The Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) works to fundamentally improve the lives of urban communities of color. To achieve this goal, SJLI helps individuals and groups build their capacity to assess injustices, and then use their own agency to advocate for, and achieve, health and educational equity.

Formalized in 2008, the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) grew out of the early vision and success of the Black Male Youth Academy (BMYA). Now, SJLI is thriving with programming developed by and for the larger community, which addresses a plethora of health and education equity concerns. BMYA has expanded its outreach to support the needs of all youth of color under the umbrella of Urban Scholars. Also, access to fresh food is blooming in Inglewood thanks 100 Seeds of Change, a CSA, and a soon to be Farmers Market. 

Supported by staff, educators, politicians and most importantly the community, SJLI has created a model that works. Over 250 students have completed Urban Scholars programing with SJLI, and 87 percent have pursued secondary education. More than 36 gardens have been built and maintained in a community that’s landscape has traditionally been punctuated by fast food establishments and liquor stores. The future of Inglewood is looking healthier and stronger with the promise of new possibilities.   SJLI looks to expand and replicate these proven models of success, which empower communities to be informed and to be leaders in creating their own conscious identity.  SJLI looks to lead the state and national discourse on what is possible for all urban communities of color. 

At the Social Justice Learning Institute, they are dedicated to improving the education, health, and well being of youth and communities of color by empowering them to enact social change through research, training, and community mobilization.

They envision communities where individuals use their agency to improve each other’s lives.

SJLI Core Values

1. They privilege the ideas, voice, and leadership of our youth and community members.
2. Everyone must be afforded equal opportunity in order to achieve equitable treatment.
3. They do all things in love.
4. No one is hopeless.

Goals

Their goals are simple. They work to:

• build capacity for individuals and communities to advocate for their needs
• train and build leaders
• educate and empower youth and community members to identify and rectify injustice; and to
• deliver effective programs, resources and support that help advance our mission

To meet these goals, they work with youth, residents, local schools, districts and city officials to increase educational opportunities through innovative programs and sustainable practices. They also develop and manage programs that advance academic, food, and environmental justice.