JustUs Junkie
Bringing justice from courtrooms to the classrooms
Contestant Details
JustUs Junkie began five years ago with a viral video, “4 Things Not To Do If Stopped By Police.” As a criminal defense attorney of 19 years, April Preyar posted the video out of sheer frustration with the never-ending cycle of the criminal courts. She wanted to save someone from being arrested or killed. Within 24 hours, the video had 1.2 million views!
Based on the response, April realized there was a dire need for grassroots legal education in Black and Latinx communities. According to April, teens are not taught about their rights in school. In turn, what parents teach at home is incomplete or incorrect.
April began posting weekly Facebook videos about criminal law and then launched an original educational board game, Trials & Triumph. She conducted dozens of workshops for more than 2,500 teens and eventually built a curriculum named, Street Law Revolution!, to supplement the game and to be taught by attorneys in schools.
JustUsJunkie is a source of empowerment for youth on the South Side. It provides life-saving education that deters teens from committing group crimes and teaches their 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendment rights. JUSTUS JUNKIE keeps communities safe.