chris lamb • July 18, 2023

The Origins of National Justice Society: A Beacon of Light from the Darkness

Unusual Beginnings in Unexpected Places

Just as a diamond is born from extreme pressure, the National Justice Society (NJS) was born within the confines of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Its story serves as a testament that light can emerge from even the darkest places.


Upon entering a new unit, each prisoner must undergo an interview by a panel of prison administrators before receiving a housing and work assignment. This panel of wardens, majors, and other department heads attempts to gauge the prisoner's personality, skills, and temperament, before deciding their fate within the system.


My personal journey began in 2016 within the Bartlett State Jail, where my wits and charisma led me to the law library, rather than being consigned to back-breaking manual labor like those less fortunate.

The Unexpected Turn

The law library seemed like an ideal job, but little did I know, it would change the course of my life entirely. Beyond my initial legal knowledge, it introduced me to prisoners who had untapped potential - unjustly prosecuted, addicted to substances or never given a fair chance in life.


There were individuals who every day, dived into every book in the library. These self-taught legal scholars were the backbone of the prison population. Known as the "jailhouse lawyers", they helped other prisoners with parole representation, grievances, and legal suits against the state.

Building the Foundation of NJS

Through my interactions with these spirited individuals, I began recognizing the satisfaction of serving others. The passion of these "jailhouse lawyers" gradually rubbed off on me, and I dived headfirst into the world of law, eager to help fellow inmates navigate the convoluted justice system.


By April 2018, I found myself at the Ferguson Unit - the birthplace of the NJS. There, in the law library, was a group of three life-sentenced "jailhouse lawyers" known as "The Jews”. Each member brought unique skills to the table - a prominent voice, an analytical thinker, and a radical activist, respectively.

The Birth of NJS

Llewelyn Hawkins, the voice of the trio, had been dreaming about creating an organization to help incarcerated individuals for over 20 years. He approached me one day with his vision for the National Justice Society, and introduced me to Kaleb Thomas, a smart young man brimming with ideas for NJS.


Together, we drafted business plans, articles of incorporation, by-laws and completed a 501(c)(3) application. By November 11, 2018, the National Justice Society became a registered non-profit organization.

Facing Resistance & Coming out Stronger

The birth of NJS within the confines did not go unnoticed. As we continued to challenge the administration with grievances, formal complaints, and legal suits, hostility and resistance from the administrators escalated. Yet, this only fuelled our determination to fight for the rights of prisoners.


In the face of adversity and separation, we continued the spirit of NJS. We poured over legal knowledge, reached out to prison reform organizations, and maintained the dream that the NJS would one day be a revolutionary force for the millions impacted by the criminal justice system.

The Birth of NJS

Llewelyn Hawkins, the voice of the trio, had been dreaming about creating an organization to help incarcerated individuals for over 20 years. He approached me one day with his vision for the National Justice Society, and introduced me to Kaleb Thomas, a smart young man brimming with ideas for NJS.


Together, we drafted business plans, articles of incorporation, by-laws and completed a 501(c)(3) application. By November 11, 2018, the National Justice Society became a registered non-profit organization.

Share by: