About the Institute
The Reuben V. Anderson Institute for Social Justice is the beating heart of Tougaloo College's commitment to public service, equity, and systemic change. The Institute serves as the home for the Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law and Eric H. Holder Jr. Public Policy Programs, anchoring its academic programs, research, and initiatives in a bold vision of justice-driven, community-empowered leadership.
Inspired by the life and legacy of Justice Reuben V. Anderson, the Institute exists to dismantle the structural barriers that have long perpetuated racial and economic injustice in Mississippi and beyond. Through a powerful fusion of academic rigor, legal advocacy, and civic engagement, the Institute offers students a unique platform to become transformative leaders in law, public policy, and social justice work.
Legal Advocacy
Training the next generation of lawyers and legal advocates to fight for justice and equality in courts and communities.
Community Engagement
Building partnerships with communities to address systemic inequities through grassroots organizing and policy reform.
Academic Excellence
Providing rigorous academic preparation that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world experience.
Our Core Programs
Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Program
Cornerstone to the Institute, prepares scholars for legal careers through rigorous coursework, LSAT preparation, mentorship, and experiential learning. The Program has produced over 200 Black lawyers across the country, including trailblazers in civil rights law, public defense, and corporate litigation.
Learn MoreEric H. Holder Jr. Public Policy Program
Launched in Fall 2022, Tougaloo’s first-ever Public Policy and Administration Program focuses on innovative curriculum, community-based participatory research and advocacy in areas such as economic justice, criminal justice equity, educational equity, and public health equity. Scholars complete policy white papers, advocacy practicums and activities, and grassroots campaigns aimed at creating systemic change.
Learn MoreBennie G. Thompson Leadership Development
Developing leaders through mentorship and hands-on experience in public service and advocacy.
Coming SoonSignature Initiatives and Events
Building Power Through Action
Advocacy Training Program
Advocacy Training Program
Policy & Popcorn Podcast
Policy & Popcorn Podcast
Criminal Justice Equity
Criminal Justice Equity
- Sunflower County efforts to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline
- Multi-stakeholder engagement with parents, students, and community leaders
- Advocacy for restorative alternatives and mentorship programs
- Reform of school discipline policies and enhanced IEP compliance
Economic Justice
Economic Justice Initiatives
- TAGI: Centering Black farmers in sustainable agriculture
- TRHT: Truth, racial healing, and transformation through storytelling
- Black Workers Initiative: Labor rights research and legislation drafting
Educational Equity
Educational Equity
- Ensuring equitable access to educational resources in underserved communities
- Supporting students with disabilities and IEP implementation
- Training educators on inclusive teaching practices
- Eliminating systemic barriers to learning
Public Health Equity
Public Health Equity
- Delta GREENS: Advancing food justice and health equity in the Mississippi Delta
- HBCU SCI: Developing student-led civic engagement programs and capacity building for HBCUs
Lawyers in the Classroom
Lawyers in the Classroom Series
Pre-Law Scholars Program
Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Scholars Program
Pre-Law and Policy Society
Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law and Policy Society
GOTV Campaign
Get Out the Vote Campaign
Coalition Day at the Capitol
TC Coalition Day at the Capitol
Institute Leadership & Contacts
Connect with the leadership team driving social justice initiatives and academic excellence at the Reuben V. Anderson Institute for Social Justice.

Dr. Natasha Magee-Woods, Esq.
Director, Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Program

Dr. Lawren M. Long
Director, Eric H. Holder Jr. Public Policy Program

Mr. Tony Bounds
Archivist, Tougaloo College Archives & Special Collections
Join the Movement for Justice
Be part of a legacy that spans generations. From the Civil Rights Movement to today's fight for social justice, the Reuben V. Anderson Institute continues Tougaloo's tradition of producing leaders who change the world.