Nyesha Adkins

Nyesha, a mother of five, is a born native of Rocky Mount, NC.  She is passionate about helping the youth through preventative incarceration initiatives as well as  programs for inmates that will empower them post incarceration that can potentially lower the recidivism rate. She is an Eastern Star and her chapter currently works within the community to provide food, clothes, and funds to the less fortunate.

Makayla Banks

How has the criminal legal system affected your life personally? Have taking away people I love.

How would you like to see the criminal legal system changed? Just living in truth and have more accountability for actions and take action to everything.

Who are you inspired by? Why? My cousin Kerwin because he’s a prime example of taking action and do right by his people.

Erin Blagrove 

Erin is a senior at North Carolina A&T State University majoring in kinesiology. As a previous Justice League fellow, she led a food drive to help housing
insecure people, many of them justice-involved, and has authored several blog posts for Emancipate NC on court observation and more. Last spring
semester, she was initiated into the Alpha Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. She has been able to share the Justice League experience with her initiates.

James Bourber

I was wrongly incarcerated. I’d like to see a more powerful procedure when an officer involved shooting has occurred. The officer should be charged and and arrested until the case has been investigated and determined. I am inspired by Emanciate NC and Justice League representatives.

Ciara CeCe Levy

Ciara Cece Levy, a Mississippi native rooted in Raleigh, NC, is a mother of two and Sanderson High School alumna. She introspectively recognizes past errors lessons from her community, upbringing and era, vowing to equip the next generation with her gained insight and expertise. Ciara has been involved in mental health and community outreach aiming to provide further support for at-risk youth through housing and rehabilitation.

Kyndal Coulter

Kyndal Coulter is a junior honors student at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in political science with a minor in multimedia journalism. Driven by her passion for truth and justice, Kyndal aspires to attend law school. Inspired by Malcolm X’s words, “You can’t legislate good will—that comes through education,” she is committed to advocating for equity and uplifting marginalized voices.

Mia Dickens

Mia Dickens is a senior Liberal Studies(pre-law) student at North Carolina A&T State University from Richmond, Virginia. She has aspirations of being a criminal defense attorney and one opening up her own law firm.

Jakiya Franklin

My name is Jakiya Franklin and I am a committed social justice advocate and current fellow with Emancipate North Carolina, where I hope to contribute to transformative change through strategic activism and community engagement in cities across North Carolina. With a background in public service, including a recent internship with the Greensboro Police Department, and hands-on experience in non-profit leadership at Playground Drive and
Grow2Go. I hope to bring a depth of insight into grassroots organizing and community needs. Passionate about becoming a civil rights attorney, they are applying to HBCU and North Carolina-based law schools to develop the expertise needed to advocate for civil rights.

Madison Blagrove

Madison Blagrove, PharmD is a Professional Patient Advocate from Raleigh, NC. Madison earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2022 from Florida A&M University. She continued her training through a Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship at Rutgers University. Currently based in Washington, DC, Madison is leading type 1 diabetes early detection equity on Sanofi’s Patient Advocacy team. She looks forward to growing as a public health leader to increase pathways to liberation for Black people. Madison cares for herself through poetry and pole fitness.

Kiona Harvey

Kiona Harve was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She has spent close to a decade working in the health care field, where she continuously advocates from directly
impacted people. Here lived experience of being justice involved has shaped and propelled her to be a voice for the voiceless.

Charles Hodge

Charles is from Raleigh. He’s inspired by people with a story and recognizes that everyone has one.

Trinity Holder

A recent graduate of Wingate University, Trinity is an aspiring criminal defense attorney dedicated to advocating for the voiceless. With a strong commitment to serving underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized communities, she aims to ensure equitable legal representation for all individuals. Her passion for justice drives her to become a powerful voice in the legal field, working tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Gianni Jackson

Gianni is a junior political science student at NC A&T State University. She aspires to be a public interest attorney working to change the function of the justice system from punitive to rehabilitative and President of the United States. her passion is educating people about the political system and criminal justic reform.

Rhonda Joines

Rhonda Joines is a resident of Gastonia, NC. During the pandemic, she took her free time as an opportunity to serve her community in many different ways. Her passion is helping people and she is always willing to lend a helping hand in whatever capacity she is able. Her belief is that “we are what we need” meaning outside sources are great but our communities need US serving and doing the work to make things better. She is looking forward to learning new strategies through the Justice League to help empower herself and others around her.

Ayanna Iovieno

Growing up, Ayanna witnessed how the criminal legal system often fails those it is meant to protect—a lesson deeply personal due to the tragic loss of her uncle, Ricky Pendagress. His story, coupled with my uncle Samuel Moore’s inspiring journey from incarceration to successful entrepreneurship, has shaped my passion for criminal justice reform. I envision a system that prioritizes rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. Inspired by resilience and transformation, I am driven to work toward a more just and equitable future.

Maya Muldrow

Maya Muldrow is currently an honors senior majoring in Political Science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University from Bear, Delaware. Driven by a passion for social change, Maya has actively participated in various community outreach programs, which have significantly contributed to her personal and professional growth. She aspires to become a civil and human rights attorney, focusing on criminal justice reform, educational equity, and voting rights.

Saylah Rogers

My name is Saylah Rogers, I am a senior Political Science Student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. My passion is for expanding the educational system to make it equitable for all and protection for children within the community and Juvenile system. My ultimate goal is to become a judge in the Juvenile Court system.

April Barber

April spent 31.5 years of incarceration beginning at age fifteen. She now provides resources for those still incarcerated as well as those who are soon to be released through her advocacy business, Fenced In. She also shares her journey as a published author and public speaker.

April Short

April Short is a dedicated advocate for social justice and environmental justice, committed to making a positive impact in her community and beyond. With a deep-rooted passion for equity and sustainability, she has tirelessly worked towards creating a fairer and more inclusive society. April’s journey as an advocate began by helping various campaigns that aimed to address systemic issues and promote social change. Through her involvement, she discovered the power of collective action and the importance of community engagement. She quickly realized that education and empowerment were crucial components of any successful movement. As she continues her journey, April remains steadfast in her pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable world for all.

Mallory Thornton

Mallory Thornton is a dedicated social justice activist based in Orange County, NC. Since launching a social media platform in 2018, Mallory has passionately brought attention to social justice issues both locally and globally. Fueled by a deep love for people, Mallory’s work has grown into a powerful advocacy mission, aiming to inspire change and create a more equitable community. Through consistent awareness-raising efforts and community-focused activism, Mallory is committed to advancing social justice and fostering positive transformation.

Kenyata Smith

Kenyata was born and grew up in Raleigh, NC. As someone who is justice involved she has made it her mission mentor troubled youth in Raleigh, NC. Her efforts have diverted countless youth away from the carceral system and inspired many to follow in her footsteps.

Patrick Ballard

Patrick (Pat) Ballard was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. After spending 8 years incarcerated he found his passion in helping other people impacted by incarceration. When not advocating for social justice, Pat mentors at-risk youth and speaks at forums to raise awareness about the importance of reentry support. He remain steadfast in his mission to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to rebuild their lives and thrive.