The Alliance of Families for Justice (AFJ) is a left-of-center criminal justice reform advocacy organization based in New York City. Founded in 2016, the organization claims it aims to end the, “abuses of human rights behind bars and halting the era of mass criminalization.” 1
Soffiyah Elijah is the executive director of the AFJ, serving in the role since its inception in 2016. Prior to this, she worked as executive director of the Correctional Association of NY (CANY), served as Deputy Director and Clinical Instructor at the Criminal Justice Institute at Harvard Law School, and was the Director and Supervising Attorney of the Defender Clinic at the City University of New York School of Law. 2
Advisory Board
As of 2024, convicted domestic terrorist and radical left activist Susan Rosenberg is listed as an advisory board member of the AFJ. 34 Previously a member of the violent radical group Weather Underground, she was arrested and sentenced to 58 years in federal prison after being arrested for possession of explosives and weapons during the planning of a number of bombing operations. 5 Following her release in 2001 when then-President Bill Clinton commuted her sentence, Rosenberg has served with a number of left-wing advocacy groups including Thousand Currents and American Jewish World Service. 67 The AFJ previously labeled Rosenberg as a “political prisoner,” who also spoke at an event marking their launch in 2016. 4
Adeel Mangi, the nominee for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals by President Joe Biden, is also listed as a member of the AFJ’s advisory board, serving with the group since 2019. 43
To begin a leadership and organizing program for formerly incarcerated young adults
$175,000
2022
Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies
A renewal general operating grant supporting the grantee’s mission to support, empower, and mobilize families and individuals impacted by the criminal justice system so they can marshal their collective power to create a just world.
AFJ seeks support to continue their efforts in supporting family members with incarcerated loved ones and those returning home through advocacy on decarceration efforts. AFJ’s leadership team participates in coalitions and organizing bodies that push for the closure of Rikers Island, the elimination of cruel and excessive conditions within facilities, the complete overhaul of agencies overseeing facilities, and the care of incarcerated individuals.
Alliance of Families for Justice (AFJ) seeks support to sustain their programs serving young women and community members aged 16-24. With additional funds, AFJ plans to expand access to mental health services for the participants in the Youth Empowerment Program through retreats, one-on-one consultations with culturally competent providers in addition to legal support and other direct services. AFJ mission is to serve and support women, TGNC individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system. Additional funds will allow AFJ to reach out to girls younger than 16 access free mental health services and improve outreach and services for LGBTQ+ community members. In addition to mental health services AFJ creates opportunities for advocacy, youth organizing and political education of girls and youth in Harlem and NYC with growing connections statewide.
FIRST-TIME SUPPORT FOR NEW YORK CITY SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY TO ENGAGE CULTURALLY COMPETENT THERAPISTS FOR BLACK AND LATINX YOUTH WHOSE LOVED ONES ARE JUSTICE-INVOLVED.
