“Black people should not have to be perfect to stay alive, be seen, and be loved. Black History Month is not just telling stories of how we have been ‘exceptional.’ It is about embracing the fullness of our lives and creating a world where we are free to be human.”

The 2022 theme for Black History Month is Health and Wellness, and we couldn't have picked a better topic to define what AJC's internal focus is.

As many of you know, our Executive Director Chas Moore is fresh off of a sabbatical that was necessary and well deserved. For many years, Chas and what was then volunteer staff, worked day in and day out without rest. Regardless of whether we felt victory or defeat in a battle, the next question was always, "What's next?". Which is why AJC is committed to shifting how we work and aims to be an example of what thriving Black health and wellness looks like. It's okay to take moments to breathe and rest. It is our birthright to do so.

The health and wellness of Black Americans is much broader than what it was in the past. Black folks are meditating, creating boundaries, eating better, talking more, laughing more, working out, and making healthier, conscious life choices for themselves. Mental health is less stigmatized in our communities, and people are genuinely working through their mental health without shame and guilt. And what a happy day it is to see Black folks working collectively to heal and transform generationally.


 

What's New w/ AJC
 

Growing with a familiar face! Austin Justice Coalition is proud to announce the newest addition to our team, Policy Manager Amber Watts (she/her) ! Amber is considered a founding member of AJC and our Higher Learning Youth Program.  We are so excited to finally have her on the team full-time. 

Amber Watts is a Black queer woman with a background in restorative practices, education justice work, leading social justice teams, and facilitating professional learnings, affinity groups, and restorative circles. Amber is a registered 200-hour yoga teacher that is committed to transforming systems and spaces into places where BIPOC (Black Indigenous People Of Color) both youth and adults are treated with the dignity and respect that they inherently deserve. Her passion for this work derives from her own experiences of racism. Amber has consistently demonstrated her commitment to anti-racism, equity, and social justice throughout her life via her involvement in activism, advocacy, community engagement, volunteerism, and facilitation of learning and sharing sessions. Amber is a proud partner, bonus parent, daughter, sister, aunt, and a dedicated member of her loving community.

Our new office includes space for all staff to work closely and safely, a lounge area to rest and recuperate, and a Media Center in the works. We have slowly rolled into using our space and filling it up with all the Justice Vibes Only!

Our small office at 3804 Cherrywood on the east side of the building is still open and reservable to the community for small meetings.  

Contact us at info@austinjustice.org 

DOPE Inaugural Assembly

March 5th, 10:00 AM

Saturday, March 5th, AJC invites you to the first DOPE Quarterly Assembly of 2022! Everyone is welcome to show up and join your district team! During this assembly, you will have an opportunity to learn more about DOPE, meet our new DOPE leads, and help us build and shape what the DOPE strategy will look like in your district. As a collaborative effort, we will be creating space for every participant to help us identify the needs and challenges within their district, build relationships with other organizers and volunteers, and help shape a district organizing vision.

AJC Spotlight

Last year's Texas power crisis taught us how important it was to have boots on the ground during the Texas Power Crisis, and this year's freeze was no different. Austin Justice Coalition joined 20 other organizations and hundreds of volunteers and donors to provide direct support for those in need. We are always so amazed at how rapidly you all respond during these times, and we are truly grateful for your donations.

With your help, we were able to give out hundreds of blankets, sleeping bags, tents, clean socks, gloves, beanies, towels, and umbrellas to those who were at the greatest risk of exposure to cold weather. Our volunteers were not only able to provide meals, rides, and support to our unhoused neighbors all over the city. We were also able to help operate an extra emergency shelter at Southwest Key for those who did not make it into cold weather shelters before curfew.  

We want to spotlight our Organizing Director, Joao Paulo! JP is always quick to spring into action when a rapid response is needed. JP spent days and nights organizing both on and off the streets. Thank you, JP, for your leadership and hard work. 

“Liberation becomes possible when we refuse to treat people as disposable, when we refuse to grow numb or indifferent to those who have been consistently neglected by outdated systems—when we meet people where they are at, listen to their needs, and walk with them towards collective change.” - Joao Paulo Connolly
 

Austin Winter Response Collaborative Participating Organizations:

Community Resilience Trust ATX , Austin Area Urban League, Austin Mutual Aid ProyectoTeatro Austin , Little Herds, El Buen Samaritano, Good Work Austin, Gladiator Consulting, Maximizing Hope, The Other Ones Foundation, We Can Now, 10,000 Fearless First Responders Headquarters, Central Texas Allied Health Institute, Go Austin/Vamos Austin, Southwest Key Programs, The Little Petal Alliance, Walking By Faith Prison Ministry, Runner City, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, and Our Shared Kitchen

Radical Readers, a book club hosted by Austin Justice Coalition taking a pause to regroup, restrategize, and rethink. For years, this book club was a staple in-person meeting for our community but like many things, COVID changed that. Our book club has been meeting via Zoom for 2 years now, and we know Zoom burnout is real. 

Our Digital Communications Manager Alleyha Dannet is happily leading the revamp and has lots of ideas and plans in the work. We are looking forward to the future of Radical Readers and can’t wait to share more with you in the coming months. 

Stay Tuned!

General Body Meeting
March 1st, 6:30 PM 

Join Austin Justice Coalition for our March General Body Meeting (GBM). GBM is every first Tuesday of the month. If you're new to AJC, this is the place to learn about our work and ways you can engage in your community.

At the end of each meeting, you will hear from other community members and organizations.

We are currently still hosting our meetings virtually. March’s GBM will be hosted by our Senior Policy Director, Sukyi and Asso. Comms Director, Ishia.