COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
& JUSTICE INITIATIVES

The Community Engagement and Justice Initiatives Pillar at the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) focuses on building meaningful connections with Black and African Nova Scotian communities while working to address systemic barriers within the justice system. This pillar serves as a bridge between the community and ANSJI, providing resources, support, and advocacy to individuals, and communities. 

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Key aspects of this pillar include:

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1. Community Outreach and Education: Through presentations, information sessions, and community events, this pillar empowers the community through dialogue, legal knowledge, and awareness of available resources. It works to ensure that Black and African Nova Scotians are informed and supported in navigating the justice system.
    

2. Advocacy and Justice Reform: The pillar works to highlight and address the overrepresentation of African Nova Scotians within the criminal justice system. It advocates for culturally relevant, race-conscious justice processes, seeking systemic change that reflects the unique needs of the community.
    

3. Restorative Justice and Alternatives to Incarceration: The pillar emphasizes restorative justice initiatives that prioritize healing, community accountability, and rehabilitation over punitive measures. These programs are designed to reduce recidivism and provide African Nova Scotians with fairer, more compassionate outcomes within the justice system.
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The Community Engagement and Justice Initiatives Pillar is central to ANSJI's mission to create a more just and equitable justice system for African Nova Scotians, through a combination of education, advocacy, and direct community support.