Watchdogs For Justice “WFJ” was established in 2003 by five criminal defense attorneys who were appalled by the number of young people entering the criminal justice system.
Since that time we have added individuals from all walks of life who want to help our young people have a better life. We have conducted seminars throughout the state of Georgia, in New Orleans, LA, Normal, AL, Danville, IL and Los Angeles, CA.
The Watchdog for Justice team has written 4 crime-prevention books, which demonstrate clearly how one wrong decision can lead to lifetime tragic consequences.
We conduct interactive seminars that show how young people often leave home with the intent of having fun with their friends and by one bad choice some of them don’t make it back home for 10 years, or 20 years, and sometime they end up in prison for life or on death row.
We also provide youth with written information (brochures and booklets) on how to safely exercise their fourth, fifth and sixth amendment rights, and what to do if stopped by the police, and provide them with information they need to stay out of prison.
Our targeted age is young people between the ages of 9 to 25. (All ages are welcome)
Our latest book, “Keeping Youth out of Prison” is a workbook that parents and guardians can use to take their children through a series of exercises with questions and answers that will show them how to make decision that will keep them out of the system.
Watchdogs For Justice Members
Clara Hunter King is president and a founding member of Watchdogs For Justice (WFJ). She has served as a criminal defense attorney and advocates for juvenile justice since 1996. She, along with other members of the WFJ team, has written two books–This is not Cool, Volumes I & II— that will steer young people away from the pitfalls that can land them in jail or prison. This is not Cool, Volumes I made the Essence Magazine Best Seller’s List in April 2007. King published her third crime-prevention book, Thirty-Five Years On Death Row, in December 2012. Her most recent book, Keeping Youth out of Prison, A legal Guide For Teens and their Parents in Plain English, was published in March 2015. You can read about our books on this website or order books at www.kingdompublications.net
Lawanda J. O’Bannon, a founding member of WFJ, is currently employed as a Federal Defender in Mobile, Alabama. She was in private practice as a criminal defense attorney and advocate for juvenile justice for seven years. She served as a senor trial attorney in the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office for four years. She is a co-author of Volume I and II of the This Is Not Cool book series.
Dana Harrell has been in private practice for over twenty years. Her practice includes criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. She has also served as an advocate for juveniles.
Ella Alis Hughes is currently in private practice. Her practice includes criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and civil litigation. She also advocates for juvenile justice and parental rights.
Frank Conwell is a businessman and long-time juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in May 2014. He has had extensive experience and influence with young men who have become entangled in the criminal justice system.
Daisy Graham is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in March 2016. She has worked to keep kids out of the system for many years. She also serves as a big sister.
Derek Graham is a juvenile advocate with experience in helping youth stay out of trouble since his days in the military. He, along with his wife, was engaged in helping keep relatives and friends out of trouble when they connected to WFJ in March 2016
June 2017.
Wallace Ward is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in June 2017.
Deborah Young is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in June 2017.
Rev. Carolyn Jackson is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in June 2017.
Willie Harrison is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in
June 2017.
Teresa Stafford is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in June 2019.
Johnny Strozier is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in June 2019.
Dr. Zelma Frank is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in June 2019. She is a retired school teacher and college administrator. She has taught at all levels including elementary, middle, high school and college reading and English.
Trent Frank is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in June 2019. He is a military retiree, minister, teacher, speaker, and counselor.
Birdie England is a juvenile advocate, ordained minister, retired probation officer, and community activist who joined WFJ in August 2019.
TEEN ACTOR/ACTRESS
Simeon Frank is a personality actor who joined WFJ in June 2019.
Zay is a personality actor who joined WFJ in July 2016.
Bessie Davis is a Juvenile Advocate who joined WFJ in April 2021. She currently serves as director of regional libraries in Tennessee.
