Workers Center for Racial Justice (WCRJ, Norman grantee 2013–2022) was established in 2012 by a group of formerly incarcerated Black workers in Chicago united by their shared experiences and challenges faced in accessing jobs due to their records. Through policy advocacy, leadership development, and grassroots organizing, WCRJ helps to remove barriers to employment and strengthen economic security for Black families in Illinois. They played a key role in passing legislation to “ban the box” (i.e., prevent employers from inquiring about criminal history on initial job applications), increase the state minimum wage, and improve protections for temporary workers, many of whom are formerly incarcerated workers. 

In 2021, WCRJ helped to achieve a landmark victory after introducing criminal justice reform legislation and providing testimony that led to the passage of the SAFE-T Act, one of the most comprehensive criminal justice reform bills in Illinois history. The law delivered significant changes to the justice system, including: a ban on chokeholds; mandatory body camera use by police officers; the inclusion of anonymous complaints in police investigations; requirements for police departments to report misconduct to the state; a new process to decertify officers for felony convictions, specific misdemeanors, and use of excessive force; and, the elimination of cash bail.

More info:

• Video: Introduction to WCRJ, by The Chicago Community Trust video on WCRJ, by The Chicago Community Trust: