A Black-only practitioner space for African Nova Scotian and Black professionals whose work touches the justice system, in courts, in community, and in the institutions in between.
About the network
Doing this work inside institutions that were not built for us is isolating. The ANSCJN exists because the peer infrastructure other professionals take for granted has been missing for us. This is that infrastructure.
Founded in 2019, the Network brings together professionals working in legal, corrections, social work, navigation, mental health, and advocacy, as well as the operational and administrative roles that hold these spaces together. Administrative support is provided by Sankofa Collective. The Network itself is independent, co-chaired by community practitioners.
Membership
The Network has four membership tiers. The founding membership year (April 2026 – March 2027) is free for Practitioner Members and Partner Organizations. A sliding scale is available, no questions asked.
| Tier | Who it's for | Annual fee | Voting | Founding year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practitioner Member | Black and ANS individuals whose work intersects with justice: lawyers, social workers, navigators, corrections professionals, mental health practitioners, researchers, and adjacent staff. | $75 Sliding scale to $0. Sustaining rate $150. |
Yes | Free |
| Partner Organization | Organizations whose core mandate is Black and ANS justice work, operating at peer level alongside the Network. | $750 – $1,500 Based on org size. |
1 per org | Free |
| Allied Institution | Government bodies, universities, law societies, and larger institutions whose engagement is institutional rather than peer-practitioner. | $3,000 No founding year waiver. |
Observer only | No |
| Honorary / Elder | Co-founders and long-standing community members recognized for significant contributions to the Network or ANS justice work. | Waived | Chair discretion | Yes |
Membership year: April 1 – March 31. Members joining after October 1 are pro-rated at half the annual fee (Practitioner and Partner tiers). Fees administered through Sankofa Collective.
Express interest
If you are a Black or African Nova Scotian professional doing work that touches the justice system, this Network is for you.
Fill out the form and the Chair will be in touch. Membership conversations happen one at a time, with care.
Prefer to write directly? anscjn@gmail.com
How to join
Fill out the interest form
A few minutes. Tell us a little about you and your work.
The Chair will be in touch
A short conversation, one at a time, with care.
Join the next meeting
You will be invited to the next one. We meet every 8 weeks.
2023 Justice Conference
In October 2023, the ANSCJN convened 183 community members, practitioners, researchers, and justice leaders at Saint Mary's University in Halifax for a two-day conference, the first of its kind in Nova Scotia. Voices from across the justice ecosystem came together to present work, surface challenges, and advance solutions toward a fair and accessible justice system for people of African descent in the province.
92% of respondents strongly agreed they enjoyed the conference. 100% said they gained new insights or knowledge.
Support
A financial contribution supports the ANSCJN's convening, capacity-building, and community action work. Donations do not confer membership, voting rights, or institutional standing. Contributions are received and administered through Sankofa Collective.
Donation widget coming soon.