Dream Defenders

Two Black women with floral wreaths around their heads who were bailed out of Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater, Florida, by Dream Defenders on May 11, 2017, talk to a reporter about National Bail Out day.
Dani McClain  Sep 6, 2017 4:57PM EDT

Inside the Movement to Free People Who Are Only in Jail Because They Can't Afford Bail

Eliminating cash bail has become a focal point in the fight to transform the criminal justice system. Inside the wins and challenges of a growing movement that raises money to free people of color who are in jail simply because they can’t afford to post bail.  
Sameer Rao  Sep 18, 2015 4:17PM EDT

Black Activists Meet With Senior White House Officials

Activists representing Campaign Zero and Black Lives Matter-affiliated organizations met with Valerie Jarrett, Roy Austin and other senior White House officials on Wednesday. 
Kenrya Rankin  Aug 18, 2015 4:20PM EDT

More than 1,000 Black Activists Sign Statement of Support for Palestine

And they call for the U.S. government to cut diplomatic and economic aid to Israel.
Carla Murphy  Jan 21, 2015 12:18PM EST

Dream Defender Phillip Agnew on Occupy, the Police and His 5-Year Dream

“I’d like to see a good majority of states around this country closing jails,” Agnew says.
Julianne Hing  Jan 16, 2015 1:45PM EST

Video: Black Lives Matter Delegation Visits Palestine

And stages a solidarity demonstration in Nazareth.
Akiba Solomon  Aug 22, 2014 11:45AM EDT

Dream Defenders Release National Demands for Their #Handsup Don't Shoot Movement

The youth group demands an end to “the epidemic” of police brutality.
Akiba Solomon  Sep 10, 2013 10:39AM EDT

Live Chat: High Stakes Activism

Four activists who’ve risked their livelihoods, arrest or personal safety to achieve justice talk about what fuels them.
Dani McClain  Aug 21, 2013 7:00AM EDT

The Return of Direct Action

From the Dream Defenders to the Dream 9, the spirit of the March on Washington lives on in youth-led direct action and strategic protest.
Brentin Mock  Aug 15, 2013 4:30PM EDT

Dream Defenders Leave Capitol, Heading for Governor's Home

The Dream Defenders are now taking their struggle from the capitol building to their communities.
Brentin Mock  Aug 8, 2013 4:34PM EDT

The Dream Defenders Introduce 'Trayvon's Law'; Talib Kweli Weighs In

Youth leaders want state to reform Stand Your Ground and School-to-Prison Pipeline issues.
Brentin Mock  Aug 6, 2013 12:25PM EDT

Reasons to Hope on the Voting Rights Act's 48th Anniversary

Today marks the 48th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, after months of civil rights organizing, sit-ins, bloodshed and deaths compelled the federal government to intervene in the struggle against Southern states that were denying African Americans the ballot.