The criminal justice system impacts Black communities in ways that are both significant and harmful. For example, in Nova Scotia, Black individuals are nearly six times more likely to be stopped and checked by police than white individuals. This kind of disparity has severe consequences, especially when it comes to incarceration rates. 

Despite making up just 4.3% of Canada’s population, Black individuals represent 9.2% of the federal prison population and a shocking 14% of those in provincial jails. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they show a deep-rooted bias that affects Black communities across the country. We must continue to highlight these issues and work towards real change. 

Steps to Restore Balance

Addressing these systemic issues requires more than just legal representation. It demands a comprehensive approach that includes advocacy, education, and community support. At PATH, a non-profit law firm, we have developed a unique approach. Here are some essential steps that PATH has adopted in our efforts to restore balance in the legal system, particularly for Black communities:

1.  Adopt a Holistic Approach: As lawyers, we go beyond the courtroom. We consider the broader social, economic, and psychological factors that our clients face. By collaborating with social workers, therapists, and community organizations, we can provide the support our clients need to rebuild their lives.
2. Develop Community Integration Programs: We help those with criminal records reintegrate into society. By supporting programs that offer job training, mentorship, and community connections, we help break down the barriers that prevent people from moving forward after incarceration.
3. Advocate for Policy Change: Systemic change requires systemic action. We need to push for reforms in policing, sentencing, and parole regulations to address the biases that disproportionately affect Black and Indigenous communities. Advocacy at all levels of government is crucial.
4. Raise Awareness: Education is key. We  inform our communities about their rights and the steps they can take to protect themselves. Public education campaigns, workshops, and community forums are vital tools in this effort.
5. Support Black-Led Initiatives: Lasting change comes from within the community. PATH also supports Black-led organizations that are already working to advance the rights and well-being of Black Canadians.

Restoring Balance in Legal Work

At PATH Legal, where I work, we’re committed to a holistic approach to justice. We don’t just handle the legal side; we also work closely with organizations like the Elizabeth Fry Society to provide our clients with therapy, housing support, and job opportunities. One of our programs, the Abundance Store, directly employs people with criminal records, breaking down the barriers that often keep them from rebuilding their lives.

Additionally, we offer employment assistance programs designed to help individuals not only secure a job, but also identify and pursue a suitable career path. By addressing both the legal and personal aspects of a case, we aim to restore balance to the lives of our clients and their families.

Empowering Through Fem Entity

Outside of my legal work, I co-founded Fem Entity, a business that focuses on self-care, community, and empowerment. We created Fem Entity because we saw the need for a space that celebrates the feminine aspects of being—something that’s often overlooked in a world that overvalues action and hard work above all else. As Black women, we often don’t get the chance to embrace these parts of ourselves. We aim to provide spaces where women can care for themselves and each other in a community-centred environment.

At Fem Entity, we offer digital courses, in-person events, and retreats that focus on wellness and empowerment, especially for Black women. Our goal is to help women embrace self-care as a vital part of their lives. One of our most rewarding projects was the Self-Love Social, where we brought together entrepreneurs and community members to learn about self-care and support local women-owned businesses.

Navigating Challenges as a Young Black Woman

Being a young Black woman in a traditionally male-dominated field has its challenges. However, I’ve been fortunate to work with a mostly female team at PATH Legal and the Elizabeth Fry Society. This support system has helped me navigate the difficulties of my profession while maintaining balance in my life. Fem Entity also plays a big part in this. 

One moment that stands out in my journey happened last year when I was working as a lawyer for PATH and as a coordinator for the Creating Communities of Care program at the Elizabeth Fry Society. This program focused on supporting Black women who had experienced gender-based violence. I had the chance to visit the Nova Institution, a federal prison in Nova Scotia, where I delivered care packages filled with hair products, affirmation cards, journals, and other goodies for the women incarcerated there. The program was rooted in Black history, offering participants an empowering exploration of African Nova Scotian communities while engaging in enriching wellness activities.

My experiences have taught me one vital lesson: by taking the time to care for myself and others, I am better prepared to continue the meaningful and fulfilling work I do. Whether advocating for justice in the courtroom or creating spaces for healing and self-care, my goal is to empower individuals and communities to thrive. I can only do that if I’m thriving as well.