Eliza's Promise of Justice Initiative Fundraiser

I joined the Promise of Justice Initiative in May 2025, but my understanding of Louisiana’s criminal legal system began long before that. Throughout my adult life, I’ve seen firsthand how it can be cruel, racist, and dehumanizing—tearing apart families and communities in the name of “tough on crime” politics and public “safety.”

Louisiana incarcerates more people than any other state in the country. If incarceration actually made us safe, we would be the safest place in America—but we’re not.

Instead, our state is set to spend $1.3 billion on jails, courts, and prisons in 2026–2027. Imagine what would be possible if those same resources were invested in our communities—into education, healthcare, childcare, jobs, and infrastructure. That’s the kind of safety that truly changes lives.

Right now, Louisiana has no real plan to move in that direction. That’s why the work of PJI matters so much.

At PJI, I see every day what meaningful change looks like. We’ve helped secure freedom for hundreds of people, worked to reduce executions, fought against prison abuse and neglect, expanded constitutional protections, and pushed lawmakers and the public—both here and across the country—to imagine something better.

This work gives me hope. It shows that a more just, humane, and safe Louisiana is possible.

If you believe in that vision too, I hope you’ll join me in supporting PJI this GiveNOLA Day. Thank you.