Covid-19 is a public health crisis, and our clients in Detroit and Harlem - two of the global epicenters of the pandemic - are at higher risk than anyone in the country. The virus has magnified the impact of inequality. Poor people, people of color and incarcerated people are getting sick and dying more often than their rich, white counterparts. The past few weeks have been a perfect storm of systemic racism, gross inequality, and mass incarceration, and demand nothing short of heroism in response.
NDS public defenders have been those heroes, giving the most vulnerable a fighting chance. We have shown the power of public defense.
Our staff spent the early days of the pandemic running into burning buildings - fighting in courtrooms that should have been closed days earlier and scheduling emergency visits with clients on Rikers, in Wayne County Jail, and beyond. In the weeks that followed, we have leveled the playing field for the most vulnerable. Fighting for justice in virtual courtrooms and rescuing people some of the most dangerous places on Earth. Standing in the way of a vicious deportation machine. Securing housing for those who faced insecurity. Keeping families together where they’re safest.
This is hard work, and it’s heroic work. And it depends on your support to meet this enormous and growing need.