Fredrick Douglas (1818 – 1895) called for an end to the convict lease system, which subjected prisoners to forced labor under brutal conditions. Douglass's writings and speeches helped raise awareness about the injustices of the criminal justice system.

In his speeches and writings, Frederick Douglass often criticized the injustices within the criminal justice system, particularly how it disproportionately impacted African Americans. He highlighted systemic issues such as racial bias in arrests, unfair trials, and harsh sentencing practices. Douglass argued that the criminal justice system often served to perpetuate racial oppression and economic inequality.

Douglass advocated for reforms that focused on rehabilitation and the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. He believed in the importance of providing education, vocational training, and opportunities for personal growth to individuals who had served their sentences. Douglass emphasized the need for a justice system that prioritized redemption and restoration rather than punitive measures.

Frederick Douglass was a vocal opponent of capital punishment (the death penalty). He argued that it was a cruel and unjust practice that did not deter crime and disproportionately targeted marginalized communities, including African Americans. Douglass believed that society should focus on addressing the root causes of crime and promoting social justice rather than resorting to punitive measures.

Elizabeth Gurley Flynn was a labor activist and was one of the founding members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a radical labor union that advocated for the rights of all workers, regardless of trade, gender, or race and the founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1920.

She was a fierce advocate for the rights of prisoners and campaigned against the death penalty, solitary confinement, and other forms of punishment that she viewed as cruel and unjust. Flynn's activism helped bring attention to the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform.

Howard Zehr, a criminologist and practitioner, is often credited with popularizing the term "restorative justice" and advancing its principles in contemporary justice systems. In 1977, Zehr published a groundbreaking book titled "Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and Justice," in which he introduced restorative justice as an alternative approach to conventional punitive justice. Zehr's work emphasized the importance of repairing harm, addressing the needs of victims and offenders, and promoting healing and reconciliation within communities affected by crime.

Zehr's approach to restorative justice is grounded in principles of human dignity, equality, and respect for all individuals. He believes in the inherent worth and value of every person, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background, and advocates for justice systems that prioritize healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of relationships. His writings and advocacy have had a significant impact on the development and implementation of restorative justice practices around the world.

Van Jones is a prominent civil rights activist, author, and commentator, known for his work on criminal justice reform and advocacy for social justice issues. He is the CEO of the REFORM Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system and improving outcomes for individuals impacted by the justice system. Through his work with REFORM Alliance and his broader advocacy efforts, Van Jones has been instrumental in advancing policy reforms, raising public awareness, and mobilizing support for prison reform initiatives across the United States.

Van Jones and his nonprofit, #cut50 led the winning campaign to pass the FIRST STEP Act — a bipartisan federal criminal justice bill that reforms federal prisons and sentencing laws1by requiring the Attorney General to develop a system to assess the recidivism risk and needs of all federal prisoners and to place them in programs and activities that reduce this risk and address their needs2. The bill aims to reduce recidivism, decrease the federal inmate population, and maintain public safety.

Born in Milton, Delaware, Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer and social justice activist. He founded the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), which focuses on ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States. His work has had a significant impact on civil rights and criminal justice reform on a national scale.

The EJI is a nonprofit based in Montgomery, Alabama, dedicated to providing legal representation to prisoners who may have been wrongfully convicted, unfairly sentenced, or otherwise denied a fair trial. The EJI also advocates for criminal justice reform and confronts issues of racial injustice within the legal system.

Throughout his career, Stevenson has achieved several landmark legal victories that have had far-reaching impacts on the criminal justice system in the United States. One notable example is his successful representation in the case of Miller v. Alabama (2012), where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life imprisonment without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional.

Stevenson's work extends beyond the courtroom, as he is also a prolific author and public speaker. His book "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" has garnered widespread acclaim and brought attention to issues of racial inequality, poverty, and mass incarceration in America.

Dr. Topeka K. Sam is a criminal justice reform advocate, founder of The Ladies of Hope Ministries, and co-founder of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls. Sam was a former federal prisoner who was sentenced to over 10 years in prison.

Upon her early release from the Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury (FCI Danbury) Sam became involved in helping women transition back into society after incarceration. She is a leading voice for the rights of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, advocating for reforms to the criminal justice system and policies that impact women and families affected by incarceration.

Through her work with The Ladies of Hope Ministries, Sam provides support and resources to women and girls impacted by the justice system, including housing, education, and reentry support. She also engages in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by women in prison and to promote policies that prioritize rehabilitation, reintegration, and equity within the justice system. Sam's leadership and advocacy have had a significant impact on the prison reform movement, particularly in advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls impacted by incarceration.