Featured News
February 20, 2020
In a fitting way to honor and carry on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life work, 10 juvenile defenders from across the country recently gathered at Georgetown Law over a chilly MLK holiday weekend. Together, the geographically and racially diverse group marked the start of their yearlong service as “Ambassadors for Racial Justice.” They are part of a pilot program, sponsored by Georgetown Law’s Juvenile Justice Initiative and the National Juvenile Defender Center (NJDC), that seeks to bring racial justice concerns to the forefront of juvenile justice advocacy and empower advocates to develop innovative ways to challenge systemic inequities.
October 30, 2019
The Georgetown Juvenile Justice Initiative’s Organizing and Advocacy Associate Jennifer Ubiera spoke on BBC Radio Woman’s hour about the challenges girls face when they are forced into the criminal justice system. Listen to her interview with BBC’s Jenni Murray (starting at 13:43).
October 29, 2019
The Georgetown Juvenile Justice Initiative was proud to collaborate with the Public Welfare Foundation on their latest report D.C.'s Justice Systems: An Overview, providing a snapshot of the District’s journey to create a more safe and just community for its residents. While much work remains in addressing the racial and socioeconomic disparities in DC’s justice system, there is also opportunity for our nation’s capital to serve as a model of best practice in criminal justice reform. Take a closer look at the stakeholders, issues, and opportunities that drive the District’s justice systems by reading the full report.
Recent Events
True Justice Documentary Screening: Bryan Stevenson's Fight For Equality
The Georgetown Juvenile Justice Clinic in partnership with Restorative DC, Georgetown Black Law Students Association, Georgetown Law Campus Ministry, Georgetown Defenders, Georgetown Youth Advocates and the Office of Equity and Inclusion invite you to join us on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 for a screening of Bryan Stevenson's HBO documentary, True Justice. The screening will begin at 5:30PM followed by a post-documentary dialogue.
Youth Justice Action Month Events
Letting Youth Lead The Way: Conversations on Art & Activism with Richard Ross
Photographer Richard Ross spoke on the power of art in creating social change and showcased his poignant photography capturing the injustices juveniles face every day in our legal system. Local DC youth activist organizations Black Swan Academy and Pathways 2 Power also shared how they’re mobilizing their peers for positive change.
Free Minds Write Night: Power of Words
Poet Ambassadors from Free Minds Book Club hosted a poetry reading session and shared their personal journeys through writing. Attendees later had the opportunity to workshop with the Poet Ambassadors and provide feedback on the writings of book club members who are currently still incarcerated.
Creating Your Own Lane: Paths to A Career in Youth Justice & Defense Expo
Attendees interested in careers in youth advocacy and criminal defense were able to hear from DC-based youth justice and defender organizations about their work and ways to get involved. Later, there was a panel discussion and Q&A about youth justice policy, direct services, and community organizing.
