The Southern Coalition for Social Justice

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Dear friends,

2013 was an eventful year for the Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ), full of exciting victories and immense new challenges. As a community lawyering organization, our priorities are led by the communities we serve. During 2013 the program areas most sought by our partner communities included voting rights and criminal justice reform.

In the area of voting rights, this was a momentous year. During the 2013 legislative session, many community groups – predominantly people of color – expressed grave concerns about North Carolina plans for a new law that could seriously limit access to the ballot. SCSJ became involved as an expert resource, providing research and policy analysis to community groups wishing to know more about the possible impacts of such litigation. SCSJ staff attorney Allison Riggs was invited to give testimony to the North Carolina House about possible effects of HB 589 (also known as the “Monster Voter Suppression Bill”). Allison was then invited to appear on The Rachel Maddow Show, where she had the opportunity to highlight issues of voter suppression on a national platform.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in a case where SCSJ had filed an amicus brief advocating for continued VRA protections. The North Carolina General Assembly then passed one of the most draconian voter suppression laws in the country. Yet none of these setbacks stopped SCSJ from rallying to protect the right of every voter to cast a ballot at the polls. SCSJ immediately filed two lawsuits, one in state court and one in federal court, challenging North Carolina’s “Monster Voter Suppression Bill.” SCSJ also continued our multi-state litigation for fair redistricting, including ongoing litigation in Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and North Carolina. Our voting rights docket continues to grow, as so does our commitment to voting rights. And, fortunately, our staff is growing to meet the burden as well. In August, SCSJ welcomed recent law school graduate Jeremy Collins, who splits his time between voting rights and criminal justice reform work.

This was a busy year for our criminal justice reform work as well. With support from SCSJ, seven North Carolina municipalities have adopted Ban the Box legislation, meaning that people with criminal records will not be discriminated against when applying for government employment in these municipalities. Our Clean Slate work continued and grew, with more and more clients getting certificates of relief or expungements to help them overcome the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. In September, we proudly welcomed Soros Justice Fellow Ian Mance for 18 months devoted to exposing racial profiling by police. Ian’s expertise has allowed us to provide essential technical support to communities throughout North Carolina that feel they are experiencing racial profiling.

We are so thankful to each of our supporters for making it possible for SCSJ to continue this important work. Thanks to your support, our expanded staff capacity means that we can better respond to community needs, and as a result, SCSJ’s work has appeared on media outlets such as MSNBC, NPR, The Nation, The Grist, The Chicago Tribune, the Miami Herald, The New York Times, and many more. With your help, we are truly a community-based organization with national reach.

Anita EarlsExecutive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

The Southern Coalition for Social Justice is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in August 2007 in Durham, North Carolina by a multidisciplinary group, predominantly people of color, who believe that families and communities engaged in social justice struggles need a team of lawyers, social scientists, community organizers and media specialists to support them in their efforts to dismantle structural racism and oppression.

The Southern Coalition for Social Justice

AT A GLANCE

Voting RightsProtect the right of all citizens to cast an equally powerful ballot.

Criminal JusticeFight racial bias in the criminal justice system, and build stronger communities by improving the lives of those affected by the War on Drugs and collateral consequences of convictions.

Environmental JusticeDefend vulnerable communities from negative environmental impacts, ensuring healthy and safe places to live and work.

Human RightsProtect and advance the fundamental human rights of all people.

OUR MISSIONThe Southern Coalition for Social Justice partners with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities in the south to defend and advance their political, social and economic rights through the combination of legal advocacy, research, organizing and communications.

OUR VISIONCommunities will succeed in realizing their own goals and people will know from experience that they can make a difference on issues that matter to them.

AREAS OF FOCUS

OUR GOALSWe seek to:

• Provide the highest quality legal advice and representation to economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color engaged in social change efforts.

• Bring the best social science research (whether litigation or policy-related), communications strategies and community organizing skills to serve community priorities.

• Have substantive priorities that are community-determined.

• Build coalitions across community lawyering organizations in the South and between national organizations and local community groups.

OUR CORE VALUES We are committed to:

• Representing economically disadvantaged communities of color who otherwise would not have legal representation.

• Having a concrete impact that moves us towards eliminating structural inequality.

• Bringing a multidisciplinary approach to cases and matters even when it is difficult to do so.

• Pursuing community empowerment by collaborating with community members to design strategies to address the issues they identify as most important to them.

• Being a democratically run organization that is non-hierarchical, egalitarian, and respectful of every person’s contribution.

VOTING RIGHTS Protecting every citizens’ right to cast an equally powerful ballot.

In June 2013, the US Supreme Court struck a blow to voting rights. In a 5-4 decision, the Court invalidated Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. Within hours of the decision, state legislators across the South initiated the largest number of attacks on voting rights since the Reconstruction Era in the 1860s.

One such attack recently happened in North Carolina. Effective January 2016, the Voter Information Verification Act will prohibit voters from casting ballots in person without certain forms of photo identification. If this new law goes into effect in 2016, it could disenfranchise more than 318,000 voters.

SCSJ is fighting against the Act because it violates the state constitution, and would have a disproportionate impact on college students, communities of color, women, the poor, and the elderly. The bill was signed into law on August 12, 2013 and SCSJ filed suit on August 13.

The lead plaintiff, Alberta Currie, is a 78-year-old great-granddaughter of slaves who dearly values her right to vote. After voting in every major

PROTECTING A CITIZEN’S RIGHT TO VOTEelection since 1956, Alberta can no longer go to the polls to cast her ballot.

She cannot get the photo identification that is now required because she doesn’t have a birth certificate. Alberta never received one because she was born at home to a midwife during the Jim Crow era in rural North Carolina.

“Going to the polls to vote is the one thing that lets me say to the world that I am equal to everyone else. It’s something I need to do for my children, for my family,” said Currie.

Beyond North Carolina, SCSJ is battling to uphold the right to vote in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia. Visit www.scsj.org to learn more about Alberta Currie and SCSJ’s voting rights initiatives.

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO RUNIn 2013, the Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) fought for the right of Montravias King to run for city council in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Here, Montravias describes his experience working with SCSJ.

“When my right to run for office was challenged because I live on my college campus, SCSJ agreed to help right away. They were here in Elizabeth City within 24 hours. They represented me in front of

the Pasquotank County Board of Elections, and then in front of the State Board of Elections. I had multiple contact people at SCSJ, and we were all working together to protect the right to run for office – and the right to vote – for college students across the state. In the end we prevailed by working together.”

– Montravias King, Elizabeth City State University student and City Council

Member, Elizabeth City NC

WOMEN BEAR THE BRUNT OF NEW NC VOTING RESTRICTIONS

There are now approximately

318,000 voters who may be unable to vote because of the newly-enacted Voter ID law. Of these voters, 64%

are women, while only 36% are men. Out of every 10 potentially disenfranchised voters, more than 6 are women.

Of those over 200,000 potentially disenfranchised female voters, a disproportionate percentage are people of color.

I Voted I Can’t Vote

ALL REGISTERED VOTERS70% White 24% Black 6% Asian & Other 57% White 34% Black 9% Asian & Other

DISENFRANCHISED VOTERS

EN BC V

WOMEW N

WN S

Created by the Southern Coalition for Social Justicewww.scsj.org info@southerncoalition.org

CRIMINAL JUSTICEFighting racial bias in the criminal justice system, and building stronger communities.

The Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) partners with individuals and vulnerable communities to address the collateral consequences of convictions – the barriers and obstacles to normal life created after being convicted of a crime. Even convictions for victimless, nonviolent offenses can create numerous setbacks, keeping safe housing, employment and higher education out of reach. SCSJ has helped those facing the collateral consequences of conviction by:

Providing Certifi cates of Relief Since the passage of North Carolina’s Certificate of Relief statute in 2011, SCSJ has been a major provider of free legal services to help people with criminal records access employment, housing, and education. Through our Clean Slate work, SCSJ helps ensure that people living in NC with convictions can have some of the barriers to normal life removed people living in NC with convictions can have some of the barriers to normal life removed by applying for and receiving a Certificate of Relief. More than 35% of people currently on probation in NC could be eligible for a Certificate of Relief upon completion of their sentence, providing them with access to safe housing, employment, and professional licenses.

Initiating and Promoting “Ban the Box” The “Ban the Box” movement advocates for the removal of questions about past convictions from the early stages of the hiring process. This simple step dramatically improves access to steady employment for formerly justice-involved people. In 2011, SCSJ helped Durham Southside, a neighborhood ravaged by North Carolina’s deleterious drug policies, initiate a “Ban the Box” campaign that led to the city as well as the county of Durham removing questions about criminal records from employment applications. Subsequently, Cumberland County and the towns of Carrboro and Spring Lake passed similar policies. In 2014, SCSJ hopes to bring “Ban the Box” to more municipalities, as well as partner with private employers on this initiative.

Partnering with State and Regional OrganizationsTo further improve the lives of those affected by criminal records, SCSJ plays an active role in the North Carolina Second Chance Alliance, a growing statewide coalition of advocacy organizations, service providers, faith-based organizations, and community leaders dedicated to the successful reintegration of people with criminal records. SCSJ has also partnered with the New Southern Strategy Coalition, a group of advocates and reformers representing 14 Southern states working to reduce the collateral consequences for those with criminal records.

HELPING PEOPLE GET A SECOND CHANCE

“When I was convicted of a nonviolent crime, it seemed as if my life was over. For years I struggled to find work and a good place to live for me and my children. With the help of the Clean Slate program at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice I was able to obtain a Certificate of Relief, which gave employers the confidence to give me a second chance. Because of SCSJ’s free legal assistance, I’ve been able to get back in school and get a job.

For the fi rst time in a long time I feel like my family and I have a promising future.”

– Adrienne, former SCSJ client

SCSJ created a “Ban the Box Community Initiative Guide,” available online at www.scsj.org. This guide enables communities to

easily access information to organize their own

grassroots campaign to “Ban the Box” in their

city or county.

THE DURHAM FADE COALITION The Durham FADE Coalition (Fostering Alternatives to Drug Enforcement) is a grassroots community-organizing group working locally in Durham, NC, to address mass incarceration, the War on Drugs and the disproportionate impact it has on people and communities of color. Started in the Spring of 2013 and led by people directly impacted by the criminal justice system, FADE is advocating for Durham to address racial profiling in the Durham Police Department (DPD) by implementing a mandatory consent-to-search policy and designating marijuana as the city’s lowest level law enforcement priority (LLEP). A significant number of inmates in Durham County jail and Durham residents incarcerated in state prison are there for low level, nonviolent drug charges. Additionally, FADE calls for the inclusion of racial equity training for the DPD and a stronger civilian review board.

FADE grew out of the Durham Second Chance Alliance (DSCA). With help from SCSJ, DSCA successfully spearheaded a Ban the Box campaign that led to the removal of the box on Durham County job applications asking applicants about felony convictions. After this initial success, the need was seen for an ongoing community organizing arm to advocate for further change in Durham. SCSJ stepped in and helped form the FADE Coalition. SCSJ’s partners in FADE include SpiritHouse, Durham Congregations in Action, Durham NAACP and Neighborhood Allies of Durham, as well as a number of individual community members.

FADE holds regular biweekly strategy meetings. While individual meetings average around 15 people in attendance, the larger FADE coalition is closer to one hundred people with very diverse backgrounds. The group is run democratically, with no official leader and decisions made on a consensus basis. FADE values the voices of all involved, and efforts are made to ensure that each member participates fully in decision-making.

Community Organizing Snapshot

During 2013, the major accomplishment of the FADE coalition has been the ongoing dialogue with the Durham City Council and the Durham Human Relations Commission (HRC) regarding issues of racial profiling by the DPD. FADE has now met with members of the Durham City Council and appeared before the Human Relations Commission on multiple occasions to discuss racial profiling concerns and present evidence. FADE is hopeful that the city council and the mayor will take action in 2014 to address these issues affecting African-American and Hispanic community members in Durham.

Through the coalition format, FADE members have had access to specific resources, such as data analysis and legal expertise provided by SCSJ and public speaking and community organizing skills from SpiritHouse. FADE has shown the power of diverse community members coming together to advocate for themselves. Their combined voices have amplified the message in a way that would not have been possible without collaboration.

FADE coalition members march through downtown Durham in September 2013 protesting discriminatory practices by the Durham Police Department.

Jill smoked marijuana as a teenager, and at several times had 1/2 oz in her car. She gets caught, but is let go with a warning from the officer.

Jill graduates from high schooand gets accepteinto several colleges.

Jane, Jill’s classmate, was also caught with 1/2 oz of marijuana in her car. She is arrested, charged and convicted.

Jane graduates from high school, but cannot get into college.

JILL

In NC, African-Americans are

77% more likely to be searched during a

routine traffic stop than

whites and Latinos 96% more likely.

66% of colleges universities coll

criminal justiceinformation. Ma

convictions, includones that are druand alcohol-relatare seen as negatfactors in the con

of determiningadmissions.

JANE

In NC, African-Americans are over three times

more likely to be arrested for possession

of marijuana even though usage rates are about the

same across racial groups. African-

Americans are twice as likely to be incarcerated

for nonviolent drug crimes.

ONE MISTAKE,

TWO JOURNEYS

A look at the collateral

consequences of convictions.

l, ed

Jill graduates from college, and gets a job with opportunities for advancement.

Jill continues advancing her career, enabling her to buy a house.

Jill gets married, has children, continues to work, and eventually retires.

Over her lifetime, Jill has contributed financially to her community through income, sales and property taxes and has donated to local charitable organizations.

Jane struggles to find places to live, never able to buy a home.

Jane has children, but needs government assistance to feed her family.

Over her lifetime, Jane’s community has paid the cost of her involvement in the justice system, government assistance and lost potential revenue from taxes she could have paid.

Jane spends her career bouncing between low-wage jobs.

Jane sells marijuanato cover medical expenses. She is caught and convicted again.

and ect e ny ding ug- ted, tive text

g

A recent survey found that over

90% of HR managers

collect data on criminal records.

In NC, 57% of employers will not hire people with criminal

records, irrespective of

conviction type.

Federal law gives local public housing authorities broad discretion to deny admittance to or evict

people convicted of crimes. Rental companies

often summarily deny apartments to people if

they have been convicted of nonviolent property

crimes like misdemeanor shoplifting.

2.7 million children have a parent behind bars — 1 in every 28 children has a parent incarcerated, up from 1 in 125 just 25 years ago. Two-thirds of these children’s

parents were incarcerated for

nonviolent offenses.

In NC, 36% of people released from prison are re-arrested within

two years.

In the US, state correctional costs top $50 billion per year.

By age 48, an average formerly-incarcerated person will have lost $179,000 in potential

earnings.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICEDefend vulnerable communities from negative environmental impacts, ensuring healthy and safe places to live and work.

In 2013, the Southernside neighborhood in South Carolina lost a pedestrian bridge that granted easy walking access to grocery stores, pharmacies and other important resources when it was demolished without warning. While the Hampton Avenue Bridge was allegedly demolished due to age and disrepair, SCSJ found that old bridges that served more affluent communities were not demolished, and that its demolition had a disparate negative impact on the poor residents of color in the neighborhood — a protected group under Title VI.

In response, SCSJ filed on behalf of the Southernside Neighborhoods in Action and two individuals a complaint under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against the South Carolina Department of Transportation. By the summer of 2013, the Federal Highway Administration opened an investigation into the case, which was the first big win for SCSJ’s clients. SCSJ assisted during the investigation process, meeting with legislators, local elected officials, investigators, and hosting a forum (pictured) that enabled 75 community members to speak up about their concerns around the demolition and the further isolation and “choking” of their community. The case continues to be in process, and SCSJ hopes to have a positive resolution by the end of 2014.

AMPLIFYING A COMMUNITY’S VOICE

HUMAN RIGHTSProtect and advance the fundamental rights of all people.

BATTLING EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATIONIn response to concerns broached by the Beloved Community Center, SCSJ is representing three former officers of a large North Carolina police department – all people of color – who feel that they experienced employment discrimination based on race and national origin. Locally, the officers have worked with Beloved Community Center (pictured at left) to seek institutional change in the police department. The accompanying ongoing litigation has given SCSJ a chance to advocate for legal standards that protect employees who have experienced discrimination and sought redress through internal procedures and the courts.

BEFORE

AFTER

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

DIRECT PROGRAMIn 2013, generous grants and donations helped the Southern Coalition for Social Justice fight for vulnerable communities. These gifts helped SCSJ pay legal fees, court costs, expert witness feeds, community events (including Clean Slate Clinics), and non-partisan voter education. These donations also covered the salary costs of staff attorneys, community organizers and social scientists who provide free legal services, research, advice and other assistance to underserved communities and individuals.

ADMINISTRATIVE & FUNDRAISINGIn 2013, these donations also provided for expenses vital to the day-to-day operations of SCSJ, such as office rent, laptops and computers, postage, printing, internet and telephone services, fundraising costs, and the salaries of a small administrative staff.

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT

83%

17%

Total Expenditures in 2013: $993,043

A CLIENT GIVES BACK

After SCSJ successfully settled his case, North Carolina resident Willie Henderson wanted to give back. He generously donated $6,000 of his settlement to SCSJ to help other people confronting social justice challenges. Above, he stands with SCSJ Relationship Manager Carolyn Rhodes.

FOUNDATION FUNDERS

SCSJ is deeply grateful to the following organizations who helped make their work possible in 2013:

Blueprint North Carolina

Drug Policy Alliance

Ford Foundation

Open Society Foundation

Park Foundation

Public Interest Projects

Rose Foundation

Troan Family Foundation

Warner Foundation

W. K. Kellogg Foundation

Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

The Southern Coalition for Social Justice

1415 West Highway 54, Suite 101Durham, NC 27707

office: 919-323-3380fax: 919-323-3942

AREAS OF WORKVoting Rights

Protect the right of all citizens to cast an equally powerful ballot.

Criminal JusticeFight racial bias in the criminal justice system and build stronger communities.

Environmental JusticeDefend vulnerable communities from harmful environmental impacts.

Human RightsProtect and advance the fundamental human rights of all people.

Learn more today at

www.scsj.org

Empowering the people and communities who change the world.