NC Justice Center

06/04/2026

We’ve learned a lot about justice in the last 250 years. About what works, what doesn't work, and what could be much better. On this upcoming birthday of the United States, our commitment is to do something with those learnings — to apply everything we know about safety, accountability, and justice — and to start building the legacy of the next 250 years.

Because justice in the next 250 doesn’t have to look like the first 250. We know better, and that means it’s time to do better.

Justice & The Next 250 is an invitation to shift our collective focus to what CAN BE, and to lead the way there with expertise, with courage, with conviction. It’s permission to build a system that future generations can be proud of.

For us here at the NC Justice Center, this looks like policies that put people first. Policies that address both the immediate needs and the long-term change our communities deserve — from advancing fair chance policies and strengthening economic opportunity to increasing access to quality health care and public education.

For more from Justice & The Next 250 and to see what’s to come, follow our partners at The Just Trust.

www.justice250.org

06/04/2026

05/29/2026

For more than four decades, Celia Pistolis has helped expand access to justice for North Carolinians who need it most. We’re proud to recognize her as the 2026 Lifetime Defender of Justice for Litigation!

As Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Legal Aid of North Carolina, Celia oversees the legal work of the state’s only civil legal aid program serving all 100 counties and leads a team of nearly 200 attorneys advocating for individuals and families with low incomes across North Carolina. Her decades of leadership in litigation, appellate advocacy, and statewide legal policy have earned some of the profession’s highest honors.

Celebrate Celia’s extraordinary career and help us mark 30 years of impact at the NC Justice Center during the 2026 Defenders of Justice Awards Gala on Sunday, September 27.

Register today: bit.ly/doj2026

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

📚 ¿Te perdiste nuestro conversatorio de esta noche?
Acompáñanos y aprende mas qué ocurrió con el reciente fallo judicial “Leandro” y por qué el financiamiento de las escuelas públicas sigue siendo un tema tan importante para nuestras familias y comunidades.
Escucha las perspectivas de líderes comunitarios y lideres en educación sobre cómo estas decisiones impactan directamente a los estudiantes, las familias y las escuelas públicas en Carolina del Norte.

05/27/2026

The NC Justice Center is a proud partner of . People from across the country are standing up and fighting to get healthcare right. Join the movement and sign up today: bit.ly/ncjc-onenation-overcharged

05/27/2026

The NC Justice Center is a proud partner of One Nation, Overcharged. People across the country are standing up and fighting to get healthcare right. Join the movement and sign up today. ➡️bit.ly/ncjc-onenation-overcharged

05/22/2026

The NC Justice Center is proud to present Lariza Garzón with the 2026 Lifetime Defender of Justice Award for Grassroots Empowerment!

Throughout her career, Lariza has served as a steady bridge between systemic advocacy and the people it serves, becoming known for her deeply collaborative, people-first approach to leadership and community power-building. As NC Director for the Hispanic Federation, she supports more than 100 Latino-led organizations across the state and has helped launch landmark initiatives, including North Carolina’s first bilingual health line and a mobile immigration clinic for rural legal deserts.

Join us in celebrating Lariza — and 30 years of impact at the NC Justice Center — at this year’s Defenders of Justice Awards Gala on Sunday, September 27. Register today: bit.ly/doj2026

05/21/2026

Maryam Khan, an attorney with our Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, joined a powerful panel discussion following a screening of the documentary "Refuge" at the City of Raleigh Museum earlier this month.

In addition to sharing her own immigration story, Maryam and fellow panelists Ashley Glimasinski, Rev. Timothy McMahan King, and Dr. Omer Abdalia explored how communities can bridge divides and find common ground. The film follows a former white nationalist whose worldview shifts after forming an unexpected connection with a refugee in Georgia.

The NC Justice Center’s Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project helps immigrants and their families navigate the complex legal system and works to protect them from harmful public policies.

05/20/2026

What does it look like to put people first in North Carolina?

It means organizing in our communities, advocating at the legislature, defending people’s rights in court, and building a long-term vision for a stronger North Carolina.

The People First Agenda is about creating that future together.

Learn more at ncjustice.org/the-people-first-agenda

Footage courtesy of Lauren Steiner.