CANAFRO RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Published purpose

The organization will conduct qualitative research that systemically documents the lived experience of Black male survivors who have been criminalized after acts of self-defense or trauma response and establish a dedicated legal navigation and peer mentorship program that offers culturally grounded, trauma informed support to individuals caught within this cycle, empowering them to navigate the justice system and heal from compounded trauma. The organization will also develop and deliver targeted training for legal professionals on identifying and advocating for "dual status" clients, equipping them with strategies to present evidence of prior victimization effectively within legal proceedings and challenge anti-Black racial bias.