Dear John,

EJUSA has played a pivotal role in repealing the death penalty in 11 states since our first victory in 2006. In every repeal campaign, families of murder victims and those convicted of harm told us about how inadequate the justice system is. Instead of providing safety, healing, and accountability, the system perpetuates trauma and violence.

But what if the justice system was different?

EJUSA asked: What if we taught police officers about trauma in communities of color?

In 2016, EJUSA started doing just that by launching our nationally recognized Trauma to Trust program in Newark — once reputed as New Jersey’s most violent city. In Trauma to Trust, community residents and police officers gather over two days to learn about trauma and engage in honest dialogue. The program is shifting the culture of policing in the city. 

EJUSA asked: What if victims received access to healing support? 

With the Newark Community Street Team, EJUSA advocated for Newark's Mayor Ras J. Baraka to use $10m of the public safety budget to establish an Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery which aims to address root causes of violence.

As a result of these deep partnerships, Newark saw a 51% decrease in murders since 2015.

We have good news! The ingredients for Newark's ecosystem of public safety aren't unique. EJUSA is ready to provide the right map so that other cities can build this ecosystem themselves.

Join us as we build a road map for cities and states to create their own alternatives to a system rooted in punishment that has harmed Black and Brown communities for decades. Join us as we create systems rooted in healing.

With gratitude,

Jamila Hodge
Executive Director

Equal Justice USA

PS — We all deserve to be safe. Please give today.

Equal Justice USA
44 Court St
#1217 #1001
Brooklyn, NY 11201
United States

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