Unmarked Graves, Unfinished Justice
By Terri Collins-GreenDirector of Social Work, Maryland Office of Public DefenderBoard Member, National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) In Maryland, the bodies of more than one hundred unidentified Black children were found in unmarked graves. These children—detained nearly 150 years ago at the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Boys—were left nameless, buried without dignity, and […]
The RJ & DEIJ Corner: Meetups & Events Recaps (April to June 2024)
In this update, NAPD’s DEIJ Coordinator, Brittany Gail Thomas (BGT), Esq., recaps recent NAPD meetups and events related to racial justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. APRIL 2024 Racial Justice Meetup: Public Defense, Racial Justice, & SWANA Communities Meetup Speaker: Bahar Mirhosseni, Esq., Gender & Criminal Justice Fellow, Cornell Center on Death Penalty Worldwide […]
A Plea for Change: Black History Month Edition
Dear NAPD Community: It is my great honor to write you as we commemorate the work, achievements, and history of Black people during the month of February in honor of Black History Month. Make no mistake, the challenges and obstacles that Black people face are experienced daily and their ability to overcome and persevere lasts […]
The DEIJ Meetup’s Season Starts Off Addressing DEI Fatigue & Burnout
by Brittany Gail Thomas, Esq., NAPD DEIJ Coordinator and Charles M. Fox, Jr., M.A.P.P., Guest Speaker BGT’s Take: On January 24th, the DEIJ Meetup held its first meetup of 2024. In true DEIJ Meetup fashion, NAPD members poured in one by one bringing the energy needed for us to have a brave and inclusive space. […]