Joia Erin Thornton

Joia Erin Thornton is a human rights advocate, lobbyist, and writer. Ms. Thornton has a unique hometown experience growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana- two cities on the Mississippi River with deep histories of class hierarchy, racial tension, and overall systemic challenges. Joia created 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 American history. Joia uses the framework of faith, humanity and race to boldly confront America’s relationship with state-sanctioned death. Joia believes her abolition work mirrors that of female vanguards like Ida B. Wells, Mary Church Terrell and Diane Nash- women who led with strength and grace.