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.
"The 'we' in We the People must be truly inclusive and representative of ALL Americans."
Change Laws, Policies & Practices
We challenge unjust and discriminatory laws in court and advocate for policies that uplift all people — from voting rights to criminal justice reform.
Build a Base of People & Organizations
We connect community members, activists, and advocates — providing resources to mobilize against laws and practices that marginalize and oppress.
Shift Narrative, Culture & Values
Through intentional storytelling, we center the voices of those directly impacted by systems of oppression to build collective power and create lasting change.
The work that changes the South.
Voting Rights
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
We reached a landmark settlement resulting in the unprecedented early release of at least 3,500 people from North Carolina state prisons.
Economic Justice
We fight to ensure equal access to basic human rights — healthcare, jobs with living wages, clean water, and economic opportunity for all.
Public Safety
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.
Fought in Court. Felt Across the South.
North Carolinians regained their right to vote through Unlock Our Vote
Landmark COVID settlement led to unprecedented early prison releases
Building power in the South since 2009
Nonprofits, coalitions, and networks in our movement ecosystem
From the Community.
Organizing on the Ground Continues to Drive Turnout and Protect Democracy in North Carolina
Forward Justice Director of Communications Brittany Cheatham highlights how ground-level organizing remains the backbone of democratic participation in the South.
Read MoreAnnouncing the Second Chance Federation: A New Chapter for Forward Justice
Immigration Policies, ICE Raids, and Their Implications for Southern Communities
Forward Justice 2022 Annual Report: Strides Toward the Third Reconstruction
Get updates on our movement work, campaigns, and legal victories.
BuildingamorejustSouth.Buildingastrongerdemocracy.
We can't do this work alone. Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word — every action moves us closer to the Third Reconstruction.