Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI)
@promiseofjustice.bsky.social
PJI fights for the dignity, freedom, and autonomy of those targeted and touched by the criminal legal system and for an end to mass incarceration in Louisiana.
Pinned
About PJI — The Promise of Justice Initiative
www.promiseofjustice.org
We are a different kind of civil rights org. We don’t follow a national agenda or framework. We confront issues & take on cases that, very often, no other org will venture to challenge. Our work blurs the traditional lines of litigation and advocacy. Learn more: www.promiseofjustice.org/about
Last week marked the 56th anniversary of the Supreme Court ordering public schools across the South to be desegregated immediately. This action would come 15 years after Brown v. Board of Education ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional...
November 6, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Last week marked the 56th anniversary of the Supreme Court ordering public schools across the South to be desegregated immediately. This action would come 15 years after Brown v. Board of Education ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional...
Last Tues, the FCC reversed course on capping prison phone call rates prioritizing the demands & profits of the telecommunications companies over incarcerated people & their loved ones. The FCC's new regulations, would've saved families $500M+ a year.
Read more here: veritenews.org/2025/10/28/f...
Read more here: veritenews.org/2025/10/28/f...
November 6, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Last Tues, the FCC reversed course on capping prison phone call rates prioritizing the demands & profits of the telecommunications companies over incarcerated people & their loved ones. The FCC's new regulations, would've saved families $500M+ a year.
Read more here: veritenews.org/2025/10/28/f...
Read more here: veritenews.org/2025/10/28/f...
Last week, the FCC reversed course on capping prison phone call rates prioritizing the demands and profits of the telecommunications companies over incarcerated people & their loved ones. The FCC's new regulations, passed just last year, would've saved families over $500M a year.
November 3, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Last week, the FCC reversed course on capping prison phone call rates prioritizing the demands and profits of the telecommunications companies over incarcerated people & their loved ones. The FCC's new regulations, passed just last year, would've saved families over $500M a year.
Yesterday, our dear friend & client, Lloyd Gray was granted a new hearing based on newly discovered evidence of racial discrimination! Lloyd has been incarcerated for the last 45 yrs due to a nonunanimous jury conviction where two of the jurors who found him not guilty were Black...
October 31, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Yesterday, our dear friend & client, Lloyd Gray was granted a new hearing based on newly discovered evidence of racial discrimination! Lloyd has been incarcerated for the last 45 yrs due to a nonunanimous jury conviction where two of the jurors who found him not guilty were Black...
“I said, ‘Your case is still alive.’ And he said, ‘I knew it would be.’ So he had faith through and through. And his faith carries our faith.” 💚🖤
Judge rules that Lloyd Gray, convicted by a nonunanimous decision, can continue his bid for freedom
Gray, convicted by a 10-2 jury vote, remains in prison five years after the Supreme Court ruled such verdicts unconstitutional. A 2024 law passed at the urging of conservative Gov. Jeff Landry makes…
Gray, convicted by a 10-2 jury vote, remains in prison five years after the Supreme Court ruled such verdicts unconstitutional. A 2024 law passed at the urging of conservative Gov. Jeff Landry makes…
Judge rules that Lloyd Gray, convicted by a nonunanimous decision, can continue his bid for freedom
Gray, convicted by a 10-2 jury vote, remains in prison five years after the Supreme Court ruled such verdicts unconstitutional. A 2024 law passed at the urging of conservative Gov. Jeff Landry makes it more difficult for courts and prosecutors to revisit cases like his.
veritenews.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:07 AM
“I said, ‘Your case is still alive.’ And he said, ‘I knew it would be.’ So he had faith through and through. And his faith carries our faith.” 💚🖤
🗣️: CALLING ALL RISING 2L AND 3L LAW STUDENTS!
We're currently accepting applications for our summer legal internship. Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, we encourage people to apply early because there are a limited number of spots. Learn more here: promiseofjustice.org/jobs
We're currently accepting applications for our summer legal internship. Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, we encourage people to apply early because there are a limited number of spots. Learn more here: promiseofjustice.org/jobs
October 27, 2025 at 4:19 PM
🗣️: CALLING ALL RISING 2L AND 3L LAW STUDENTS!
We're currently accepting applications for our summer legal internship. Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, we encourage people to apply early because there are a limited number of spots. Learn more here: promiseofjustice.org/jobs
We're currently accepting applications for our summer legal internship. Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, we encourage people to apply early because there are a limited number of spots. Learn more here: promiseofjustice.org/jobs
The Historic New Orleans Collection recently explored how #Louisiana became the carceral capital of the world in an exhibition entitled “Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration" & released a powerful new book w/the same name.
WATCH here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGI...
WATCH here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGI...
October 24, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The Historic New Orleans Collection recently explored how #Louisiana became the carceral capital of the world in an exhibition entitled “Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration" & released a powerful new book w/the same name.
WATCH here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGI...
WATCH here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGI...
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: "I'm always in some state of being punished, having been punished, or about to be punished." (via @boltsmag.org)
boltsmag.org/designed-to-...
boltsmag.org/designed-to-...
boltsmag.org
October 21, 2025 at 3:49 PM
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: "I'm always in some state of being punished, having been punished, or about to be punished." (via @boltsmag.org)
boltsmag.org/designed-to-...
boltsmag.org/designed-to-...
Join us this Saturday, 10/25 for 1PM at the John Thompson Legacy Ctr for the #NOLA chapter meetup of Noname Book Club (NNBC). Each month a book written by a Black author is chosen & discussed. This month's pick is "Assata: An Autobiography." Interested in attending? RSVP here: info@nonamebooks.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Join us this Saturday, 10/25 for 1PM at the John Thompson Legacy Ctr for the #NOLA chapter meetup of Noname Book Club (NNBC). Each month a book written by a Black author is chosen & discussed. This month's pick is "Assata: An Autobiography." Interested in attending? RSVP here: info@nonamebooks.com
ICYMI: Jessie Hoffman's spiritual advisor, Rev. Reimoku Smith, spoke about his relationship with Jessie, the first person executed by the State of LA. in 15 yrs, on World Day Against the Death Penalty.
WATCH the full webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lv0...
WATCH the full webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lv0...
October 17, 2025 at 4:57 PM
ICYMI: Jessie Hoffman's spiritual advisor, Rev. Reimoku Smith, spoke about his relationship with Jessie, the first person executed by the State of LA. in 15 yrs, on World Day Against the Death Penalty.
WATCH the full webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lv0...
WATCH the full webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lv0...
In late September, a Baton Rouge federal judge took a major step in the long-running litigation about “overdetention" or when an incarcerated person is held in prison past the end of their legal release date.
October 15, 2025 at 12:55 PM
In late September, a Baton Rouge federal judge took a major step in the long-running litigation about “overdetention" or when an incarcerated person is held in prison past the end of their legal release date.
Thanks to Corinna, @pageonem.bsky.social, and the Community Book Center for helping us bring the "Secrets of the Killing State" book tour to New Orleans! 💚🖤
Next was an awesome book talk at The Community Bookstore, followed by an event at Brazos Books in Houston. What great stores!
October 12, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Thanks to Corinna, @pageonem.bsky.social, and the Community Book Center for helping us bring the "Secrets of the Killing State" book tour to New Orleans! 💚🖤
**REMINDER: Don't forget to join us today for 5:30PM at the Twelve Mile Limit for our #happyhour fun-raiser! A portion of this event's signature cocktail, "The Bees Knees", will go to the Promise of Justice's programmatic work.
October 9, 2025 at 8:13 PM
**REMINDER: Don't forget to join us today for 5:30PM at the Twelve Mile Limit for our #happyhour fun-raiser! A portion of this event's signature cocktail, "The Bees Knees", will go to the Promise of Justice's programmatic work.
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: "Racial justice demands attention because the aging prison population disproportionately affects communities of color due to historical sentencing disparities."
Why Expanding Compassionate Release Is a Moral and Fiscal Imperative
(via @npquarterly.bsky.social)
https://pulse.ly/vsfeiqd0hq
(via @npquarterly.bsky.social)
https://pulse.ly/vsfeiqd0hq
Why Expanding Compassionate Release Is a Moral and Fiscal Imperative - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly
The nation today imprisons a rapidly aging population. Not only does this practice result in thousands of deaths in prison, but it is very costly. Policy reform is required.
pulse.ly
October 8, 2025 at 7:03 PM
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: "Racial justice demands attention because the aging prison population disproportionately affects communities of color due to historical sentencing disparities."
Join us this Thursday at 5:30PM at 12 Mile Limit for a night of fun, community, and impact! Every dollar raised fuels the fight for justice and supports PJI’s work right here in #Louisiana.
October 7, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Join us this Thursday at 5:30PM at 12 Mile Limit for a night of fun, community, and impact! Every dollar raised fuels the fight for justice and supports PJI’s work right here in #Louisiana.
"So when I say that Angola is the worst place that I have ever been, I say it with the painful expertise of many years behind bars. I am here not because... I committed any new crime...I am here because ICE is rounding up everyone they can."
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/l...
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/l...
I won protection from torture in El Salvador. At Angola, I now face torture by the U.S. government.
A person held in detention at a newly created immigration unit in Angola prison says ICE is not providing medical care or allowing regular communication with the outside world.
veritenews.org
October 3, 2025 at 5:56 PM
"So when I say that Angola is the worst place that I have ever been, I say it with the painful expertise of many years behind bars. I am here not because... I committed any new crime...I am here because ICE is rounding up everyone they can."
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/l...
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/l...
Researcher and "Secrets of the Killing State" author @corinnabarrettlain.bsky.social's author talk was equal parts informative and illuminating when it comes to the secrecy surrounding executions generally speaking as well as how lethal injections have become more commonplace as an execution method.
September 29, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Researcher and "Secrets of the Killing State" author @corinnabarrettlain.bsky.social's author talk was equal parts informative and illuminating when it comes to the secrecy surrounding executions generally speaking as well as how lethal injections have become more commonplace as an execution method.
It's said prisons don't solve problems, they only disappear them from our communities. What problems are further exacerbated when combining the heat & humidity of #Louisiana w/the confinement, power imbalance, additional abuses, and lack of autonomy & care found within a prison? #CarceralClimates
September 26, 2025 at 7:35 PM
It's said prisons don't solve problems, they only disappear them from our communities. What problems are further exacerbated when combining the heat & humidity of #Louisiana w/the confinement, power imbalance, additional abuses, and lack of autonomy & care found within a prison? #CarceralClimates
Unable to join us IRL. Register to watch this urgent and important discussion virtually here: bit.ly/sotks-watch
September 25, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Unable to join us IRL. Register to watch this urgent and important discussion virtually here: bit.ly/sotks-watch
We invite you to join us tomorrow at the Community Book Center for an author talk between PJI's Samantha Kennedy and "Secrets of the Killing State" author, researcher and law professor, @corinnabarrettlain.bsky.social on lethal injections and the secrecy surrounding this execution method.
September 24, 2025 at 3:31 PM
We invite you to join us tomorrow at the Community Book Center for an author talk between PJI's Samantha Kennedy and "Secrets of the Killing State" author, researcher and law professor, @corinnabarrettlain.bsky.social on lethal injections and the secrecy surrounding this execution method.
The #NOLA Noname Book Club (NNBC) chapter returns this Sat to John Thompson Legacy Center for 1PM! Each month a book written by a Black author is chosen and discussed. September's pick is "Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde. Interested in attending? DM us for more info.
September 22, 2025 at 3:38 PM
The #NOLA Noname Book Club (NNBC) chapter returns this Sat to John Thompson Legacy Center for 1PM! Each month a book written by a Black author is chosen and discussed. September's pick is "Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde. Interested in attending? DM us for more info.
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: "Prisons also perpetuate and exacerbate the very climate hazards they are woefully unprepared to face."
Even without climate change, prisons around the country have billions of dollars worth of deferred maintenance just to stop the walls from crumbling and keep the lights and the heat on. Now, climate change is turning already miserable conditions inside of prisons into life-threatening ones.
As Prisons Deal With Heat Waves, Climate Crisis Makes Abolition Even More Urgent
While the planet continues to warm, conditions in prisons, and specifically in solitary confinement, continue to worsen.
buff.ly
September 16, 2025 at 6:45 PM
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: "Prisons also perpetuate and exacerbate the very climate hazards they are woefully unprepared to face."
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: “Law enforcement illegally withholding evidence from defendants is a leading cause of wrongful convictions that is particularly prevalent in Louisiana."
veritenews.org/2025/08/27/a...
veritenews.org/2025/08/27/a...
Will an overturned murder rap free this Angola prisoner?
Keith Ezidore has been in prison in Angola for 34 years of his daughter’s life. With his conviction recently overturned, there’s a chance he may soon come home.
veritenews.org
September 15, 2025 at 5:03 PM
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: “Law enforcement illegally withholding evidence from defendants is a leading cause of wrongful convictions that is particularly prevalent in Louisiana."
veritenews.org/2025/08/27/a...
veritenews.org/2025/08/27/a...
Join us on Thurs, 9/25 for an important discussion b/w PJI's Samantha Kennedy & author @corinnabarrettlain.bsky.social Lain on her book, "Secrets of the Killing State." This event will explore the troubling realities of #lethalinjection and its implications in Louisiana. 🔗: bit.ly/sotks-nola
September 12, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Join us on Thurs, 9/25 for an important discussion b/w PJI's Samantha Kennedy & author @corinnabarrettlain.bsky.social Lain on her book, "Secrets of the Killing State." This event will explore the troubling realities of #lethalinjection and its implications in Louisiana. 🔗: bit.ly/sotks-nola
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: “The state was aware that the (heat) index could rise rapidly within within periods of less than an hour, yet protection remained inadequate to prevent serious harm."
#TheLensNola🔍 Order continues for the second consecutive summer. Once the heat index hits 88 degrees, the DOC must provide some relief to the men working for pennies an hour in the prison’s fields.
✍️ Bernard Smith
Full Story 🔗: buff.ly/T6P6YPk
✍️ Bernard Smith
Full Story 🔗: buff.ly/T6P6YPk
September 11, 2025 at 6:51 PM
#CurrentlyReading ➡️: “The state was aware that the (heat) index could rise rapidly within within periods of less than an hour, yet protection remained inadequate to prevent serious harm."