The Empire Justice Center is in solidarity with Black and Brown communities across New York and the United States during this time of collective rage and mourning. The murders of George Floyd, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Alton Sterling, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Malik Williams, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin and countless other Black people are emblematic of structural racism in the United States that has never been honestly addressed. We must immediately end these violent race-based killings, address societal racism, and the legacy of slavery.
As a statewide legal services and advocacy organization for marginalized and low-income communities, our mission is to make the law work for all New Yorkers. We say that the time for systemic change is long past due. Fifty-six years since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, people of color continue to be subjected to discrimination, bigotry, and marginalization. New York State officials must act now to pass laws that can halt police misconduct and racial profiling, end solitary confinement, seek alternatives to incarceration, and reduce the size, funding, and militarization of police force. In the longer term, we must address the underlying inequities by providing all people with meaningful access to healthcare, education, and housing.
We are also committed to examining our own work and actions. The events of the last week make it patently clear that as an organization, Empire Justice Center must remain effective by being rooted in the communities we represent and the needs of our employees. We are committed to increasing transparency, communication, equity and inclusion in all of our policies and practices.
Empire Justice is a leading statewide nonprofit law firm and policy advocacy organization working to make the law work for All New Yorkers, especially those who need its protection the most. Empire Justice employs over 60 attorneys, paralegals and administrative professional staff who provide a blend of training, legal assistance and policy advocacy from its five offices in Rochester, Albany, Yonkers, White Plains and Central Islip.
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