ABOUT

The Julius Jones Institute

We are the Julius Jones Institute: committed to pioneering innovation and empowering change.

To empower the people to influence systems and reshape policies for the betterment of our communities.

OUR VISION:

The mission of the Julius Jones Institute is to teach, train, and mobilize advocates and leaders to shape and modernize systems in Oklahoma, as well as advocating for, enlightening, and inspiring youth to create a more equitable future.

OUR MISSION:

WHAT WE DO:

advocacy trainings

JJI is committed to deepening relational and values-based organizing in Oklahoma, across political, religious, ethnic and generational divides and offers in-person and virtual trainings that center community-led solutions, spiritual practices, cultural engagement, artivism and coalition-building. The topics covered in trainings are:

How to become better advocates
How to coalition build
How to engage in public policy
Social Justice from a faith perspective

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YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

JJI is passionate about the youth of Oklahoma and seeks to provide programs that positively impact future generations. Our focus is on mentorship, job and college readiness, and civic engagement.

JUSTICE REFORM

A group of local and national advocates, continues to fight in order to #FreeJuliusJones. Read about Justice for Julius here. Oklahoma’s criminal legal system has been in crisis for a long time. Currently ranking third in incarcerations in the U.S. the state imprisons more people than any other state. JJI advocates for policies that will reduce mass incarceration in Oklahoma. Additionally, JJI works with local and national coalitions in an effort to abolish the death penalty.

WHO IS JULIUS JONES:

Julius Jones is an artist, author, and world changer who survived Oklahoma’s death row for over 23 years until his commutation on November 18, 2021. The Justice for Julius campaign engaged millions of people around the world and inspired many to take part in civic activism and justice reform. In addition, Julius is the founder of the Julius Jones Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community education and advocacy. Julius has authored two books, JuWels of Life and JuWels from Death. He is still awaiting justice for his wrongful conviction by the State of Oklahoma.

Meet the Team