ArchCity Defenders
| Established | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Thomas Harvey, Michael-John Voss, and John McAnnar |
| Type | Non-profit |
| Purpose | Combat the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color |
| Services | Civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration |
Executive Director | Blake Strode |
| Award | Thomas Merton Award |
| Website | archcitydefenders.org |
ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a legal advocacy organization in St. Louis, Missouri.
History
ArchCity Defenders was co-founded by three graduates of St. Louis University School of Law in 2009, modeled after The Bronx Defenders, to address gaps in civic and criminal justice services.[1] ACD primarily operated on volunteer service and donated office space. They expanded operations in 2013 through a contract from mayor Francis Slay's initiative to end chronic homelessness.[2]
In 2017, Blake Strode was named the new executive director after two years on staff through the Skadden Fellowship.[2]
In 2018, ACD was awarded the Thomas Merton Award.[3]
Activities
Between 2015 and 2018, ACD filed class action lawsuits against seven cities in St. Louis County for civil rights violations, reaching a settlement of over $20 million.[4] Lawsuits describe the violations as a debtors' prison scheme in which plaintiffs were charged with minor infractions and held in prison when unable to pay cash bail without due process.[5] In 2024, ACD produced a report on St. Louis municipal courts demonstrating the impact of reforms and presenting an argument for court consolidation.[4]
Starting in 2017, ACD participated in the Close the Workhouse campaign due to poor conditions and treatment at the St. Louis Medium Security Institution.[6] The institution was closed by Tishaura Jones and ACD came to a settlement of $4 million for people incarcerated between 2012-2022.[7]
In 2026, ACD and Action St. Louis opened the Northside Movement Center as a joint headquarters and community serves hub following the 2025 St. Louis tornado.[8]
References
- ↑ Fenske, Sarah (November 7, 2019). "ArchCity Defenders Celebrates 10 Years Of Advocacy, Growth". St. Louis Public Radio. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- 1 2 Wicentowski, Danny. "For ArchCity Defenders' New Director, Blake Strode, Home Is Where the Injustice Was". Riverfront Times. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
- ↑ Danielson, J. Ryne (2018-11-29). "Civil Rights Law Firm ArchCity Defenders Wins Thomas Merton Award". St. Louis, MO Patch. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- 1 2 Henderson, Andrea Y. (July 25, 2024). "ArchCity Defenders pushes to consolidate St. Louis' municipal court system". St. Louis Public Radio. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ↑ Medina, Eduardo (April 12, 2023). "Missouri City to Pay $3.25 Million to Settle 'Debtors' Prison' Lawsuit". New York Times. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ↑ Sharma, Mihir; Randall, Clark (July 25, 2020). "St. Louis's Shameful Workhouse Jail Must Be Shut Down". Jacobin. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ↑ Wimbley, Lacretia (2026-02-17). "St. Louis settles federal lawsuit over poor conditions at Workhouse jail for $4M". STLPR. Retrieved 2026-08-18.
- ↑ Wynn, Linden (2026-02-28). "Northside Movement Center Opens in North St. Louis". Hoodline. Retrieved 2026-08-18.