Essie Justice Group

As is true for many many beneficiaries of his generosity and championing, we would not have reached our potential without Quincy Jones. It was Quincy who invited Essie Justice Group into Los Angeles county, inviting us to launch Essie in LA, with an event in his home. In his living room in 2016, we raised the support and funds so that we could begin offering our Healing to Advocacy Program for women with incarcerated loved ones to thousands more people. What Quincy touched really did turn to gold, because since that beautiful night we have graduated 18 cohorts in LA from our program, opened an LA office, and won victories for women impacted by mass incarceration in courts, homes, and policy.? Reading through the lengthy accomplishments across national papers today has provided us at Essie an inspiring (even if too short) moment away from the anxiety of this election and the organizing work filling our days. Reflecting on and drawing lessons from his life is something that will take time. Today, it is a reminder to bet on overlooked people, gather despite differences, and love first, last, and in between all things.? Thank you, Quincy. Rest in peace to our beloved cheerleader and benefactor.

“Regardless of the outcomes this election season, unlikely canvassers like women with incarcerated loved ones are committed to shifting society’s tide towards care, and will stay the course in becoming a formidable force to be reckoned with.” Organizers from Essie Justice Group share in Convergence Magazine why women with incarcerated loved ones are powerfully leading grassroots canvassing efforts ahead of the 2024 election. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gfcxbhvg #Election #PeoplePower

Always remember where you started and the people who supported you on your journey. We’re grateful to have had Echoing Green as our partner since our beginning 10 years ago! ?? Essie Founder & Executive Director Gina Clayton-Johnson (2014 Fellow) helped kick off Echoing Green’s All Fellows Convening 2024 in Accra, Ghana. Presenting to 200 fellows alongside Kwami Williams (MoringaConnect), Amaha Kassa (African Communities Together), Hemakshi Meghani (Indian School of Democracy), and panel moderator Cheryl Dorsey (Echoing Green), Gina shared her perspective on the challenges, issues, and sources of hope our communities are currently facing. #EchoingGreen #Changemakers #EGFellows

In partnership with Octavia's Bookshelf, last night we co-hosted Alexis Pauline Gumbs, in conversation with Lisa Powell, to discuss Alexis’ latest book, Survival is a Promise:The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde. In resonant, wise, and reflective conversation, throughout the evening Alexis shared the ways in which she was transformed?by the rigor that Audre Lorde required of her in writing her book and how she experienced herself as a channel for Audre Lorde's work sharing, "I just had to open my heart and get out of the way." Not only did this event bring us together in reflection of Audre Lorde's work, it reminded us of the ways that we are still grounded and guided by the strategy of Black feminist ancestors. Thank you to Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Octavia's Bookshelf, and all who came out to the event for an intimate conversation on Survival is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde ?

We're collaborating with Octavia's Bookshelf to host author Alexis Pauline Gumbs, in conversation with Lisa Powell, at our office in South Pasadena! We are delighted to have these two powerhouses in space to discuss Alexis’ latest book, Survival is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde. In Survival Is a Promise, Alexis Pauline Gumbs—the first researcher to explore the full depths of Lorde’s manuscript archives—illuminates the eternal life of Lorde. Her life and work become more than a sound bite; they become a cosmic force, teaching us the grand contingency of life together on earth. Register here to join us on October 15: https://bit.ly/4dkoQDl

From Vera Institute of Justice, The 30 Year Project is a four-part limited series podcast that takes a deeper look at the impact the 1944 Crime Bill has had on incarceration. Essie’s Founder & Executive Director, Gina Clayton-Johnson, shares insights on the ways the crime bill has specifically impacted women. Listen to the full episode: https://bit.ly/4dp5fSy #EndMassIncarceration

We’re on a mission to create a future where healing, community, and care are the norm. Are you in? Join our team of mostly Black and brown women and gender expansive people with varying backgrounds who have ambitious goals to develop the leadership of the 1 in 4 women with incarcerated loved ones and to create a liberated future rooted in healing and community-based care. ?????? View our job openings: https://lnkd.in/gQG5FxE #Hiring #JobSearch

As we continue to celebrate a decade of healing, community, power, and Sisterhood, we’re asking 10 people throughout the Essie community to answer 10 questions reflecting on the powerful work we’ve done over the past 10 years.??? To kick off this series, we sat down with our Founder & Executive Director, Gina Clayton-Johnson. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gpz4H-T2 #10Years #Anniversary

Essie Justice Group is on a mission to end the socially destructive practice of mass incarceration. Their approach is truly inspiring!

Special thank you to Diego S. from Liberty Hill Foundation who held a session for women with incarcerated loved ones from our membership at our Campaign School last week. In it he demystified how Essie Sisters with great ideas to improve their communities can be successful in securing philanthropic support. Thank you, and the entire Liberty Hill team, for the hands-on investments you’ve made in the ideas, leadership, and strategy of women with incarcerated loved ones.