On Juneteenth, we commemorate Black Americans’ freedom from centuries of slavery. But we must also acknowledge the ways in which the criminal legal system has been used to oppress, control, and harm Black communities, and we must embrace new safety strategies that promote the health and well-being of all. Montgomery, Alabama, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, is recognizing the need for a new approach and is improving safety through community-led partnerships.
Montgomery city leadership has created an Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) that is working with government, nonprofit, neighborhood, and faith organizations to make Montgomery safer by preventing violence and fostering resilient communities.
