Change the South.
Change the Nation.
Forward Justice is a nonpartisan law, policy, and strategy center dedicated to advancing racial, social, and economic justice in the U.S. South — because when the South moves, the nation moves.
Criminal JusticeEconomic JusticePublic SafetyRe-entry & Second ChancesThe Third ReconstructionNarrative ChangeMovement BuildingWhen the South changes,
the whole nation
changes with it.
The South is home to 40% of the U.S. population, the majority of Black Americans, and a growing number of Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant communities. It is the frontline of the fight for justice.
Law & Litigation
We use the law as a tool for liberation — filing lawsuits, drafting model legislation, and defending the rights of communities across the South.
Policy & Strategy
We develop forward-thinking policy solutions and provide strategic counsel to organizers, legislators, and community leaders.
Movement Building
We build power by connecting grassroots organizations, training leaders, and amplifying the voices of those most affected by injustice.
Four Rights.
One Movement.
Our work is organized around four interconnected rights frameworks that together form the foundation of the Third Reconstruction.
Voting Rights
Human Rights
Criminal Justice
Economic Justice
Unlock Our Vote:
Restoring Democracy in North Carolina
Our landmark campaign has restored voting rights to over 55,000 North Carolinians — the largest expansion of voting rights since the Civil Rights Act.
Through strategic litigation, grassroots organizing, and policy advocacy, we challenged unconstitutional barriers and won. The fight continues as we push for automatic restoration across the South.
Real results for real people.
Voting Rights Restored
We won the biggest expansion of voting rights since the Civil Rights Act, restoring the right to vote for over 55,000 North Carolinians.
People Released
We reached a landmark settlement resulting in the unprecedented early release of at least 3,500 people from North Carolina state prisons.
Years of Movement Work
Since 2009, we've been building power, changing laws, and shifting narratives across the American South.
These numbers represent real people — families reunited, voices restored, communities empowered. Every statistic is a story of justice won.
See Our Full ImpactFrom the frontlines.
Unlock Our Vote: Restoring Democracy in North Carolina
Our campaign has restored voting rights to over 55,000 people — the largest expansion since the Civil Rights Act.
Landmark Settlement Frees 3,500 from NC Prisons
We reached a landmark settlement resulting in the unprecedented early release of at least 3,500 people from North Carolina state prisons.
Building the Third Reconstruction Across the South
We made strides toward the creation of a Third Reconstruction — protecting voting rights, addressing poverty, and dismantling mass incarceration.
Get updates on our movement work.
Join the
Movement.
The South is where movements are born. Join us in building a more just, equitable, and free nation — starting right here.