The time for justice does not expire.

25 years ago, in the shadows of Apartheid in South Africa, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was formed to properly address generations of racial injustice that had been all but ignored. It’s time for the United States to do the same. In spite of all of our movements for change, the thing we call the justice system in the United States has never been a reliable, competent, compassionate, professional, respectful tool for justice for tens of millions of Americans. 

Instead, it has often been a cruel and oppressive force of injustice for African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA community, and all marginalized communities. Consequently, when marginalized people have needed to finally rely on this system for justice, it has routinely failed them in the worst ways imaginable. This isn't a bug in the system, but a feature. It's operating exactly the way it was designed and built to function. That’s why we’re imagining and building something new.

Today, in partnership with the District Attorneys of San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Boston, we are announcing the formation of the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission to actually process and address the injustices of the past that simply were not given the time, attention, and dignity that they deserved.

Our Pilot Cities

Today, in partnership with District Attorneys Rachael Rollins, Larry Krasner, and Chesa Boudin, we begin the formation process of local Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commissions in our first three pilot cities of Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. We expect the formation process to last at least until this fall when the local commissions will then announce the next steps for impacted individuals and families to formally submit cases to be considered.

 
 
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Rachael Rollins, Boston

Voted into office on a mandate of deep systemic change, Rachael Rollins has already delivered on many promises and will guide and oversee this work.

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Larry Krasner, Philadelphia

Already seen as a pioneer and change agent in the national District Attorney space, Larry Krasner will guide and oversee this work.

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Chesa Boudin, San Francisco

In office for less than a year, Chesa Boudin has already reduced the local jail population by over 50% and will guide and oversee this work.

 

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Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Press

For all press inquiries please contact press@grassrootslaw.org

 
 

We believe that every day brings us the opportunity to use our past to forge a strong future in truth.