Reforming Government Systems and Policies That Could Mean the Difference Between Students’ Incarceration and Graduation

I am a first-generation college graduate and was raised by a single mother for most of my life. As a result, I have always been very aware that there are kids who look like me and come from similar life circumstances as I did, but who have little hope of achieving positive life circumstances simply because the system is so stacked against them. I know that I was just one teacher, one after-school activity, one season of The Cosby Show away from never achieving the education that I have.

I have always felt a responsibility to empower people who are ignored by society –particularly kids of color. One of the rarest experiences for poor people and disadvantaged groups is speaking their own truth and being heard. I know what it is like to feel powerless and ignored and want to ensure that others do not experience that same feeling.

The goal of my professional life is to reform government systems that harm children. This includes school policies that push children out of the classroom and into the justice system for behavior that in the past only merited a trip to the principal’s office. It’s about reforming a juvenile justice system to ensure that children get their lives back on track instead of pushed deeper into the justice system. 

Walk us through a “typical” day in your shoes. How are you making an impact through your work?

My day at the office begins by meeting various community advocates and lawyers who are in the field. During these meetings, we discuss the status of campaigns and cases. I also give them feedback to support our clients as we work to give them a voice. On other days, I may be in court for a hearing or meeting with agency leaders to stop practices that shortchange the future of vulnerable children.

What do you find most rewarding about your job at the end of the day?

Providing children and families who have historically been ignored by government systems and the status quo with a voice to air the grievances is the most rewarding part of my job.

Our thanks to Ebony Howard for sharing her insights and expertise with us! To connect with and learn more about the impact Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is making and support their work with a donation, click here. 

The primary goal for any nonprofit is to get people to support that nonprofit’s cause so they can make an impact. But, behind each of those causes are hard-working individuals, actively involved in making that impact happen. Through our Making Impact Blog Series, we’re going behind the scenes with America’s Charities member organizations to learn how they’re making impact happen and share insights and advice from the staff and volunteers supporting these initiatives.