sprayed a Black mother with her child.
NBWJI
Mar 10, 20212 min read


Press Release: National Black Women’s Justice Institute Statement on Anjanette Young
The National Black Women’s Justice Institute released the following statement on Anjanette Young, a Black woman in Chicago, who was...
NBWJI
Dec 21, 20201 min read


A Call for Collective Healing and Justice for Breonna Taylor
On October 7, 2020, NBWJI hosted a call for collective healing and justice for Breonna Taylor and the many named and unnamed Black women...
NBWJI Staff
Nov 10, 20204 min read


NBWJI Issues Statement on Breonna Taylor and George Floyd
NBWJI released this statement in response to the tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery and the civil unrest sweep
Dr. Sydney McKinney
Jun 3, 20202 min read


NBWJI Calls For The Release Of Women And Girls In Prisons
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Black Women’s Justice Institute is calling for the release of women and girls from prison
Dr. Sydney McKinney
May 30, 20202 min read


Demanding Safety And Healing For Black Survivors Of Sexual Violence
The report calls for an expansion of messaging and responses to more explicitly center the experiences of Black women, girls, trans and gend
NBWJI Staff
Feb 26, 20193 min read


FreedomWork Profile: Gwen’s Girls
FreedomWork Profile: Gwen’s Girls City: Pittsburgh, PA Founded: 2002 The National Black Women’s Justice Institute devotes much time...
NBWJI Staff
Jan 21, 20193 min read


FreedomWork Profile: Columbus City Prep School for Girls
FreedomWork Profile: Columbus City Prep School for Girls City: Columbus, Ohio Founded: 2012 At the National Black Women’s Justice...
NBWJI Staff
Jan 21, 20193 min read
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