AFJ Celebrates Black History Month

‍

At Avenues for Justice (AFJ), we celebrate Black history year-round. February provides a special opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the resilient leaders who paved the way for the movements of today, as well as those who are making modern day Black history. From pioneers and Civil Rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. to the activists who led the 2020 racial reckoning, so many Black Americans have lifted their voices and even risked their lives to create a more just future. Many of these movement builders and leaders endured unjust encounters with the court system, including lack of due process and police violence. The advances that were made as a result of their struggle make it possible for organizations like ours to exist today.

For this reason, AFJ strives to honor that tradition through our commitment to providing a path forward - and out of the court system - for our Participants. To do this effectively, we have a strong, diverse team that shares the lived experiences of our Participants, building trust in our community centers and in the courtroom. This relatability reinforces our impact, ensuring that our Participants see themselves reflected in those advocating for them each day. As we work to create a more just world for young people, we embrace and celebrate the power of having a team that allows our Participants to see themselves and the possibilities for their future.  

This week, we honor the leadership, dedication, and impact of our Black and African American staff. Their contributions are woven into the fabric of AFJ’s mission, ensuring that our work remains rooted in equity, representation, and justice.

ELIZABETH FREDERICK, Executive Director‍

‍
"Black History Month is a platform to celebrate our heritage and diverse cultures. It amplifies our history, too often distorted, or otherwise excluded from textbooks, by acknowledging the significant contributions of Black, African American, and Caribbean historical leaders, world figures, activists, and innovators. More than just a single month, it serves to inspire our young people and empower the next generation of leaders year-round through the countless stories of resilience of those who have come before us. By honoring our past, learning from our collective history, and recognizing the ongoing struggle for racial equity we must continue our work toward creating a more equitable future for all."

GAMAL WILLIS, Chief Program Officer

"Black History is essential, especially now, as it illuminates the resilience, contributions, and struggles of Black communities, providing a critical lens to confront systemic injustices, inspire future generations, and ensure that history is not erased but used as a foundation for progress." 

JALIL ABDURRAHEEM, Harlem Court Advocate

“Black History should not be a month, it should be every day. We as a people take for granted the path our ancestors set in stone for us to carry on.”

SHANTEL BROOKS, Job Developer

"Black History Month helps us understand how important our own stories are, we have come a long way and have more to go."

KAREN DRAKEFORD, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

"Black History Month is a time created for us to give voice for people/places and events related to people of color that has made a difference in this country that is usually silenced and/or buried. Black history is actually American history. Hopefully, one day it will be respected and acknowledged as such."  

MESSIAH FERGUSON, LES Court Advocate  

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position one has reached as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” ~Booker T. Washington 

CONIQUA JOHNSON, Development Manager

"Black History Month is a time to celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and the deep impact Black people have made—and continue to make—on the world. For me, it’s more than just reflection; it’s a reminder to keep pushing for equity, to uplift our stories, and to create spaces where our voices are heard and valued every day, not just in February."  

MALEKA LAWRENCE, AFJ Development Consultant

"At a time when there has been a concerted effort to ensure the erasure of Black history, Black History Month is a special reminder about the contributions of Black people to the history of this country and beyond. While it is important to acknowledge those contributions year round, this month provides a special opportunity to amplify those stories and find inspiration from the resilience, innovation, talent, and triumph of those who came before us, as well as those who are making Black history today."  

BRIAN STANLEY, Manager of Court Advocacy

“Most of history as we've all been taught has been one big lie by omission. Our understanding of the world has been based in falsehood. Learning Black history helps us all to know the full truth.”