ABOUT US
Who Are We?
How N.E.W. came to be…
In spring 2018, LaTorie Marshall (We B.A.K.E.D.) approached Adam Vine (Cage-Free Repair) with the idea of developing an awareness campaign around providing expungement relief and wrap-around services to communities affected by the War on Drugs. N.E.W. is a collective of individuals and organizations that care for the wellbeing of our communities, specifically people affected by the War on Drugs and adversely impacted by the disproportionate enforcement of the justice system. We advocate for automated expungement of all records, the de-escalation of police enforcement, and investment in marginalized communities.
N.E.W. 2018-2019
Our first 2 years were a series of grassroots events in multiple cities across the U.S. offering free legal relief to some of the 77 million Americans with a criminal record. These convictions can restrict access to housing, employment, education, public assistance, and voting rights long after sentences have been served. N.E.W. 2019 was held from September 21-28, 2019, growing from 18 events to more than 40 events happening over the course of a week of advocacy, legal clinics, registering new voters and providing other wrap-around services.
N.E.W. 2020 and beyond…
In 2020 National Expungement Week is providing year-round services and adapting to the need for health safety. We work to provide resources that will empower our communities to adapt, sustain, survive and create in pursuit of equity. N.E.W is powered by people of color, supported in full solidarity by Cage-Free Repair and brought to the community through a dedicated group of grassroots community organizers/advocates.
N.E.W efforts build up to a week of awareness/action with coordinated relief clinics, discussions and healing sessions aiming to provide access to relief, equity and opportunity in communities historically and presently affected by the War on Drugs.
We are not cannabis specific and urge other sectors to engage in the conversations and actions to create equitable industry.