Black History Month and Inequality in the Justice System

Black History Month honors the fight for justice and equality for African Americans. It celebrates the countless achievements of black Americans and recognizes their central role in our country’s history.

Although Black History Month is a time for us to reflect on our progress in achieving equality and justice for all Americans, we must not lose sight of the underlying inequality that still remains, seen in its purest form within the United States Justice System.  

At Maverick Ray & Associates, we consider it our profound responsibility to fight against legal injustice and rebuild our country’s long-broken criminal justice system. If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, we urge you to contact our firm immediately. We will relentlessly defend your civil rights and, together, we will confront racial disparity head-on.

What Is Black History Month and How Did It Begin?

As stated in President Joe Biden’s Proclamation on National Black History Month, February is a time to recognize the immeasurable contributions of African Americans and remember the struggles they have had to endure, and the ongoing struggles they must still face.

Black History Month began back in 1926, and was known as “Negro History Week.” February was chosen because it coincided with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and social reformer Frederick Douglass, two individuals celebrated by the black community for their integral role in ending slavery.

The Civil Rights Movement gained traction in the 1960s. Celebrations quickly spread to college campuses and cities of all sizes across the United States. Then in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month.

Statistics on People of Color and the U.S. Criminal Justice System

In light of Black History Month, we must remind ourselves of the continued presence of racial injustice within our criminal justice system. There is no better way to do so than taking a look at the facts.

• One in three black men will go to prison within their lifetime.
• Black Americans are incarcerated a staggering five times more often than white Americans.
• When convicted of a crime, black men and women receive harsher and longer sentences than those handed down to white individuals.
• In New York City, nearly 90% of police stops involve black and Latino people, while only 10% involve white individuals.
• According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, black men receive sentences nearly 20% longer than white men.
• Latino men are incarcerated at a rate of 1.3 times higher than white men.

With statistics such as these, it is startlingly evident that racial disparities continue to deprive people of color of their civil rights. Combating racial injustice and fighting for criminal justice reform undoubtedly is the civil rights issue of our time.

Are You Facing Criminal Charges in Texas?

Criminal justice reform takes awareness and perseverance. At Maverick Ray & Associates, we refuse to be complacent. We advocate aggressively on behalf of our clients and take all available legal avenues to topple the many roadblocks our black and Latino clients face.  

If you are facing criminal charges, know that our legal team is on your side. We refuse to accept the racial inequality still existing in our law enforcement agencies and U.S. criminal justice system and utilize all of our legal resources to protect your civil rights and keep you out of jail. When experience and determination matter, contact the qualified criminal defense lawyers at Maverick Ray & Associates. Call (281) 672-8029 today.

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