Colleagues and Friends,

From policing to sentencing, from probation and parole to reentry, every part of the justice system disproportionally harms Black and brown people and Native Americans. For change to be comprehensive and lasting, advocacy around social justice and racial equity must be linked.
 
Artists and advocates in the Art for Justice community have long centered racial equity and addressed anti-Blackness in their work to end mass incarceration. They understand deeply that the status quo kills Black people and traumatizes us all. 

We’re heartened to see diverse crowds protesting in the streets. Across the nation, many white people have joined people of color to demand racial equity. But more must say, ‘This is my fight, too.’ In the June 23rd issue of TIME, our founder Agnes Gund, shares her journey of becoming an advocate for racial justice and reflects upon those who’ve educated and inspired her.

If you’re already doing this work, we trust Agnes’ words strengthen your resolve; if you’re looking for a way to join, we hope they prompt you to take action. 

Grantee partners’ voices – those most proximate to the harms and solutions of the broken justice system due to their lived experiences and work – are centered in Art for Justice Fund’s learning. Below, we’ve collected some of their recent stories for your reflection. Please share with us: what have you read or watched lately that shapes how you’re processing this critical moment?

With gratitude and encouragement,

The Art for Justice Fund Team
www.artforjusticefund.org