Civil Rights and Social Justice

Civil Rights Leader Clarence B. Jones to be Awarded Thurgood Marshall Award

The Section is thrilled to announce that it will honor legendary civil rights leader Clarence B. Jones with the 2021 Thurgood Marshall Award in a virtual celebration during the ABA Annual Meeting. Serving as advisor and lawyer to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mr. Jones played a pivotal role in many events in the Civil Rights Era, including assisting in the drafting of Dr. King’s momentous "I have a Dream" address; acting as part of the successful defense team for the SCLC in New York Times v. Sullivan; serving as part of Dr. King’s inner circle of advisers, called the “research committee”; and contributing with Vincent Harding and Andrew Young to Dr. King’s “Beyond Vietnam” address at New York’s Riverside Church on 4 April 1967. After Dr. King’s death, Mr. Jones served as one of the negotiators during the 1971 prison riot at Attica, and was editor and part owner of the New York Amsterdam News from 1971 to 1974.

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Sponsorship Opportunities

About - the Award

CRSJ's Free Legal Answers Volunteer Day of Service

Inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.'s unending committee to service and improving the lives of others, the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice will celebrate Dr. King's birthday by volunteering for Free Legal Answers on Friday, January 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST. Sign up in advance and join us as we volunteer and answer questions together - we will receive a brief tutorial, hear from our Chair on the importance of pro bono work and discuss questions and volunteer experiences as we socialize. We encourage you to join and share your expertise with those who need it the most!

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Chair Angela J. Scott Pens First FY21 Chair's Column

Section Chair Angela J. Scott pens her first column of the bar year. In her column, she focuses on the impact of this year and the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and calls for justice for the African American community.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

CRSJ Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice Voting Rights Service Initiative

The ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice is proud to partner with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law on election protection. The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection uses a wide range of tools and activities to protect, advance and defend the right to vote.

Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice

2020 General Election Voting Rights Toolkit

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Thank you to our Sponsors!

The Section deeply thanks all of our sponsors of the 2020 Thurgood Marshall Award Celebration. The first-ever virtual Celebration was a monumental success and featured remarks from the esteemed recipient and a conversation on justice and equity between Marian Wright Edelman and Valerie Jarrett. Your generosity allows us to continue our work, including expanded programming and publications in response to COVID-19 highlighting the effects of the pandemic on civil rights and social justice, on elections in particular, and on the fundamental causes of inequality. CRSJ pays every gift forward by giving the legal profession and advocacy community the tools to make positive change.

See the - 2020 Sponsors