Javar Juarez is President and State Advisor of the South Carolina Conference of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), where he advances initiatives focused on economic justice, workforce development, civic engagement, and community empowerment. A dedicated advocate for working families, Juarez works to strengthen partnerships between labor, faith, business, and community organizations to expand opportunities for South Carolinians.

Beyond his leadership with APRI, Juarez is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Columbia Urban Broadcast Network (CUBN) and serves as Senior Director of the Broad River Business Alliance. Through journalism, advocacy, and community development, he has championed efforts that support small businesses, promote workforce opportunities, and elevate underrepresented voices across the state.

His work is guided by the belief that strong communities are built through informed citizens, economic opportunity, and collective action. Through APRI and his broader civic leadership, Juarez remains committed to advancing equity, empowering workers, and creating pathways to prosperity for future generations.

APRI South Carolina Announces Shamiya Woodard as Chair of Criminal Justice Committee

The A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) South Carolina is proud to announce a major leadership appointment within its Capital City Chapter in Columbia, South Carolina.

President and State Advisor Javar Juarez has officially appointed Shamiya Woodard, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of A Greater Response, as the Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee for APRI South Carolina.

This appointment marks a significant step forward in APRI’s mission to advance workers’ rights, civil rights, and social justice across the state, particularly within the deeply interconnected systems of labor, equity, and criminal justice.

Shamiya Woodard brings a proven track record of leadership, advocacy, and innovation through her organization, A Greater Response, which focuses on addressing systemic barriers within the criminal justice system. Her work centers on empowering individuals and families impacted by incarceration, while creating pathways toward stability, education, and long-term opportunity.

Her vision aligns directly with the strategic direction of APRI. The newly formed Criminal Justice Committee will focus on critical issues affecting communities across South Carolina, including bail reform awareness, legal access, justice literacy, youth intervention, and reentry support.  

The committee’s mission is rooted in educating, equipping, and empowering communities to better navigate the justice system while reducing economic burdens and strengthening families.  

Under Woodard’s leadership, APRI South Carolina will implement a structured, action-oriented framework designed to address some of the most pressing challenges in the justice system. These include the impact of pretrial incarceration due to inability to afford bond, lack of legal understanding, and the long-term consequences of limited reentry support.  

The committee will operate through strategic pillars that include bail and bond justice, legal advocacy, financial and justice literacy, youth prevention, and reentry and restoration efforts.  

President Javar Juarez emphasized the importance of this appointment, stating that "APRI South Carolina is committed to building real solutions that address systemic inequities while strengthening communities from the ground up. The inclusion of experienced leaders like Woodard ensures that APRI remains at the forefront of meaningful, community-driven change."

Within the first 90 days, the committee is expected to build key partnerships, launch pilot workshops and legal clinics, and begin a statewide public awareness campaign focused on justice system education and reform.  

This initiative represents more than a program. It is a continuation of the legacy of Asa Philip Randolph, rooted in the belief that justice, dignity, and economic empowerment must be accessible to all.

APRI South Carolina remains committed to advancing policies and programs that protect workers, strengthen families, and create a more just and equitable future.