Recognizing that historically African Americans have been disproportionately disadvantaged in the civil legal system, and face systemic barriers to accessing justice still today, Illinois Legal Aid Online is launching the African American Justice Initiative (AAJI).
The purpose of the AAJI is to build a network of organizations and individuals who will share legal information and support, and act as a legal safety net for African-American communities throughout Illinois.
The vast majority of low- and medium-income African Americans have significant civil legal needs that affect their families, their livelihoods, and their safety, including avoiding an unjust eviction, domestic and gun violence, getting access to credit, and preventing a wrongful conviction. Yet, effective legal assistance remains out of reach for the majority of them due to systemic inequities, affordability, and other obstacles.
The AAJI represents the opportunity to close that justice gap.
Members of the AAJI will have access to crucial resources to better help African-American residents overcome barriers to justice, such as:- Metrics and analytics to help identify the legal needs for African-American communities
- Referrals to free and low-cost legal providers
- Access to free legal forms
- Access to a vast legal library
ILAO invites legal aid organizations, social service organizations, legal professionals, and other concerned individuals to become a member of the AAJI.
If you or your organization are interested, please fill out the contact form below and we will reach out to you within 1 business day with further details and answers to your questions.
Thank you.
About Illinois Legal Aid Online
Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) is Illinois' only provider of 24/7, comprehensive legal help. Our mission is to increase access to justice for underserved and vulnerable Illinois residents through innovation. Through over 3 million site visits a year, ILAO provides the public with user-friendly legal help for more than 500 civil legal issues, including guides on one's legal rights and responsibilities, self-help instructions, interactive court forms, multimedia public education classes, and direct connections to free and low cost legal services.