LSPC/All of Us or None, California
Lawrence Cox (He/Him) is Regional Advocacy and Organizing Associate and Managing Organizer at Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC) and All of Us Or None (AOUON). Born in Oakland, California, Lawrence’s formative years were marked by socio-economic instability and limited community resources. By age seven, he became a ward of Alameda County, entering California’s strained foster care system. Early traumas and disruptions proved challenging, but they set a foundation for the fierce resolve later defining his advocacy and organizing efforts.
Unfortunately, Lawrence’s adulthood transition was complicated by his environment. Drugs, violence, and a broader culture of disenfranchisement weighed heavily on his prospects. By his admission, he lost sight of the goals he once pursued with such conviction. Consequently, he faced a 17-year period of incarceration, one that tested his resilience in the starkest way possible. Yet within the oppressive confines of prison, Lawrence found opportunities for education, self-reflection, and transformation.
Lawrence now leverages his personal narrative to connect with communities that have historically been marginalized and overlooked. He has tirelessly co- led historical Campaigns, legislative and voter Ballot efforts aimed at amending California's Constitution, fighting to remove the exception clause which allows for the exception of Involuntary Servitude. He has led countless advocacy efforts on voter disenfranchisement, “ban the box” efforts, and the persistent stigma that accompanies a criminal record. By building coalitions among diverse groups—ranging from grassroots activists and faith-based organizations to policymakers and civic leaders—he has facilitated public forums that encourage open dialogue about the structural barriers impacting those who have experienced incarceration.
Lawrence has honed his skills in strategic planning, policy review, and community engagement. He coordinates regional actions that hold elected officials accountable, ensuring they understand the human impact of legislation that marginalizes formerly incarcerated people.
Today, Lawrence stands as a beacon of hope for individuals wrestling with the aftermath of incarceration. His day-to-day work at Legal Services for Prisoners with Children and All of Us Or None aligns with a life mission: to dismantle the structural inequities that stigmatize and confine system-impacted people, and to champion their right to a dignified and fulfilling life.
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