Circle Members

Norris Henderson, Founder and Executive Director of Voice of the Experienced-NOLA (VOTE-NOLA), believes that “those who are closest to the problem are closest to the solution.” A former Soros Justice Fellow, he has successfully impacted public policy and discourse about police accountability, public defense for poor and working-class people, and reforming the notorious Orleans Parish Prison. Wrongfully incarcerated for 27 years, Norris speaks on behalf of underserved communities in New Orleans and acts as a general liaison to community organizations in the city, state, and nation. Since his release in 2003, Norris has applied his 27 years of self-taught legal expertise and community organizing skills to a number of leadership positions, including Co-Director of Safe Streets/Strong Communities and Community Outreach Coordinator of the Louisiana Justice Coalition. Norris serves on a number of organizations’ Board of Directors including Family & Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children and acts as Board President of the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights.