Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) was founded in 2007 by a multidisciplinary group—predominantly people of color — who believed families and communities engaged in social justice movements need a team of lawyers, social scientists, community organizers, and media specialists to support them in their efforts to dismantle structural racism and oppression. Rooted in the South — which we define as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia — our work is grounded in deep, trust-based relationships with community-based organizations across the region.
Our Mission
SCSJ partners with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities across the South to defend and advance their political, social, and economic rights. Through an intersectional and interdisciplinary approach centered on voting rights, justice system reform, and environmental justice, we combine legal advocacy, litigation, research, and strategic communications to expand access to justice for all.
SCSJ uses community lawyering to confront challenges faced by communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities.
Our Vision
When communities are empowered with the tools and strategies to pursue their own goals, they come to know — through lived experience — their power to effect meaningful change on the issues that shape their lives.
Our Approach
SCSJ’s distinctive, base-building model of community lawyering is rooted in the priorities of the diverse communities we serve and shaped by the interconnected realities of racial justice. This approach guides every aspect of our work, ensuring those most affected by injustice are not only heard, but lead the way in confronting the challenges they face. We are deeply committed to providing long-term, responsive support that centers community needs rather than institutional agendas and delivers the most effective outcomes through litigation, legal advocacy, research, and strategic communications.
Our Values
Providing legal representation for marginalized communities who might otherwise go unheard.
Supporting impacted communities to create lasting, positive change and dismantle structural inequities.
Grounding our priorities in community voices, ensuring our work is driven by those most affected.
Our Core Programs and Goals
SCSJ’s core programs — Voting Rights, Justice System Reform, and Environmental Justice — are strengthened by our integrated Research and Communications teams, enabling a holistic, community-driven approach that improves outcomes for people across the South. Together, these efforts advance justice across generations by expanding access to the legal system and confronting its structural inequities that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Through our interdisciplinary model, we equip communities with the tools to be their own agents of change.
Strengthen and defend democracy by ensuring disenfranchised communities can advocate for fair policies and districts, have their voices and votes counted equally, and elect representatives who are truly accountable to their needs.
Advance social, economic, and racial justice by supporting and strengthening communities most impacted by mass incarceration, while working to build a less punitive, more accountable criminal legal system that fosters safety, healing, and equity.
Counter environmental inequities and discriminatory land use practices by empowering community leadership and agency to impact decisions affecting their health and the environment.
Provide quantitative data collection, research, and analysis in support of litigation and policy advocacy in the Voting Rights, Justice System Reform, and Environmental Justice program areas.
Support underserved communities in fighting injustice and sharing their stories through powerful strategies — from traditional media engagement to educational events and initiatives — so they can better advocate for their rights and reach key decision makers.