Michelle Alexander is a prominent civil rights advocate and author known for her impactful work in social justice and the criminal justice system. Her book, "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness," critically examines the systemic racial discrimination embedded in the U.S. penal system. Through thorough research, she argues that mass incarceration functions as a modern form of racial control similar to Jim Crow laws, disproportionately affecting African American communities.
In her analysis, Alexander highlights how policies and societal attitudes have led to the disenfranchisement of millions, effectively creating a racial caste system. By unveiling the mechanisms of this injustice, she encourages discussions about reforming the judicial system and addressing the underlying issues of inequality and racism in society. Her work has sparked a national conversation on race and justice, inspiring activists and advocates for change.
Alexander has served as a law professor and a director of the civil rights clinic at the Union Theological Seminary. Through her writing and lectures, she seeks to inform and engage the public regarding the challenges faced by marginalized populations. She remains an influential voice in the fight for civil rights and reforms in the justice system.