Change the South.Change the Nation.
Inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois — "As the South goes, so goes 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.
When 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.
"The 'we' in We the People must be truly inclusive and representative of ALL Americans."
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
Protect & Expand the Ballot
We've won the biggest expansion of voting rights since the Civil Rights Act, restoring the right to vote for over 55,000 North Carolinians.
Criminal Justice Reform
End Carceral Abuses
We reached a landmark settlement resulting in the unprecedented early release of at least 3,500 people from North Carolina state prisons.
Economic Justice
Living Wages & Basic Rights
We fight to ensure equal access to basic human rights — healthcare, jobs with living wages, clean water, and economic opportunity for all.
Public Safety
Reimagining Policing
We work with communities to reimagine public safety and the role of police — centering the voices of those most impacted by over-policing.
The South is where movements are born.
Forward Justice is committed to three interconnected theories of change: social movements create transformative change; some of our most potent social movements were birthed in the South; and social movements have directly impacted leadership at the moral center.
We serve as a strategic partner for nonprofit organizations, coalitions, and networks at the forefront of movements organizing for a more just, equitable, and free South. The victories we achieve together accelerate national change.
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.
FOUGHT INTHE COURTS.Felt in the Streets.
Every case we take, every policy we shape, every community we organize is measured by one standard — did it change lives?
See Our Full ImpactThese numbers represent real people — families reunited, voices restored, communities empowered.
FROM 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.
JOINtheMovement.
The South is where movements are born. Join us in building a more just, equitable, and free nation — starting right here.
