Soffiyah Elijah facts for kids
Jill Soffiyah Elijah is an American lawyer, writer, and activist who works for fairness and justice in society. She helps people understand their rights and works to make the legal system better for everyone.
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Jill Elijah's Education Journey
Jill Elijah went to college at Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. After that, she studied law at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan. There, she earned a special law degree called a Juris Doctor, which allows her to practice law.
Jill Elijah's Career and Activism
After finishing law school, Jill Elijah started her career helping people. She worked as a supervising lawyer at the Neighborhood Defender Service in Harlem, New York. She also helped young people in the juvenile rights division of the New York Legal Aid Society.
Teaching Law and Justice
Starting in 1992, Jill Elijah began teaching at the CUNY School of Law. She also taught at Harvard University, where she was a faculty member and directed the Criminal Justice Institute. This means she helped students learn about the law and how the justice system works.
Working for Fair Prisons
Jill Elijah was the first Black director of the Correctional Association of New York. She held this important job for five years. While there, she worked with the Marshall Project to investigate and address issues of unfair treatment within prisons. She focused on making sure people in prison were treated with respect and fairness.
Founding the Alliance for Justice
In 2016, Jill Elijah started an organization called the Alliance of Families for Justice. This group helps families who have loved ones in prison. They work to support these families and advocate for changes that make the justice system more just and humane.
Recognized for Her Work
In 2018, Jill Elijah received the Spirit of John Brown Freedom Award. This award honored her dedication to freedom and justice for all people.
Writing and Sharing Ideas
As a writer, Jill Elijah has shared her thoughts and ideas in many well-known newspapers and media outlets. She has written articles for the New York Daily News, The Hill, Democracy Now!, and the New York Times. Her writing often focuses on social justice issues and making the legal system better.
