Advancing Justice Together: A Message from Our New CEO
Dear Restoring Justice Supporters and Friends,
I hope this message finds you well. It is with great humility and a profound sense of responsibility that I step into the role of CEO at Restoring Justice, a place where compassion meets justice, and hope thrives amidst adversity. As we navigate the challenging landscape of the criminal legal system, I am inspired by the incredible work accomplished by Drew Willey and the Restoring Justice team over the past 7 years. Restoring Justice has provided free legal representation and holistic services to countless individuals who found themselves entangled in a complex and often unforgiving system. This legacy of service is a testament to the dedication of our team and the commitment of our supporters.
If I haven't yet had the chance to connect with you, please allow me to introduce myself. I came to Restoring Justice as an attorney in 2022 after practicing indigent defense in Nashville, Tennessee for four years. As an assistant public defender at the Metropolitan Nashville Public Defender's Office, I zealously defended the liberty, honor, and constitutional rights of individuals who could not afford legal representation. I am a Houston native, Morehouse College and Vanderbilt Law School alum, and I bring my passion and years of client-centered representation experience to this new role.
Kevin Coker CEO, Restoring Justice
I want to express my sincere gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering support in our mission to end mass incarceration. Your commitment to justice has been the driving force behind our organization's achievements, and I am truly honored to join this remarkable community.
In my tenure as CEO, I am committed to building upon our past successes and pushing forward with renewed vigor because our journey is far from over. The need for criminal justice reform remains urgent, and mass incarceration continues to impact communities across the nation. During the past three months, Restoring Justice has been able to secure the freedom and family reunification of two clients represented by overloaded attorneys, partner with various local and national organizations, and fight for justice inside and outside the Harris County Jail.
We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of those marginalized by the system are heard and respected, and that justice is served for all. This will require faith, dedication, and a commitment to leading innovative initiatives that will ensure that the voices of those marginalized by the system are heard and respected, and that justice is served for all.
One of the key initiatives I am excited to introduce during my tenure as CEO is the establishment of a fellowship program for new attorneys. It is my belief that the future of our organization lies in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals who are passionate about justice and upholding the constitution. Through this program, we will provide mentorship, training, and opportunities for young attorneys to make a meaningful impact within the Houston community and national legal landscape. Together, we will continue to expand our reach and multiply our efforts in the fight against mass incarceration.
In conclusion, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for trusting me with the role of CEO at Restoring Justice. I am filled with hope for what we can achieve together in the coming years. Your continued support, dedication, and partnership are invaluable as we work toward a more just and compassionate society
I look forward to the journey ahead, and I invite you to stand with us as we strive to make a difference, one client and heart at a time. Together, we can dismantle the barriers to justice and create a brighter future for all.
Stay tuned for exciting ways to continue to engage in our work!
In solidarity,
Kevin D. Coker
CEO, Restoring Justice