Dear friend,

For many organizations in the U.S. — perhaps even yours — this Black History Month feels different. Recent actions by the federal government have sown confusion, driving some companies to question even the most fundamental aspects of how they’ll mark the commemoration.  

It would be all too easy to cast companies as heroes or villains for the decisions they’re making during these uncertain times. But RBIJ isn’t here to do that. Our mission has always been to meet companies where they are and guide them toward actions that advance justice — not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it also benefits their bottom line.  

So, to that end, today we want to remind you: 

1. Operating inclusively is a lawful, ethical, and competitive business decision.
2. Lowering barriers is a lawful, ethical, and competitive business decision.
3. Advocating for a fairer justice system is a lawful, ethical, and competitive business decision. 

Yes, these are uncertain times. But today’s political shifts don’t erase the urgent need for justice. This Black History Month — like every one before it — data continues to show that African Americans face disparities at every stage of the legal process, from arrest to conviction to sentencing. As a result, they are disproportionately affected by the lifelong economic barriers a criminal record imposes. 

These are centuries-old inequities, embedded within the very fabric of our federal, state, and local justice systems. Political rhetoric doesn’t negate them — if anything, it highlights how much bigger these issues are than any one moment in time. 

If you're unsure of where to go next, let's talk. We may not have all the answers, but we can connect you with a community of like-minded companies working to advance justice and prosperity for all. 

Let's make justice our business, 

Maha Jweied

CEO

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Meet 6 Black-Owned Businesses at the Forefront of Justice Reform

In honor of Black History Month, we asked six Black-owned businesses in our Workforce & Justice Alliance why breaking down barriers for people with criminal records is central to their mission and values. Read their inspiring insights on LinkedIn.  

"Black Girl Magic" Wins RBIJ's Unlock Potential Art Contest

As part of Unlock Potential (UP) — our award-winning hiring program for opportunity youth — we organized an art contest for participants, inviting them to reflect on the transformative power of employment and education, which help young people break barriers, overcome challenges, and achieve long-term success. Winner Johnnay Banks explains that her artwork, “Black Girl Magic,” was inspired by Black culture, individuality, and experiences — what she calls “sources of power and inspiration.” Congratulations, Johnnay!  

2025 Workforce & Justice Summit: Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us in Seattle on May 13-14 for RBIJ's 2025 Workforce & Justice Summit, hosted by Microsoft! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders driving change at the intersection of business and justice. Register your interest today and explore our sponsorship opportunities to elevate your brand and build meaningful partnerships.

Explore our 2024 Impact Report

We are proud to share our achievements from 2024 — a year of growth and expansion for RBIJ — in our first publicly-available impact report. Learn more about how we've grown our business network to over 600 justice-engaged companies, reached 17 states with our criminal justice reform campaigns, and empowered more than 250 opportunity youth to apply for meaningful careers through our Unlock Potential program. 

Justice Champion Spotlight: Cornbread Hustle

Cornbread Hustle is a Texas-based second-chance staffing and recruiting agency dedicated to helping those with criminal records find meaningful employment. Beyond staffing, they offer job seekers resources and professional development courses and advise employers on creating more background-friendly hiring policies. Read the Q&A with founder Cheri Garcia.

POLICY & ADVOCACY UPDATES

Private Sector Advocacy Helps Pass Workforce-Boosting Justice Reforms in Ohio

Over 15 business leaders and chambers from across the state played a critical role in the passage of two workforce and justice bills in Ohio at the end of 2024. Now signed into law, HB 29 ends debt-related driver’s license suspensions, helping thousands of Ohioans get back on the road to work. The second bill, SB 198, will ensure that people leaving prison receive vital state ID cards, easing their reintegration into the community and the workforce. Thank you to the many advocates from the business community and beyond who have been instrumental in getting these bills passed! 

Clean Slate Campaign Launches in Massachusetts, with Business Leaders' Support

In Massachusetts, even a decades-old criminal conviction can keep job seekers from meaningful employment and prevent businesses from accessing qualified talent. But a coalition of lawmakers, business leaders, and advocates are working to change that. As a proud member of Clean Slate Massachusetts, RBIJ supported its official campaign launch for the 2025-2026 legislative session earlier this month. Together we’re working towards automatic record sealing relief for over 670,000 eligible Bay Staters with a criminal conviction, strengthening communities, businesses, and the Commonwealth’s economy. Interested in getting involved in Clean Slate advocacy? Check out opportunities in your home state.  

INCLUSIVE HIRING UPDATES

Celebrating Our Second Year of Unlock Potential

In 2024, RBIJ wrapped up its second year of Unlock Potential (UP), our award-winning hiring program dedicated to creating high-quality career opportunities for young people at risk of justice system involvement. To celebrate the completion of UP Year 2, we gathered employer partners and community-based organizations to celebrate a year of significant growth in youth engagement, hiring, and community collaboration. Over the past year, we worked with 10 employers and 35 community-based organizations, and 54 young people were hired into meaningful roles. Thank you to all our CBOs and employer partners for your collaboration and support this year.   

Delaware Equitable Hiring Initiative Welcomes 8 New Employer Partners

We're thrilled to share that eight employers have joined the Delaware Equitable Hiring Initiative (DE EHI), a strategic pilot project designed to help Delaware employers tap into Wilmington’s “hidden workforce.” Please join us in welcoming Delaware Transit Corporation, Delaware Department of Human Resources, NYLife, Jamestown Painting & Hospitality, Siempre Security, Delaware Park Casino, Logan Transport, and Fifty Plus Home Services to the project. Learn more about DE EHI.  

Don't Miss These Deep Dives

• A ‘Clean Slate:’ Lawmakers, advocates push for automatic sealing of criminal records (The Boston Globe) 

• Restoring Justice Systems & Strengthening Communities: An Industry Interview with the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (Flagger Force) 

• A Champion Amongst Companies: Interview with RBIJ’s Maha Jweied (The Hustler Files) 

RBIJ Welcomes 9 New Companies to the Workforce & Justice Alliance

RBIJ's Workforce & Justice Alliance (WJA) is a groundbreaking community of businesses working to dismantle workforce barriers for justice-impacted individuals and drive justice reform across the country. Not a WJA member? Join now for access to our network and exclusive resources.

RBIJ is an independent nonprofit organization. Support from donations helps fund our work to improve the criminal justice system.