Innovative program celebrates 10th anniversary of training anti-poverty advocates in racial equity.
April 20, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dawn Raftery
312-771-7724
dawnraftery@povertylaw.org
Chicago — The Shriver Center on Poverty Law today announced 29 Fellows for its 2023 Racial Justice Institute (RJI). Now in its 10th year, the innovative leadership program brings together anti-poverty advocates from around the country to learn new tools to advance racial equity.
This year’s RJI Fellows include a diverse group of public interest lawyers, legal aid attorneys, executive leaders, communication and policy professionals, and paralegals. They come from seven organizations advancing justice in five states.
“Fighting inequity is key to achieving real change in communities of color and communities with low income,” said Janerick Holmes, director of the Racial Justice Institute and Network. “I’m thrilled about the diverse experience and expertise of this year’s cohort of Fellows. Together, we will reimagine justice by breaking down barriers and opening up more opportunities.”
The 2023 Fellows have experience in a range of advocacy areas, including economic justice, civil rights, housing justice, climate change, elder law, affordable housing/homelessness and child welfare. During an intensive program that begins this month, Fellows learn a core set of racial equity concepts and tools for their work with low-income communities and communities of color. Following seven months of intensive training, they join a growing national network of more than 408 alumni from 122 organizations advancing racial equity across the country.
This year, the Racial Justice Institute celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special convening of network members on July 13-14, 2023 in Chicago.
“Since 2014, our innovative leadership program has played an instrumental role in transforming how advocates approach legal services,” said Audra Wilson, president and CEO of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law. “We are excited to convene with the Racial Justice Network, celebrate 10 years of success and collaborate on another decade of impact.”
The full list of 2023 RJI Fellows:
Empire Justice Center
Kentucky Equal Justice Center
Legal Action Chicago
Legal Services of North Florida
Nevada Legal Services
New York Legal Assistance Group
Shriver Center on Poverty Law
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About the Shriver Center on Poverty Law
The Shriver Center on Poverty Law fights for economic and racial justice. Over our 50-year history, we have secured hundreds of victories with and for people living in poverty in Illinois and across the country. Today, we litigate, shape policy, and train and convene multi-state networks of lawyers, community leaders and activists nationwide. Together, we are building a future where all people have equal dignity, respect and power under the law. Join the fight at povertylaw.org.
67 East Madison Street, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60603
phone: 312.263.3830
