Story to honor both Women's History + Public Defense Month

Too often in our country, women are vulnerable to a wide range of issues, including gender-based violence, economic insecurity, workplace discrimination, and inadequate access to health care. Additionally, women of color are particularly vulnerable to these issues. Women are more likely to live in poverty, face workplace discrimination, and be victims of sexual assault. Furthermore, women of color are more likely to face racial discrimination and become victims of the criminal legal system.

Racquel is a compassionate person who worked hard to provide a safe home for her family. She welcomed her sister, Kayla, and her sister’s boyfriend, Brandon, into her home, offering them the guest room because they were previously homeless and living out of his car. Kayla and Brandon struggled with drinking, and it reared its head late one unfortunate evening. It was the middle of the night, and Racquel and her son were sleeping peacefully in their room. Suddenly, Racquel heard a loud commotion coming from the guest room. She carefully got up to leave the room, keeping the door closed so her son could continue to sleep as she went to investigate. 

Kayla and Brandon had come home late and were very intoxicated, and were in a heated argument. It was an escalating situation, and Racquel attempted to intervene for the safety of her sister and home. Racquel had no idea where they had been that night or why they were both so drunk. While pleading with Brandon to leave her home, he shoved her into the wall. She feared for her life and the lives of her son and sister. She was forced to assert her right to defend herself and her home. They struggled with one another for several minutes until Racquel's five-year-old son came into the room. That's when Brandon fled the apartment, and Racquel called the police. Once police arrived, she thought help had come, but for many Black citizens, calling the police often makes things worse.

Racquel called the police for help in a moment of defense for her and her family's well-being but never expected herself to be charged with assault. Brandon was outside the home and his back was bleeding. The police claimed that Racquel attacked Brandon with a knife, despite law enforcement never recovering a knife or any other weapon. The responding officers also questioned why Racquel fought back, undermining the reality that this was her home and that her attacker no longer made it a safe space for her own life or her family.

She couldn’t believe that she called the police for help and they ended up arresting her. That arrest subsequently ruined their family's fragile balance of stability. She was held in custody for two weeks without being able to afford bail. Restoring Justice and one of our partners, Imaginoir, found Racquel in jail on a nominal bail, and posted bail for her as a part of a Mother’s Day bail out project.

Once out, she called her employer to inform them of her situation, but they had already fired her due to Racquel missed work days. The job that provided higher pay, and great hours, was gone. They suggested that she reapply, but a background check revealed the pending charge, and they ultimately turned her away. 

Racquel was a victim of gender-based violence, discrimination, and economic insecurity. She is a single mom who worked as a security officer for seven years. Her role at her job was to protect a building downtown, its staff, and its patrons. Racquel was a reliable and hardworking employee. Her job provided a means of caring for her son and ill mother. Racquel loved her job because it provided a stable income while her mom wasn’t working, but she also loved her job because it helped people feel safe. Racquel had ambitions to return to school for nursing and was working hard to realize that dream. However, on the night of her arrest, what began as a typical evening rhythm for her family ended in a cry for help, and, ultimately, her riding in the back of a police car with her mother and son in the rearview mirror.

Racquel lost her apartment so she and her son were forced to stay in a shelter for some time and in her car other nights. Racquel had to find work elsewhere, settling for a full-time job at Burger King. She worked the overnight shift from 10 pm to 6 am and earned about $8 an hour. Her supervisor loved her and described her as hardworking and reliable. Racquel started working at Whataburger shortly after because they offered just two more dollars per hour.

Restoring Justice could not stop at bailing her out. Racquel was offered our full range of services, starting with legal representation. Once Racquel received the four pillars of Restoring Justice’s services, things began to look promising because she was finally able to receive the help and advocacy she needed and deserved. In preparation for trial and to help mount a defense against the allegations Racquel faced, Restoring Justice began a full investigation. Our attorneys discovered that the police had submitted a false report of the events. The reporting officer wrote in his statement that the complaining witness, Brandon, claimed he came home from work and discovered Racquel and her sister arguing, and the incident occurred when he tried to calm them down. This was simply not true.  

The investigator also discovered that Racquel’s sister wasn't interviewed at all. She was present on scene the whole time and police should have simply asked for her version of events, yet there was no mention of her in the offense report. What's more, Racquel was never interviewed herself for her statement - even though she had called the police!

After the night of her arrest, Racquel had no contact with her attacker, Brandon, and only saw him once in the neighborhood. Just before trial, Brandon signed an affidavit asking that the State dismiss the case altogether. Racquel received our expert level of services driven by two of our core values: embodying Jesus & freedom for all. After a long hard fight with Restoring Justice beside her, Racquel's case was dismissed, and she was free to continue rebuilding the shattered pieces of her life - but no longer alone.

Restoring Justice’s holistic social service team - another core pillar - enabled her to navigate challenges brought on by the case. On Mother's Day of 2020, Racquel was thankful when she received some financial assistance and a gift basket from Imaginoir. The team helped her and her son find secure housing, too. On top of the legal and social services she received, Racquel also participated in the Adelphoi program and was paired with a volunteer from the community who supported her and loved her every step of the way. They maintain a strong relationship to this day.

A typical day for Racquel involves taking care of her son during the day and going to work at night. Since Racquel's case was dismissed, she has been able to get her old security job back along with her schedule allowing her to be a present mother. Racquel has moved to a new neighborhood, has stable transportation, and finds joy in having her freedom and the opportunity to do math homework with her son. She affectionately calls him her "little bad booger," and they love spending the time they have together. Racquel is determined to give her son the life he deserves and is grateful for the support she has received from our core services along the way. She gives back by volunteering with a family member at a local charity by passing out food to the homeless. Despite her difficult situation, Racquel's determination to hold onto hope and continue reaching her goals has been an inspiration to us and everyone around her.

While waiting for her case to be resolved, Racquel hoped true justice would be served. She knew her story would be heard, and the truth would prevail. Although it may be difficult for any of us to imagine the fear and vulnerability Racquel experienced the night of her arrest, the decision to stand up for herself and protect what she loves paints an image of a woman protecting her home, her life, and her loved ones from an attacker. It took a great deal of courage and strength to defend herself. She embodied our core value of fearless love. Unfortunately, women, particularly Black women, in our country are sometimes blamed for defending  themselves. Consequently, they become victims of the very system that promises to protect them from harm. She had no choice but to fight & prevent further harm from befalling those she loved. Perhaps we, too, have no choice but to stand up and advocate for those who find themselves in the shoes of Racquel, continue to love fearlessly, and fight together for justice & freedom. When we do, we can restore lives like Racquel’s, on display by her Christmas card to us this past holiday season, pictured above. She is women’s history, and we’re grateful for her tenacity to allow us to share her story with you this month. In power.