The Just Trust

Last month in collaboration with A24 and Oscar-nominated film 'Sing Sing,' we were able to produce an intimate performance of 'Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code'—the first time the play has been shown in 20 years. Many of the formerly incarcerated actors who played themselves in the film participated, including "Divine Eye" Maclin, Sean “Dino” Johnson, and John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield. First presented in 2005 at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, actors were able to bring their show back to life in the East Village for a full audience. To quote Dino Johnson, "I just want to mention that the arts saved me. It was love coming back together." To read more: https://bit.ly/4kNneH6

While this headline might suggest an overnight switch, The Just Trust has long prepared to be a financial center of gravity for the field of criminal justice reform. This means that we bring money in and move money out, in addition to a suite of other services — from public opinion and messaging research, to advocacy and philanthropic advising, to narrative change work. In a time when the funding needed to improve our justice system is shrinking overall, The Just Trust is here to be a stable home for first investments, last investments, and bets big and small, and to maximize/aggregate dollars to fund the most impactful work out there. Call us a funding intermediary, call us a philanthropic venture, the takeaway still stands. We’re here to build the next generation of investors in justice reform, to move us towards the systems of safety, accountability, and justice that Americans are asking for.

I’m heartbroken by the passing of my former colleague, Grant Smith. He was one of the kindest people I’ve had the privilege of working with, and his unwavering commitment to justice left a lasting impact. As a grantee of The Just Trust, Drug Policy Alliance has and continues to do amazing work, and Grant was a huge part of making that happen. We are standing with DPA and Grant’s entire community as we grieve the loss of our friend, colleague, and justice advocate, Grant Smith. 

Safety results from investment in community well-being, healing, and racial equity. Our partners at Equal Justice USA are building community safety by strengthening and expanding community-driven solutions to violence that will be the foundation for a justice system that heals instead of harms. With real commitment and resources, we can invest in creating pathways to safer, stronger communities. To learn more about the work Equal Justice USA is doing in their communities, visit our website.

Alice Marie Johnson’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of second chances. After surviving a life sentence for a nonviolent offense, she transformed her freedom into a mission—advocating for those still incarcerated. The Trump Administration is now considering naming her "Pardon Czar" and that's a decision we'd not only love to see, but strongly support! https://loom.ly/mbopH7w

There are more than 80 million justice-impacted people in America. That’s 80 million human stories. Stories of Worst Mistakes. Of Redemption and Resilience. Of Hope and Talent waiting to be tapped. Larry Miller is one of those stories. From the streets of Philly to prison to a college degree to becoming Chairman of the Jordan Brand NIKE , his story proves the power in possibility when people take ownership of their past and are provided access to Education, Employment, and Economic Mobility. JUMP is here to create a world of opportunity where everyone can fly. Imagine if we had 80 million Larry Millers. Join the movement: www.jumpproject.org | Powered by The Just Trust

This All-Star Weekend, we’re launching JUMP, a new project of The Just Trust, inspired by our board member Larry Miller. JUMP will connect people returning from prison with career pathways in sports, entertainment, and beyond—because talent shouldn’t go to waste. Larry and Ken Oliver sat down with Essence to talk about what’s ahead: https://loom.ly/VmwvSfs Stay tuned for more on JUMP this week.

For the first time in 20 years, Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code—the play at the heart of Sing Sing—was performed again. But this time, not within prison walls, but on an off-Broadway stage, with the original, formerly incarcerated cast, in front of a packed house of media, funders, and cultural leaders. This event was about more than a film. It was about the power of storytelling, redemption, and ensuring the voices behind Sing Sing are heard far beyond the big screen. We are so grateful to have played a small part in pushing forward this film AND the amazing cast and crew behind the scenes. ALSO Thrilled to see this covered in People—read more here: https://loom.ly/l1jVuOs

A powerful reflection from our Senior Program Officer, Neha Raval, on the passing of Kiah Duggins—a civil rights leader and trailblazer. Please take a moment to read. The Just Trust extends our deepest condolences to Kiah’s family, friends, and our partners at Civil Rights Corps. Her impact will not be forgotten.

IT'S LAUNCH DAY! We're so excited to share the first two episodes from our new pod w/ Lemonada Media which features our CEO Ana Zamora as host. Up first: Christina Dent, Founder & President of End it For Good and one of the nation's leading Drug Policy reform advocates. Tune in here: https://lnkd.in/gAHXRvsG