Austin Justice Coalition / About

About AJC

Learn about AJC’s work for an equitable Austin through organizing, advocacy, and community-led solutions.

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AJC founder Chas Moore, editorially retouched from an AJC photograph
2015Founded in Austin
01 / OUR MISSION

For the people.

AJC is a Black-led organization that builds leadership, organizes neighbors, and challenges racist systems through a Black abolitionist lens. The people who live with inequity guide the work to change it.

Founded in 2015, AJC works across advocacy, education, housing, economic opportunity, and community power.

02 / OUR VISION

A just and equitable Austin.

AJC envisions a city where historically marginalized communities have the resources, opportunities, and influence to thrive.

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03 / THE PEOPLE & THE WORK

Explore AJC.

Meet the people, see the impact, and learn about the leadership that carries this work forward.

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About AJC

A brief history

A look at the campaigns and organizing milestones AJC highlights on its original About page.

2015 · Founded

AJC was founded during a period when Austin had the highest per capita rate of police shootings in Texas.

2016 · Better Before More

AJC launched this campaign in response to a proposed $13 million increase to hire more police officers.

2019 · National commentary

Chas Moore and Sukyi McMahon wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times.

2016–2020 · Policy changes

AJC highlights ending Class C misdemeanor arrests, changes to body camera and use-of-force policies, and a de-escalation policy.

2016–2020 · Police oversight

AJC pushed for an independent oversight office with online complaints, no investigation time limit, public recommendations, and written responses from the police chief.

December 2020 · Organizer toolkit

AJC developed a police reform toolkit centered on the police union contract and trained community members in city budgeting.

Financial history

AJC says it was fiscally sponsored by the Texas Fair Defense Project until 2020.