N.C. A&T Senior Combines Tech with Social Justice through Hey Justice App

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Jan. 21, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University political science junior Danielle Bunker is turning legal confusion into clarity with Hey Justice, a technology-driven app that blends social justice and digital innovation to support those navigating the justice system.

Bunker began developing the app in July 2025 after identifying a legal access gap impacting communities nationwide. 

“A lack of understanding of legal documents can put people at serious risk,” said Bunker. “Missed court dates lead to active warrants, fines and potential jail time.”

Advanced artificial intelligence powers Bunker’s development to connect the legal system with technology. The app simplifies legal documents and helps individuals navigate the system by tracking court dates and sharing real-time location during encounters with law enforcement.

According to Bunker, existing legal platforms largely focus on lawyers and corporations, leaving everyday users without the necessary tools to manage the challenges of the legal system.

The app translates complex legal documents into accessible language including Ebonics, Spanish and standard American English, tracks court dates and delivers live audio and video streaming to emergency contacts during traffic stops.

“We are not a nonprofit or a charity. We are a business geared toward social impact and social justice,” said Bunker. “With our features, we reach multiple demographics because accessibility matters, especially for communities of color.”

Hey Justice is co-founded by Bunker’s older brother, David Bunker, whose background in cybersecurity and information technology helped define the app’s focus on consumer privacy. He leads efforts to ensure personal information and legal documents remain secure and protected from unauthorized access. The platform team includes two software developers and a social media specialist.

In November 2025, Hey Justice won a $20,000 Black Ambition Prize, an initiative founded by artist, producer and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams to support innovative Black- and Hispanic-led companies. The Bunker siblings were selected from more than 2,500 applicants and 27 finalists across technology, healthcare, AI, fashion, agriculture, food and beverage, cosmetics and communications.

Bunker credits her ability to successfully navigate the technical, legal and entrepreneurial challenges to mentorship from across disciplines at North Carolina A&T, including Daphne Cooper, Ph.D., chair of the Department of History and Political Science, Sean G.L. Johnson, Ph.D., director of the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Raymond Samuel, professor of biology and Samuel Research Team leader.

“Having support from so many departments across A&T has been phenomenal,” said Bunker. “Their guidance helped me truly believe in this idea and bring it to life, and I’m really grateful for everyone who’s been part of the journey.”

Hey Justice is scheduled to officially launch this spring. Click here to learn more about the app.