Blog
‘Police Policing Each Other’
Commenting in a recent News & Observer article, “Ties to Highway Patrol leadership raise questions in NC deputy’s killing” by Virginia Bridges, Dawn Blagrove, Executive Director of Emancipate NC, noted that it is highly unusual for so little information to be...
Kerwin Pittman Takes the Stage at the North Carolina Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference
At this year’s North Carolina Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference, Kerwin Pittman stood not just as a speaker, but as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of second chances. His presence on the stage marked a full-circle moment—one that resonated...
Dawn Blagrove Speaks with ABC11: Juvenile Crime in Wake County on the Decline, Data Shows
Dawn Blagrove spoke with ABC11 regarding a recent release of data showing that juvenile crime in Wake County is on the decline. "It's very encouraging that the numbers are going down," Blagrove said. "But we need to start addressing this issue with a scalpel and not a...
Dawn Blagrove to Present: Kerwin Pittman to be Honored at NC Black Summit
The 20th Annual NC Black Summit, hosted by NC Black Alliance, is set to convene leaders, advocates, and community members for a powerful gathering focused on strengthening Black civic engagement across the state. This year’s summit marks two decades of building,...
Proteus Fund Spotlights Emancipate NC’s Defense of Student Protestors
Proteus Fund recently highlighted Emancipate NC’s work—alongside Muslim Advocates—defending student protestors in North Carolina. The feature points to a major legal victory: a federal court blocked the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from enforcing...
Emancipate NC and the ACLU of NC Move to Restore Gender-Affirming Care in North Carolina Prisons
Emancipate NC, alongside the ACLU of North Carolina, has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction and requested class certification in a lawsuit challenging a harmful provision of House Bill 805. Passed in 2025 despite a veto by Josh Stein, the law restricts access...
Toia Potts Featured in TEDx Talk: “Motherhood Cannot Be Erased by the State”
Emancipate NC proudly celebrates Toia Potts, who recently delivered a powerful TEDx Talk at TEDxLake Alfred. In “Motherhood Cannot Be Erased By The State,” Toia challenges the legal and social frameworks that attempt to sever the bonds between parents and their...
Gerrymandering Your Cousins: Dawn Blagrove’s Remarks on the North Carolina Black Alliance Podcast
In the North Carolina Black Alliance podcast episode “Gerrymandering Your Cousins,” hosts break down how the drawing of political districts can reshape democracy in North Carolina—often in ways that weaken the political power of Black and marginalized communities....
Kerwin Pittman’s Work Goes Viral
Several weeks ago, we shared the incredible video that Kerwin Pittman created to highlight his purchase of a former prison. Now more people know what we always have, Kerwin is changing the world. Team Emancipate is proud of you and your work, Kerwin! Read the story on...
Dawn Blagrove’s Remarks at the 2026 Image Awards
Dawn received the prestigious Criminal Justice and Law Award at the 2026 Image Awards, hosted by the Flood Group. Congratulations, Dawn! Watch and hear her remarks here→
Emancipated CLE 2026 Brings Advocates Together for Learning and Community
Last month, Emancipate NC hosted The Emancipated CLE 2026 at the People’s Solidarity Hub, bringing together attorneys, advocates, and movement partners for a full day of continuing legal education rooted in justice-centered lawyering. The program opened with Lawyering...
Register now! Black Girl Magic: Blooming Beyond Barriers
The Civil Rights Society at North Carolina Central University School of Law will host its annual Black Girl Magic event during Law Week on March 17 from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM. This year’s theme, “Blooming Beyond Barriers,” celebrates the resilience and impact of Black...
Dawn Blagrove Raises Constitutional Concerns in Public News Service Feature on Police Tracking Technology
Emancipate NC Executive Director Dawn Blagrove is continuing to raise concerns about the constitutional implications of new police surveillance technology in a recent Public News Service story titled “NC police department tracker tech raises constitutional questions.”...
Update: The Concerned Citizens of Tyrell County v. Tyrrell County
A federal judge has rejected Tyrrell County’s attempt to block depositions from current and former county commissioners in an ongoing lawsuit challenging the county’s Confederate monument. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Numbers rejected the county’s request for a...
Dawn Blagrove Speaks to the Johnston County Democratic Party
Community members and local leaders gathered for a dynamic program hosted by the Democratic Women of Johnston County, the Young Democrats of Johnston County, the Senior Democrats of Johnston County, and the African American Caucus of Johnston County. The event...