NEW ORLEANS - During the last regular meeting the New Orleans City Council unanimously voted to create the Jerome "Big Duck" Smith Justice System Advisory Committee. The Committee will examine the allocation of City resources across the entirety of our local justice system to make recommendations on investments and associated policy priorities. Seven of the eleven committee members must have experience assisting historically marginalized groups navigate the justice system or advocating for reforms to help eliminate institutional racism. The other four members are City representatives involved in budgeting and public safety decision-making, thus ensuring day-to-day decision-makers receive continuous community input. 

"I've heard loud and clear the calls from our historically vulnerable and marginalized residents for greater consideration of their perspectives in establishing local justice system policies and priorities," said Council President Jason Williams. "To chip away at institutional racism and form a smarter approach to public safety, it's important that we listen to these voices."
 

The Committee is named in honor of freedom rider and activist Jerome "Big Duck" Smith, a stalwart of the Civil Rights Movement and staunch advocate for at-risk youth. The Committee will begin holding public hearings shortly after appointees are selected and confirmed.

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Media Contact:

Keith D. Lampkin

Office of Jason R. Williams, Council-At-Large

(504) 758-8913

kdlampkin@nola.gov