It’s Black History Month!
A time where we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals, while also acknowledging the systemic barriers that prevent many people in America from reaching their full potential: like records.
While February is the time when our country celebrates Black history, The Clean Slate Initiative centers Black history year-round through our work to automatically clear records and provide justice-impacted individuals with a second chance.
There are many people throughout history that have inspired our work here at The Clean Slate Initiative like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Billie Holiday – Black Americans that contributed something great despite the stigma that their records held. We believe that everyone has the capacity to contribute greatness to their families and community—and they deserve the opportunity to do so.
It is our goal at The Clean Slate Initiative to do our part to contribute to the solution to ensure racial equity in America. A large part of that is ensuring Black and Brown Americans have a fair opportunity to access record clearance.
Clean Slate Contributing to the Solution
Research shows that 70-100 million people in America are impacted by the criminal legal system. Of those 70-100 million, 15 million Black adults - almost half of all Black adults - have a record of some kind.
Having a record in America can create significant barriers to employment opportunities, safe housing, and new opportunities. There are tens of thousands of individuals who are eligible for record clearance, but can’t get relief because the current process in most states is complex and costly.
With Black people in America being more likely to be stopped, arrested, charged, and incarcerated than whites – Black individuals face significant barriers when living with a record. It is our goal at The Clean Slate Initiative to contribute to building racial equity through automatic record clearance.
The Impact of Clean Slate in States
The courage and resilience of the millions of Black Americans who continue to work towards achieving their dreams despite the barriers they face continues to inspire Clean Slate to advocate for everyone to have a #SecondChance.
#BlackHistoryMonth is a time to reflect on the advocates that worked towards ensuring everyone had fair and equitable access to quality education. In 1954, Brown v. Board of Education was a step towards ensuring equity in education for all races. Today, 72% of colleges and universities use background checks to screen applicants’ criminal records. #CleanSlate helps ensure everyone has fair access to education opportunities.
During #BlackHistoryMonth, let's celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals and 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. We must work towards removing these barriers and creating a fair and just society for all. #BlackHistoryMonth #CleanSlate #SecondChance
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.
Partner Events
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Clean Slate NY Town Hall: 2.9.24
Join us for the Clean Slate Townhall, hosted by the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition. This event is dedicated to exploring the Clean Slate Law with a focus on Restorative Justice. Discover how restorative practices can bring transformational change to the lives of at-risk tenants facing housing instability and justice-impacted individuals.
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Lansing Expungement Fair: 2.16.24
11am - 2:45pm
Allen Neighborhood Center
1611 E Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48933 -
Delaware Center for Justice Second Chances Town Hall: 2.21.24
Get ready to join the conversation and make your voice heard on the pressing issue of record clearance in Delaware. Discover the steps you can take now to clear your record and gain insight into the upcoming Clean Slate implementation in August 2024.
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Texas Day of Empathy: 2.23.24
Join partners in Texas for a day of inspiration, empowerment, and advocacy at the "Day Of Empathy for Texas." This event is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the Clean Slate Initiative legislation, with a special focus on youth impacted by the legal system.
By signing up for this event, you agree to receive updates from the event organizer and Dream.org.
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Clean Slate Delaware Community Solutions Conversations: 2.27.24
Partner in Delaware want to hear from you! Join the Clean Slate Delaware campaign at their Community Solutions Conversation at the Kingswood Community Center on Tuesday, February 27, from 5:30-7 p.m. to discuss solutions to ensure that Clean Slate's implementation is as smooth as possible for the people who need that relief as soon as possible. Learn about the Clean Slate Delaware Community Solutions program, automated expungement process, record and eligibility screenings, and more
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Lunch and Learn Litigating Criminal Record Cases: Lessons from the Experts: 2.28.24
Join the National Record Clearing Project and Community Legal Services of Pennsylvania for a lunch and learn! Based on their litigation, Outten & Golden partners Ossai Miazad and Christopher McNerney will discuss issues such as:
• Case selection;
• Statistics and proving disparate impact;
• Remedies.
This program will benefit lawyers who want to better learn how civil rights litigation can be brought to bring change in the consideration of criminal records.
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Clean Slate Delaware Chat n' Chew: 2.29.24
Find your path to a clear record and a renewed future in Delaware! This session offers vital insights and support to pave the way for change.
Don't miss your chance to register - refreshments await!