This Fall, Emancipate NC welcomed 31 new Justice League members from across the State of North Carolina. Please join us in congratulating our largest cohort yet!
Nyesha Adkins, 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.
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.
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.
April Barber 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.
Destiny Benjamin is a senior at Duke University majoring in African & African American Studies and minoring in Political Science and Sociology. She is originally from South Carolina and grew up in a small community with the largest prison in the state. She is passionate about community building and advocating for those impacted by the criminal justice system.
Erin Blagrove 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.
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.
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.
Deborah Bridger is a former paralegal turned substitute teacher, working with students in Wake County schools. She is an empathetic human who has been a staunch advocate for racial equity, gender equity, disability rights, and human rights for incarcerated individuals since her own experience with the legal system as minor where she graduated through the Barker Charter School offered by the Wake County Jail in 2002. She strongly believes in the power of mutual aid, community support, and raising empathetic, anti racist children.
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 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.
A’Nya Cox — I am a Junior at North Carolina State University majoring in Criminology with minors in Forensic Science and Law & Justice. After undergraduate, I plan to attend law school to pursue cause lawyering. I am interested in restorative justice as an alternative solution to punitive systems; my goal is to head initiatives that strive to decrease the rate of recidivism by re-entering formerly incarcerated individuals back into society with the necessary tools to succeed long-term.
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.
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.
Treeva Freeman was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. A mother and former paralegal and business owner, she was recently released after being incarcerated for defending her life. Among her goals for the near future are activism, social entrepreneurship, and, ultimately, helping others with re-entry as well.
Kiona Harvey 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.
Dominique Hathaway is from Raleigh. He is inspired by Kerwin Pittman because “he gave me a voice and showed me never to fall for anything. Strive for what I believe.”
Charles Hodge is from Raleigh. He’s inspired by people with a story and recognizes that everyone has one.
A recent graduate of Wingate University, Trinity Holder 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.
Kyla Holton, a senior Honors student at NC A&T, majors in Liberal Studies (Pre-Law) with minors in English and Political Science. Aspiring to become a movement lawyer, she is dedicated to empowering communities through public policy. Kyla serves as SGA Attorney General and has experience in mentoring, legislative internships, and advocacy. She is also a Spring ’24 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Growing up, Ayanna Iovieno 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.
Gianni Jackson 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 justice reform.
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.
Ricki Leak a native of Greensboro NC, obtains a bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Augustine’s University, along with a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University. As a current GAL for District 11, she is intrigued by learning the various aspects of civil and social justice law to adhere to the NC population to stand up for all persons in the criminal justice system and community.
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.
Shahonda Pope — I’m a 36-year-old mother of three, living in Raleigh, NC, for the past 14 years. Raised in Rocky Mount, NC, I faced early hardships, losing my parents and stepdad by age nine. These experiences taught me resilience and fueled my commitment to community service. For over a decade, I’ve worked as a Certified Community Health Worker, creating care packages during COVID, feeding the homeless, and supporting various initiatives. My goal is to empower women, children, and people of color to overcome their challenges, find strength, and build brighter futures through compassion and support.
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.
Edward Scott (Scottso) is one of the founders, as well providing much of the inspiration and driving force behind Wounded Healers. A community led nonprofit that focuses on reentry efforts started as a dream shared by Scottso and two others. Scottso was sentenced to life in prison and obtained his freedom in October 2019, after being incarcerated for over 30 years. He believes his experience allows him to truly see where help is needed. People who know Scottso describe him as an extraordinary man with a heart full of love and gratitude despite many years of challenge.
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.
Kenyata Smith 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.
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.
Brandon Tweedy is a passionate and dedicated advocate of all marginalized people. Brandon is an MPH candidate obtaining his Master of Public Health from the Gillings School of Global Public Health and a member of the 2024 fall cohort of the abolitionist public health student network. During his time in the Justice League he hopes to further plant himself firmly in the collective fight for a more equitable and just future.
