Social Justice

When a mental health crisis unfolds in Miami-Dade, a call to 1-866-SAFEMIA brings a different kind of first responder: the Freedom House Mobile Crisis Team sends trained medics, therapists and crisis interventionists who focus on de-escalating and connecting people to care — without involving police. A new $2.2 million grant will allow the Liberty City-based team to operate seven days a week.

A video showing officers punching and dragging William McNeil from his car sparked nationwide outrage, but an investigative report released by the State Attorney's Office for the area says the actions of Officer D. Bowers of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office did not constitute a crime.

Brazil received more slaves from Africa than any other place did. But the country has struggled to have meaningful conversations about its past. Until now.

The Black Lives Matter movement pushed Chire Regans' art in the direction of social awareness. From portraits of gun violence victims to sculptures exploring hair braiding practices, the new Oolite Arts resident hopes to spark change through her pieces.

Broward College announced a new program that allows some first-time offenders take college courses instead of going to trial. The Pre-Trial Diversion Program works only for nonviolent offenders and in cases where the victim agrees.

The Biden administration's new climate package includes major incentives for cleaner energy. But some say it doesn't do enough for communities of color that are affected the most by climate change.

Brittany Martin, 34, was convicted of breaching the peace in a high and aggravated manner, and may have to give birth in prison. An advocate notes that some Jan. 6 rioters are serving far less time.

The Dream Defenders organized vigils and other commemoration events across Florida to celebrate the life of Trayvon Martin.

St. Thomas University is gearing up to teach the next generation of civil rights lawyers. The University of Miami and Florida International University’s athletic departments are making changes. And Biden takes the FARC off the terrorist list. Many Colombians in South Florida are not happy.

The St. Thomas University College of Law in Miami Gardens announced the creation of a social justice center yesterday, named after a prominent Black civil rights attorney.

But the defense may call them "arsonists" or "looters," the judge ruled. The criminal trial of Rittenhouse, the teenager who shot and killed two protesters in Kenosha, Wis., begins next week.

A small — masked and distanced — in-person audience, as well as people on Zoom watched the event, which was the launch of the Broward Center's initiative Arts For Action: Black Voices.