Our Mission
The Institute’s cutting-edge racial and social justice advocacy seeks to empower people of color by building reparative systems that create wealth, transform justice and harness democratic power—from the ground up—in New Jersey.
Known for our dynamic and independent advocacy aimed at toppling load-bearing walls of structural inequality to create just, vibrant and healthy communities, we are committed to exposing and repairing the cracks of structural racism in our foundation that erupt into earthquakes in communities of color.
The Institute advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative, achievable in the state and replicable in communities across the nation.
Our Focus
With an evidence-driven approach to policy, robust advocacy and solution-focused research, we advocate for Economic Justice, Criminal Justice Reform and Democracy & Justice for Black and other communities of color across New Jersey.
We listen to what communities need, and then fight for responsive, innovative and strategic policies that repair the harm of structural racism.
Our Story
The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice was established in 1999 by Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein and a group of visionaries steeped in the Civil Rights Movement.
Over the course of their shared life together spanning more than 60 years, the Lowensteins were passionately committed to social justice. Learn more.