Clean Slate Communications Toolkit
2023 Black History Month Edition
During Black History Month, it’s important to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals, but it’s also important to acknowledge the systemic barriers that prevent many Americans from reaching their full potential: like records. An arrest or conviction record has a devastating impact on employment, housing, and other opportunities, and Black communities are often hit hardest by the consequences of records. Nearly 15 million Black people - almost half of all Black adults - have a record of some kind. It's crucial that we work towards removing these barriers and creating a fair and just society for all.
The Clean Slate Initiative’s Marketing and Communications team put together this toolkit to provide resources for our partners and supporters to share social media content that weaves the thread between Black History Month and the Clean Slate movement.
The shareable content and customizable templates below include impact stats, sample social media copy, template social media graphics, and easy-to-share social media posts that highlight some of the Black Americans whose contributions, achievements, and sacrifices inspire our work here at The Clean Slate Initiative. Please feel free to use these resources to share your support for Black History — and the Clean Slate movement — this month.
↓ Use the buttons below to jump to each section in the toolkit.
Impact Stats
Use the graphics and stats below to share impact-related social posts for Black History Month, or create your own graphics using our customizable stat templates.
Nearly 15 million Black people - almost half of all Black adults - have a record of some kind.
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At least 4 million Black people would receive full record clearance if all 50 states passed Clean Slate's policy minimums.
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More than 7 million Black people would get at least one conviction record cleared if all 50 states passed Clean Slate's policy minimums.
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1.8 million Black people would get at least one non-conviction record cleared if all 50 states passed Clean Slate's policy minimums.
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Nearly 10 million Black people - nearly 1 in every 3 Black adults - would get at least one conviction or non-conviction record cleared if all 50 states passed Clean Slate's policy minimums.
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In 46 states, a Black person is more likely to have a record than a white person.
Sample Social Media Posts
Use the sample copy below for quick social posts about the impact of records on Black Americans.
Tag The Clean Slate Initiative in your posts using the handles below:
Twitter: @cleanslate_init
Instagram: @cleanslateinitiative
Facebook: @CSICleanSlateInitiative
LinkedIn: Clean Slate Initiative
This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re highlighting some of the Black Americans whose contributions, achievements, and sacrifices inspire our work at @CleanSlate_Init. Which people or events from Black History inspire you?
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Learning from #BlackHistory can help us build a better future for all - a future where a child’s circumstance does not limit their ability to shape their path in life. Unfortunately, a Black child in the US today is 6 times more likely to have a parent with a record than a white child, and that record can trap families in a cycle of poverty. Children deserve every opportunity to shape their own future. #CleanSlate laws can help break those cycles of poverty.
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We appreciate #BlackHistoryMonth honoring people who sought to ensure Black Americans have the same opportunities that we all deserve. #CleanSlate laws can help families build financial stability after people have paid their debt to society. On average, the wages of people who receive expungements increase by more than 20 percent just one year after a record has been cleared. Let’s celebrate #BlackHistory by building a better future for all.
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During #BlackHistoryMonth, let's not only celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals, but also acknowledge the systemic barriers that prevent many Americans from reaching their full potential. One of these barriers is the impact of an arrest or conviction record on employment, housing, and other opportunities. It's crucial that we work towards removing these barriers and creating a fair and just society for all. #BlackHistoryMonth #CleanSlate #SecondChance
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As we reflect on Black History Month, let's challenge ourselves to rethink the way we view individuals impacted by the legal system. When we think about people with an arrest or conviction record, we often have a stereotype in mind. But with 1 in 3 Americans having a record, it’s clear that people who face barriers because of their record come from all walks of life and are deserving of a fair chance at rebuilding their lives and contributing to society. #BlackHistoryMonth #CleanSlate #SecondChance
Quotes to Remember
Use the graphics below to share these memorable quotes for Black History Month, or create your own quote graphics using our customizable templates. If you’re looking for post copy inspiration, see our sample social media posts about the impact of records on Black Americans.
Highlighting History: Black Americans Who Inspire Us
To use the social media posts below, copy and paste the post text into your post, and click the button below each row of photos to use the customizable templates to make the graphics your own.
CARTER G. WOODSON
SAMPLE FACEBOOK/IG POST:
Every February we take time to recognize, reflect, and celebrate the stories, achievements, and central role of Black Americans in the United States.
Carter G. Woodson is often called "father of black history” and dedicated much of his life to studying the important roles of Black Americans throughout history. [INSERT ORGANIZATION] recognizes the importance of celebrating the many Black voices that inspire the work we do today.
SAMPLE TWITTER POST:
Carter G. Woodson is often called "father of #BlackHistoryMonth” and dedicated much of his life to studying the important roles of Black Americans throughout history. [INSERT ORGANIZATION] recognizes the importance of celebrating the many Black voices that inspire the work we do today.
GARRETT MORGAN
SAMPLE FACEBOOK/IG POST:
As we celebrate how Black History inspires the work of [INSERT ORGANIZATION], today we lift up Garrett Morgan. Garrett Morgan overcame barrier after barrier in pursuit of innovation and problem-solving.
Morgan's innovative problem-solving approach encourages us to continue to advocate for #SecondChance and effective ways to ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
SAMPLE TWITTER POST:
In celebrating how #BlackHistory inspires the work of [INSERT ORGANIZATION], we honor Garrett Morgan. Morgan's innovative problem-solving approach encourages us to continue to advocate for #SecondChance policies and effective ways to ensure equal opportunities for all.
ALICE COACHMAN
SAMPLE FACEBOOK/IG POST:
Alice Coachman was a fierce athlete who embodied determination, perseverance, and resilience. She achieved her dreams despite the many obstacles and challenges that stood in her way. She inspires [INSERT ORGANIZATION] to work towards #CleanSlate by removing barriers and creating fair chances for everyone to pursue their dreams.
SAMPLE TWITTER POST:
Alice Coachman embodied perseverance and resilience. She achieved her dreams despite the many obstacles and challenges that stood in her way & inspires [INSERT ORGANIZATION] to work towards breaking barriers and creating #SecondChances for everyone to pursue their dreams.
DR. REBECCA LEE CRUMPLER
SAMPLE FACEBOOK/IG POST:
“I early conceived a liking for, and sought every opportunity to relieve the sufferings of others.” - Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler.
Dr. Crumpler’s dedicated pursuit of cultivating her skills and passions to serve others inspires the work of [INSERT ORGANIZATION]. We will continue to work towards solutions to ensure that everyone has a #SecondChance & a fair opportunity to use their skills and passions to contribute to their communities.
SAMPLE TWITTER POST:
Dr. Crumpler’s dedicated pursuit of cultivating her skills and passions to serve others inspires the work of [INSERT ORGANIZATION]. We will continue to work towards solutions to ensure that everyone has a #SecondChance & a fair opportunity to use their skills and passions to contribute to their communities.
BILLIE HOLIDAY
SAMPLE FACEBOOK/IG POST:
Billie Holiday’s voice moved many during her performances, while the impact of her bravery and resilience can still be heard today.
Billie Holiday’s life inspires the efforts of [INSERT ORGANIZATION] as we continue to work towards removing barriers and solutions to ensure that everyone has a shot at redemption. #CleanSlate
SAMPLE TWITTER POST:
Billie Holiday’s voice moved many during her performances, while the impact of her bravery and resilience can still be heard today.
Her life inspires the efforts of [INSERT ORGANIZATION] as we work towards removing barriers to ensure that everyone has a shot at redemption and a #CleanSlate.
ROBERT SENGSTACKE ABBOTT
SAMPLE FACEBOOK/IG POST:
Robert S. Abbott created opportunities for other Black Americans to express themselves through poetry and other avenues of expression.
Abbott’s passion to encourage a community of creativity inspires [INSERT ORGANIZATION] to work towards a community where everyone has fair and meaningful opportunities to cultivate their passions. #CleanSlate
SAMPLE TWITTER POST:
Abbott’s passion to encourage a community of creativity inspires [INSERT ORGANIZATION] to work towards a community where everyone has fair and meaningful opportunities to cultivate their passions. #CleanSlate
FANNIE LOU HAMER
SAMPLE FACEBOOK/IG POST:
“Never to forget where we came from and always praise the bridges that carried us over.” - Fannie Lou Hamer
Fannie Lou Hamer fearlessly pursued the right to vote for everyone. Hamer’s dedication inspires the work of [INSERT ORGANIZATION] and many other others, past and present who work everyone has the opportunity to participate in our democracy.
SAMPLE TWITTER POST:
Fannie Lou Hamer fearlessly pursued the right to vote for everyone. Hamer’s dedication inspires the work of [INSERT ORGANIZATION] and many other others, past and present who work everyone has the opportunity to participate in our democracy.
SIDNEY POITIER
SAMPLE FACEBOOK/IG POST:
Sidney Poiter opened the doors for countless Black artists in succeeding generations. He is widely admired for his embodiment of hope, excellence, and equality.
Poiter inspires the work of [INSERT ORGANIZATION] as we advocate for everyone to have fair and meaningful opportunities. It’s time for [insert state] to pass #CleanSlate.
SAMPLE TWITTER POST:
Sidney Poiter opened the doors for countless Black artists in succeeding generations. Poiter inspires the work of [INSERT ORGANIZATION] as we advocate for everyone to have fair and meaningful opportunities. It’s time for [insert state] to pass #CleanSlate.
GORDON PARKS
SAMPLE FACEBOOK/IG POST:
Using his camera, Gordon Parks told the stories of many Black Americans. His portraits helped to inspire change by shedding light on the obstacles and inhustices faced by Black Americans.
Gordan Parks inspires [INSERT ORGANIZATION] to share the stories of the millions of Americans who deserve a #SecondChance and a shot at redemption through #CleanSlate policies.
SAMPLE TWITTER POST:
Using his camera, Gordon Parks told the stories of many Black Americans. He inspires [INSERT ORGANIZATION] to share the stories of the millions of Americans who deserve a #SecondChance and a shot at redemption through #CleanSlate policies.
Fully-Customizable Templates
Use the templates below to create graphics that highlight Black leaders in your community, choose your own historic Black figures to highlight, or plug in your own Black History Month content. Have fun creating — the possibilities are endless!