Reflections and Lessons from an Activist.

This article centers on an interview with Retha Onitiri, a New Jersey-based activist and social policy expert known for her work in juvenile justice reform, restorative justice, and addressing structural racism and economic inequality. Onitiri discusses her leadership in passing the Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youths and Communities pilot program, which allocates $8.4 million to community-based organizations supporting youth reintegration in four New Jersey cities. She emphasizes the importance of community-led solutions, youth engagement in activism, and the need for intergenerational collaboration among activists. Onitiri also reflects on the ongoing challenges in social justice advocacy, including poverty, systemic racism, and political resistance, while underscoring the necessity of strategic organizing and self-care for sustained activism.