Blog – Alabama Appleseed

The State of Justice Blog

Introducing Akiesha Anderson, Appleseed's new policy director

My name is Akiesha Anderson and I am thrilled to join Appleseed! As Policy Director, my role will primarily focus on policy development, legislative advocacy, coalition building, engaging with public officials and assisting with legal projects. As…

Fines, Fees, and Financial Security in the US South

The following report is part of Appleseed’s collaboration with the Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program and also appears on the Aspen Institute blog. For many individuals and households, a $200 traffic ticket can devastate savings…

In Alabama, prison diversion programs are funded by participants. And those payments are made at a terrible cost.

Alabama prisons, Fair Schools, Safe Communities, Fines and Fees, Leah Nelson

On Dec. 4, 2019, the Governor's Study Group on Criminal Justice Reform convened at the Alabama Statehouse to hear proposals from the public on how to address Alabama's prison crisis. Appleseed Research Director Leah Nelson was among the 20 presenters,…

Thank you, Appleseed Supporters, for Fighting for a Better Alabama in 2019

Carla Crowder, Civil Asset Forfeiture, Fair Schools, Safe Communities

By Appleseed Executive Director Carla Crowder As I wrap up a whirlwind first year as executive director of Alabama Appleseed, I could not be more excited about the work we have done and the places we are heading. This has been a banner year…

Alvin Kennard is home. Let’s create a path for others to follow.

Carla Crowder, Fair Schools, Safe Communities, News

By Carla Crowder, Appleseed Executive Director BESSEMER -- Alvin Kennard is a free man, home surrounded by family and friends after 36 years in an Alabama prison for a $50 robbery in 1983. He couldn’t stop smiling and thanking God for…

Separate and Unequal: Black homeowners of Camden endure decades in shoddy housing

News

By Phillip Ensler, Appleseed Policy Counsel CAMDEN, ALABAMA -- In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Wilcox County to encourage black residents to register to vote. He told them, “You are somebody.” Yet in my visits to…