Charleston Area Justice Ministry

Important dates for Network Members

Policing Forum

Missed our community forum around policing? Check out media coverage of the by clicking below.

Ethical Governance in Education

In fall 2023, we heard testimony directly from students who were concerned about the dysfunction and discrimination coming from the school board, and who felt unsafe and uncared for by this district’s leadership. We also heard from many members of our community and organization who expressed concerned about the school board’s leadership.

Environmental Justice

To live in Charleston is to know what it means to be at the whim of Mother Earth. As a coastal city our livelihood is connected to the water, be it through fishing or tourism or trade. But as much as the water presents opportunity, it is also a very real threat to all of us here in the Charleston area.

Restorative Practices addressing school-based arrrests

Our research showed that children in Charleston County were being arrested and incarcerated at higher rates than other counties in South Carolina and that over half of them were being arrested for minor offenses from the classroom.

Wage Theft

CAJM members have expressed anger about illegal wage practices in Charleston County. Our research revealed that Charleston County residents and employees have their wages stolen or withheld in many ways.

Racial Discrimination in Police Practices

The cities of Charleston and North Charleson uncovered disparities between Blacks and Whites in areas of traffic stops, arrests and use of force. In Nov. 2023, Charleston released its assessment report of the racial bias audit. View the report here: Interim CPD Report (charleston-sc.gov)

Youth Incarceration

Research shows that children in Charleston County were being arrested and incarcerated at higher rates than other counties in South Carolina and that most were being arrested for minor offenses.

Lack of Affordable Housing

Charleston area housing costs have skyrocketed. 211,000 residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Rental costs increased twice as much as wages from 2011 to 2016. N Charleston’s 2016 eviction rate was 16.5%, the highest of any large city in the US, with 10 households evicted every day. CAJM is successfully pushing the county to invest millions of dollars in a housing trust fund.

Inadequate Transportation

Charleston’s public transportation system takes too much time for thousands of community members who rely on it every day. Most bus lines run only once every 60 minutes and some every 90 minutes. Most riders have to walk or bike over a mile to get to a bus stop. There is no weekly pass and most low wage earners cannot afford the monthly pass.

What Folks Are Saying

"CAJM is the most effective social justice change agent I've seen in my lifetime in Charleston."

Judge Arthur McFarlandCAJM Team Leader

"CAJM is an organization that we partner with and who holds us accountable. Thank you for all the work you’ve put into (Restorative Practices)."

Darlene Dunmeyer-RobersonCharleston County School Board Member

“It’s very refreshing to me that [CAJM] is providing a solution and promoting a solution. And quite frankly, having been an officeholder off and on since 1977, it’s refreshing to me that they want to question me on that.”

Victor RawlFormer County Council Member

“I’ve been here 23 years in this area. This is the first time I’ve seen any real result of churches working together across denominational lines. The beneficial, long-term side effect of this movement is it’s bringing the faith community together in a real way.”

Bruce Jayne

“This organization provides parishes with a vehicle to powerfully answer God’s call to do justice by solving serious community problems, as well as to develop lay leadership and build strong relationships among diverse congregations.”

Reverend Robert E. GuglielmoneFormer Bishop of Charleston

“I know you’re (CAJM) a very powerful organization. You’re a wonderful, powerful advocate in the community.”

Dr. Gerrita PostlewaitFormer Superintendent of Charleston County Schools

"CAJM is the first organization in which the Harvey Gantt Triumph Award has been bestowed since its inception in 1984. This is fitting and timely, as organizations across the country and around the world are becoming increasingly strategic and impactful in confronting injustice, affect positive change, and build understanding among diverse individuals.”

Clay MiddletonFormer Charleston Mayoral Candidate

“CAJM's fight for equality and justice is representative of Dr. King's dream and Mr. Gantt's determination.”

LaVanda BrownExecutive Director of Charleston YWCA

“I find CAJM to be the single most effective social and racial justice organization in Charleston. CAJM has proven itself to be both empowering and impactful — together we make meaningful, measurable change happen and that is precisely because we are intentionally both interfaith and cross racial.”