IJ Makes Headlines

IJ Returns To The Big Screen

IJ’s work is coming to life in an inspiring new movie! Freedom Hair, produced by our friends at the Moving Picture Institute, is based on the true story of IJ client Melony Armstrong, who successfully challenged onerous laws that kept artists like her from earning an honest living by braiding hair unless they completed hundreds or even thousands of hours of unrelated training. 

While working at a women’s shelter, Melony decided to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence for herself and others. To do so, she would have to overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cartel and the state of Mississippi. As depicted in the film, with help from IJ, she frees herself to practice her trade—and helps thousands of other women do likewise.

The film is a love letter to IJ’s courageous clients and our work freeing all Americans to pursue their dreams. And if you look closely, you can spot both Melony and IJ Senior Vice President and Litigation Director Dana Berliner in cameos.

Freedom Hair is the second feature film to bring IJ’s work to life. The 2017 film Little Pink House dramatized the story of IJ client Susette Kelo, who fought all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the town of New London, Connecticut, from using eminent domain to give her home to private developers.

You can stream both Freedom Hair and Little Pink House on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, and more. Next movie night, make it an IJ double feature!