Women’s History Month: Celebrating Black women-led reentry organizations that promote healing for Black women and girls

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the National Black Women’s Justice Institute is spotlighting the leadership and contributions of the Sisters in Solidarity (SiS) Reentry Network members.

In 2024, the National Black Women’s Justice Institute launched the SiS Reentry Network to support the leadership of formerly incarcerated Black women who are championing the movement for culturally-affirming, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed reentry services for women.

This is critical because reentry programs aim to support formerly incarcerated people in gaining access to resources and opportunities to successfully transition home, reconnect with family, achieve economic prosperity, feel safe, and to heal. Yet, most reentry programs are designed for men and often do not cater to women’s unique needs. For Black women, systemic barriers make accessing gender- and culturally affirming support even harder.

We are pleased to share the powerful conversation we recently hosted with two SiS Reentry Network members, Stacey Borden, Founder & Executive Director of New Beginnings Re-Entry Services, and Donna Hylton, President and CEO of A Little Piece of Light (ALPOL). They discuss the vital role of community for formerly incarcerated and trauma-impacted Black women, sharing their personal experiences and expert insights on the barriers to positive support networks, as well as ways to make healing accessible. 

Meet Stacey Borden and Dr. Donna Hylton.

Stacey Borden is the Founder & Executive Director of New Beginnings Re-Entry Services. She is a captivating author, performance artist, motivational speaker, and activist. From her personal experiences and understanding of the criminal legal system, Stacey became an abolitionist and advocate for women impacted by domestic & sexual violence. Stacey created her organization in response to the lack of resources for system- and trauma-impacted women who experienced trauma and injustice within the criminal legal system. New Beginnings Re-Entry Service's mission is to reduce recidivism by advocating for and providing services to women reentering local communities. Learn more about her impactful work and how to support the organization here.

Dr. Donna Hylton is the President and CEO of A Little Piece of Light (ALPOL). Donna is a powerful advocate, author, and speaker dedicated to women's rights, criminal justice reform, and social justice. Her personal experiences with the criminal legal system fuel her work to dismantle the systems that criminalize and harm Black women and girls. ALPOL promotes healing, dignity, and justice for currently and formerly incarcerated Black women by developing and advocating for gender- and culturally-affirming and trauma-informed programs. Learn more about her impactful work and how to support the organization here.

Learn more and get involved!

Visit the Sisters in Solidarity Network homepage to learn more about the network and its leaders. 

Download our Supporting Black Women’s Reentry from Incarceration Recommendations for Reentry Policy & Practice in California report to learn more about the challenges and needs of Black women returning to their communities from carceral institutions. 

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