Public Defender Turned Social Entrepreneur Reduces Police Brutality with Board Game
April Preyar, a seasoned criminal defense attorney and legal educator based in Chicago, has dedicated her career to making the law accessible and engaging for everyone. With over 22 years of experience in criminal defense, April has shifted her focus to social entrepreneurship through her platform, JustUs Junkie. This groundbreaking initiative simplifies complex legal concepts and empowers individuals—especially marginalized youth—with essential knowledge of their rights during police encounters. By utilizing creative educational tools such as videos, workshops, and her original board game, Trials & Triumph, April is revolutionizing legal education. Her approach is more than just informative; it’s transformative, aiming to foster understanding, empathy, and practical skills that reduce the likelihood of negative encounters with law enforcement.
The Problem
In 2024, the United Nations admonished Chicago for its human rights abuses and torture, due to pronounced patters of police brutality. But systemic issues of racial injustice, police brutality, and the over-incarceration of marginalized communities have long dominated headlines in the United States. Chicago, in particular, has faced ongoing allegations of police misconduct and racialized violence. The lack of accessible legal education contributes to a cycle of misunderstanding and fear, especially among marginalized groups who often lack the resources or knowledge to navigate interactions with law enforcement. Without the proper legal understanding, individuals, particularly youth, are vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and unjust treatment during police encounters.
The Solution
April Preyar’s solution is both innovative and engaging. Through JustUs Junkie, she provides a platform that offers legal education in a format that is both accessible and interactive. Her board game, Trials & Triumph, immerses players in realistic scenarios, teaching them how to navigate police encounters with confidence. The game simulates real-life situations where players must make decisions that impact the outcome of their interactions with law enforcement, helping them learn when to assert their rights and how to stay calm under pressure. In addition to the game, JustUs Junkie includes workshops and online resources designed to equip individuals, especially from marginalized communities, with the knowledge needed to protect themselves during police stops and reduce the likelihood of escalation.
4. The Motivation
April’s motivation stems from her personal experiences and her passion for justice. As a criminal defense attorney, she witnessed firsthand how the lack of legal understanding could lead to negative outcomes for individuals, especially young minorities. She recognized that people fell prey to the same patterns of systemic injustice and police brutality. Her desire to equip people with knowledge of their rights during police encounters led her to create JustUs Junkie. Recognizing that education is the key to breaking cycles of racial injustice and police brutality, April’s goal is not just to educate but to instill confidence and encourage safer, more informed interactions with the justice system. Her work is fueled by a commitment to bridging the gap between legal complexities and the everyday person.
5. The Lessons
April Preyar’s journey offers powerful lessons in innovation, community engagement, and entrepreneurship. First, her approach shows that innovative methods—such as games and interactive workshops—can make the most complex systemic issues more accessible to the public. Second, she underscores the importance of community engagement and hands-on learning, especially for those at risk of being targeted by the justice system. By providing a tangible, relatable way for people to understand their legal rights, April is not just teaching law; she’s changing lives. Finally, her work exemplifies the power of using entrepreneurship as a tool for social change, demonstrating that business models can be a powerful force for addressing systemic issues like police brutality and racial injustice.
Conclusion
April Preyar’s JustUs Junkie is more than just a platform for legal education—it’s a catalyst for social change. By combining interactive tools like Trials & Triumph with workshops and online resources, she is empowering individuals to better understand their rights and navigate the complexities of the justice system. Through her work, April is addressing the root causes of police brutality and systemic injustice, fostering safer communities, and ensuring that marginalized groups have the knowledge and confidence to stand up for their rights. JustUs Junkie is paving the way for a future where legal education is accessible, impactful, and transformative.
