Center for
Social Justice
& Education
Empowering Communities. Changing Lives.
What is the Center for Social Justice & Education?
The Center for Social Justice Education and Advocacy examines racial inequities and the political, economic, and social issues that impact the Houston community. Its mission is to strengthen civic engagement through education and empower the local, underserved community to address systemic challenges.
Focus Areas:
· Access to safe and affordable housing
· Opportunities to overcome health disparities
· Economic relief
· Criminal justice reform
· The ability to work for a living wage
The Center for Social Justice and Education’s sole purpose is to create more conscious advocates. We welcome you to join us and see how you can be a catalyst for change in the community. Contact us to become the advocate your community needs today.
The Urban League of Texas (ULoT) Affiliates for the 2025 Legislative Session
The Urban Leagues of Texas (ULoT) affiliates for the 2025 Legislative session have formed a nonpartisan alliance with policy makers, advocates, and constituents to address complex legislation that adversely impacts communities across our state. Our legislative focus offers a multifaceted response to invasive legislative policies that diminish state representation, Quality of Life, and safeguards meant to protect citizens often disenfranchised across Texas.
89th Texas Legislative Session: Executive Priorities
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act) will force citizens to provide documentation of citizenship by requesting Passports or Birth Certificates, making access difficult for America citizens to exercise their fundamental right to vote. The Act overhauls the National Voting Rights Act of 1993 allowing residents to vote when applying for an official ID or Drivers License.
To combat restrictions, we propose state policy makers enforce responsible regulatory reforms to protect Texas communities in accordance with the John R. Lewis Voter Advancement Act. By ensuring eligible voters are not impaired, prohibited through barriers, intimidated or left behind, comprehensive procedures must deter discriminatory practices impacting social and economic outcomes to defend democracy in Texas.
Democracy Day: Texas Legislation Edition
Your voice matters! Join the Urban Leagues of Texas for Democracy Day: Texas Legislation Edition Part II—a powerful day of advocacy, education, and engagement at the Texas Capitol.
This event is designed to empower community members, advocates, and leaders with the knowledge and tools to effectively engage with policymakers and drive meaningful change. Whether you're new to civic engagement or a seasoned advocate, this is your opportunity to learn about key legislative issues, connect with decision-makers, and make an impact.
2025 CSJE ADVOCACY U Fall COHORT
Key Focuses/Pillars
The Center for Social Justice and Education (CSJE) will focus on key issues that directly impact those that live throughout the city. Below you will find some of the most pressing issues that the CSJE will address.
Key Programs
To empower the community, we have created a combination of workshops and series to ensure community members can understand the importance of social justice through education. Education is vital to spread the word about social inequities and help the community become well aware of current issues that directly impact the lives of many individuals in the city.
Racial Opportunity for All
Racial opportunity is one of the most important pillars that we will uphold. We will provide a formidable foundation for all participants and make sure they understand the importance of working towards a more opportunity-driven, inclusive, and educated society. By acknowledging our differences, we can be closer towards securing a more opportunity-filled environment that makes it possible for all individuals, especially those from underserved communities, to succeed from a personal and professional standpoint.
Racial Opportunity in the Workplace
Talented professionals, particularly those of color, are negatively affected by workplaces that fail to provide a safe and supportive environment, making it much harder for them to succeed. Business leaders must develop effective solutions to remove these obstacles. The corporate leadership workshop/pillar will emphasize the importance of opportunity, advancement, and the need to eliminate bias. Through civic engagement, we will establish a practical framework that business leaders can use to foster a workplace where all employees have the chance to succeed. Key strategies will include identifying and implementing practices that disrupt systemic barriers in professional settings. We will bring together thought leaders, change agents, and industry experts to help organizations create environments where all professionals can thrive, ultimately enhancing business performance and driving organizational growth.
Police Reform
We believe police reform begins at the local level. We want to encourage participants to become educated on the efforts that the HAUL Center is producing to reform the criminal justice system and the way policing is conducted. This is to ensure that community members can trust, build and maintain relationships with law enforcement officials. We will work towards investing in our communities and listen to their concerns regarding the state of policing. Some of the ways in which HAUL is addressing law enforcement issues include advocating for an Independent Police Oversight Board, training, and investigating and learning some of the best practices from across the country to ensure our community members can regain confidence and improve upon relationships with law enforcement officials.
The Power of the Vote
Throughout our nation’s history, there has been a coordinating effort to disenfranchise voters of color, particularly Black Americans, from having access to the voting booth. The most recent election has demonstrated the power of voters in our community, highlighting the importance of voting overall. The Center will encourage community members to understand the voting process through various mechanisms. First, we will encourage community members to understand the importance of our two voting entities, the Harris County Tax Assessor and the Harris County Clerk. We will also help community members understand the role of an Elections Administrator. This recently appointed role oversees the county’s elections operations as well as the administration of local state and federal elections in Harris county. Voting empowers individuals and their communities. Through this pillar, we will empower community members that their voices matter, and the best way to raise such voices is through the power of the vote.
Be a catalyst for change
The Center for Social Justice and Education’s sole purpose is to create more conscious advocates. We welcome you to join us and see how you can be a catalyst for change in the community. Contact us to become the advocate your community needs today.
CSJE In The News
- Houston Area Urban League Lawsuit Challenging S.B.1 Heard in Federal Court Click here to view the full article.
- Trial begins over Texas voter laws that sparked 38-day walkout by Democrats in 2021 Click here to view full article.
- What’s at stake in the long-awaited trial over Texas’s sweeping 2021 elections law Click here to view full article.
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