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FLOCC
The Faith Leaders of Color Coalition (FLOCC) is an interfaith Black & Indigenous community dedicated to learning and supporting advocacy, legislation, and litigation challenging the use of the American Death Penalty system on a state and federal level.
The Faith Leaders of Color Coalition or (FLOCC) allows space for Black & Indigenous faith leaders to build community, ask questions, take action, and collaborate with movement leaders working to end the death penalty in America.
Joia Erin Thornton
National Director & Founder, FLOCC
National Policy Strategist
Policy Analyst
Legal Analyst
Joia Erin Thornton is an avid civil rights advocate, writer, historian, and policy leader. Ms. Thornton has a unique hometown experience growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana; two cities on the mighty Mississippi River riddled with class, race, and overall systemic disparities. Joia formed the Faith Leaders of Color Coalition (FLOCC) to honor the work of Black & Indigenous faith leaders who have contributed to civil/ human rights movements throughout history. Joia uses the framework of faith, race, and historical accounts from the Southern diaspora to boldly confront America's relationship with the death penalty system.
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Joia has over 20 years of experience in grasstops organizing, story-telling, program implementation, and model design. Since 2018, she has made successful inroads in state and national policy reform. Joia has a Bachelor of Arts in English and French (BA) from Louisiana State University and a Master of Public Administration-Policy & Legal Studies (MPA | MPP) from the University of Memphis. Joia collaborates with attorneys, analysts, faith leaders, and strategists working to eliminate the use of capital punishment in various states.
Join the Movement
ORGANIZING AN EVENT
Every faith leader has the ability to motivate others and inspire true change. By Organizing an Event, you become a crucial part of our movement by making sure our mission is heard and has a far-reaching, lasting impact.
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There may be a FLOCC group near you, please reach out to us so we can connect you with organizers in your area.
Tool Kit
If you would like to organize in your community, we have tools to support you! Download our toolkit that teaches you about the history of the Black Church and its resistance against oppressive, discriminatory and violent systems.