JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORM
How We Support Second Chances
We focus on helping individuals who have experienced involvement with the criminal legal system to navigate the reentry process with dignity, stability, and hope. Reentry is rarely a straightforward and effortless process, leaving many directly impacted individuals alone on the journey back to their communities. We are committed to a holistic reentry process that ensures individuals are championed at every step of the way and which fights against the lack of outreach, resources, and structural support that presently exists.
For many people, obtaining gainful employment or housing is contingent on their ability to clear their records. Through our Clean Slate initiatives and toolkits, we advocate for an accessible expungement process so that every person has a meaningful and dignified opportunity for a second chance.
Chuck Manning Reentry & Rebuild Project
Our Chuck Manning Reentry & Rebuild Project focuses on bridging the gaps facing those who are, or have been, involved with the criminal legal system by:
- Providing direct support to people coming home from incarceration;
- Connecting people to programs and resources to help navigate the reentry process;
- Identifying and serving the short-term and long-term needs of those who have been system-involved with a focus on dignity, stability, and opportunity;
- Promoting the often-unseen work of others in the reentry space; and
- Advocating for greater attention, resources, and support for reentry programs.
Chukwuemeka “Chuck” Ajiri Manning Sr., who died in June 2023, was a tireless justice innovator and a mighty force for good. A Durham native, Chuck mentored, reached, and supported anyone who may have been struggling or needed a hand up. Through his own lived experiences, Chuck understood the challenges of an unjust legal system, the stigma and obstacles returning citizens face after incarceration, and the importance of a strong community in navigating such hardships.
Sala Abdallah, a community organizer with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, credits Chuck as essential for his own reentry and development. “Chuck impacted so many people’s lives in such a positive way,” he said. “He was my mentor. He was my big brother. He was family.”
With the blessing of Chuck’s family and close friends, SCSJ is proud to honor Chuck’s legacy in this way.
The Process of Reentry
Reentry is seldom a straightforward and effortless process, leaving many formerly incarcerated individuals alone in the journey back to their communities. A lack of outreach, resources, and structural support does not allow individuals to foresee barriers to successful reentry, or make it easy for them to identify solutions.
Southern Coalition for Social Justice is committed to a transparent and robust reentry process that ensures individuals are championed at every step of the way.
Second Chance Resources
Direct Support
SCSJ is committed to providing direct support to people who are rebuilding their lives after coming home from prison or jail.
Clean Slate Stories
In 2014, we set up a camera and asked people with criminal records to share their stories. This is what they told us.Second Chances News
SCSJ Releases Umar Muhammad Clean Slate Toolkit Updates, Recommendations for Expanding Second Chances
DURHAM, N.C. (November 25, 2024) — Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) has released an updated copy of the Umar Muhammad Clean Slate toolkit, which helps individuals determine their expunction relief eligibility and the steps to remove charges and convictions from their records, making it possible for them to economically and socially better their lives. …
Read More SCSJ Releases Umar Muhammad Clean Slate Toolkit Updates, Recommendations for Expanding Second Chances
Human Rights Organizations Demand Prison Population Reduction to Ease Overcrowding After Hurricane Helene
RALEIGH , N.C. (Oct. 31, 2024) — North Carolina human rights organizations signed onto a letter to demand the release of 400 incarcerated women and 1,500 incarcerated men to ease dangerous, inhumane overcrowding after evacuations and shut-downs due to Hurricane Helene. The ACLU of NC, Disability Law United, Disability Rights NC, Emancipate NC, Forward Justice,…
Read More Human Rights Organizations Demand Prison Population Reduction to Ease Overcrowding After Hurricane Helene