Plus, photos from #JoyfulJustice celebration!

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** Latest News
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It has been a busy Spring and Summer at NCLEJ. Here are advocacy highlights and case announcements about our work to defend racial justice movements in Buffalo, New York, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We have a case moving forward in our work to increase access to SNAP food benefits and welfare. For up to the minute updates, please follow NCLEJ on Twitter ([link removed]) .


** Defending BLM Activists’ Rights to Protest in Oklahoma
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Austin Mack, a Black man in a ball cap and suit, Sincere Terry, a Black person with a shaved head and bright coral shirt, and Ranit Patel, a South Asian woman with curly Black hair, speak at a virtual conference.
Plaintiffs Austin Mack and Sincere Terry and NCLEJ attorney Ranit Patel speak at a joint press conference.

Since Black Lives Matter uprisings began blooming in Spring 2020, protesters across the country have been targeted in the courts to curb their rights to assembly and free speech. On June 24, we joined Oklahoma advocates and organizers to file multiple challenges ([link removed]) to Oklahoma laws and practices that discriminate against racial justice protestors, chill free speech, and criminalize the right to protest.

Read analysis from Black Wall Street ([link removed]) about NCLEJ’s case and learn about the challenges racial justice protesters face in Oklahoma. Find full details about our case in our latest press release ([link removed]) .


** Fighting Discrimination along the North Brooklyn Pipeline Route
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Two Black women, a Brown queer with a shaved head, a Latinx woman and a Black man surround a Latinx woman speaking at a podium at an outdoor rally near a handball court. Four of the group hold a black banner with white letters that says: OUR LAND OUR HOOD
Brooklyn community activists hold an action to stop the construction of the North Brooklyn Pipeline.

Since August 2021, we have been representing several Brownsville and Bushwick community groups who are Title VI complainants in a groundbreaking federal civil rights ([link removed]) case. The case alleges that the location and operation of the North Brooklyn pipeline and related projects discriminate against communities of color ([link removed]) that live along its nearly seven-mile route.

The latest action ([link removed]) came in early May when Brooklyn community groups and lawyers on their behalf coordinated several demands to stop the flow of gas through National Grid’s North Brooklyn Pipeline and undertake an immediate environmental review. And this month, NCLEJ joined advocates on a multi-site visit from Brownsville to Williamsburg where community members informed the EPA about the environmental and economic impacts of the pipeline.


** Case Moves Forward to Ensure SNAP Benefits in Missouri
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A photo of grocery store produce in a blue graphic with white text says: Missourians can't get SNAP benefits. From long waits and dropped calls at the Social Service call center to lack of accommodations for disabled people, access to SNAP has unacceptable hurdles.

We filed a lawsuit in February 2022 seeking to ensure access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for Missourians. For years, families in Missourians—especially people with disabilities— have been wrongfully rejected when applying for SNAP benefits because of difficulties navigating the state’s Department of Social Services’ application process. On July 11, a judge denied a motion to dismiss filed by the defendant. The case will now move forward. Read the details about this case. ([link removed])


** In the News: Buffalo’s Discriminatory Policing
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News 4 Investigates has been reporting on the unchecked problem of discrimination ([link removed]) by the Buffalo Police Department against Black residents and problems with data collection on racial profiling in traffic stops. ([link removed]) NCLEJ has long worked with racial justice activists in Buffalo around these issues through our case suing the City of Buffalo in federal court on behalf of at least nine Black residents who accused city police of targeting their neighborhoods with traffic enforcement checkpoints, among other things.

Watch a video ([link removed]) to hear from Buffalo community organizers we work with Phylicia Brown, Director of Black Love Resists in the Rust, and Jalonda Hill, Coordinator at the Fair Fines and Fees Coalition. And a recent op-ed by Chinyere Ezie explains the dynamics of racist policing in Buffalo New York’s East side ([link removed]) .


** Celebrating Driven by Justice
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A blue graphic with white text reads: Drivers license suspension reform in NY went into effect 1 year ago. You should know: license suspensions for unpaid traffic tickets are unlawful, payment plans are available, entering a payment plan will lift a suspension for not answering. More info: drivenbyjustice.org

Last year, New York ended the practice of suspending driver's licenses when someone can't afford fines & fees for a minor traffic violation. This reform was thanks to the hard work of the Driven by Justice coalition which NCLEJ is proud to co-lead. Implementing these reforms has been the most recent stage of making sure low-income drivers can access driver’s licenses, a critical tool for economic mobility. Check out this quick facts guide ([link removed]) to what these reforms may mean for you.
Read All of NCLEJ’s Recent Press ([link removed])


** Join Us
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Join us on September 21st for the NCLEJ Justice Makers Award ceremony in-person at The Lighthouse, Chelsea Pier. We hope to see you there to celebrate our 2022 Justice Makers!
Learn More & Grab a Ticket Today ([link removed])


** Spring Happenings
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** Celebrating #JoyfulJustice
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Two Black women with dreadlocks, Jacqui Lewis and Janai Nelson, pose with Dennis Parker, a Black man with short hair and glasses, and a Brown man with short hair, Jon Dubin, all smiling for a photo against a background of city skyscrapers and trees.
Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Executive Director Dennis Parker, Janai S. Nelson, and Jon Dubin at the Spring Gathering.

We celebrated #JoyfulJustice on June 8 with supporters and friends at our 2022 Spring Gathering. With special guests Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Janai S. Nelson, and Jon Dubin, we raised critical funds to fuel our racial justice work. This will keep a range of our racial justice work going, including the advocacy we do in community with Buffalo communities and activists fighting the over policing of Black residents.

Check out ([link removed]) photos from our Spring Gathering ([link removed]) .


** Speaking on Anti-Poverty Law & Movement Building
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Dennis Parker, a Black man with short hair wearing glasses and a grey and blue suit, holds a microphone as he gives a speech.
NCLEJ Executive Director Dennis Parker gives a speech.

This May, NCLEJ Executive Director Dennis Parker was invited to University of Virginia School of Law’s colloquium on “Poverty Law, Racial Justice, and Movement Building”. Part of a group of innovative practitioners and legal scholars, attendees talked about how anti-poverty legal advocates supporting activists, transforming institutions, and advancing racial justice. The convening focused on the role of poverty law and civil rights practitioners in movement building. Dennis offered insights in a gathering of poverty lawyers and racial justice advocates eager for practical lessons on how to empower the communities they serve.
Give Today to Keep NCLEJ Going ([link removed])
The National Center for Law and Economic Justice advances racial and economic justice through ground-breaking impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing. We have provided legal representation and support since 1965.

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