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    Past Keynote Speakers

    Founded in 1966, the ABA's Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice (formerly Individual Rights and Responsibilities) is dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights among members of the bar and the general public. Through education and advocacy, CRSJ expresses the legal profession's commitment to work to achieve the American ideals of justice, freedom, and equality for all through the legal system. The Thurgood Marshall Award was established in 1992 to help further these goals.

    The Thurgood Marshall Award is named for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who epitomized individual commitment, in word and action, to the cause of civil rights in this country. The award is intended to recognize similar long-term contributions by other members of the legal profession to the advancement of civil rights, civil liberties, and human rights in the United States. Justice Marshall received the inaugural award in 1992.

    Keynote Speakers

    2024 AWARD - A performance by the civil rights rock band The Coolerators. The Coolerators features eight legal champions for civil rights, including: Eva Paterson on vocals; lawyer Elizabeth Cabraser on drums; former Presidio Trust president and current Fire Commissioner Paula Collins and arbitrator and mediator Cheryl Stevens on vocals; mediator and labor arbitrator Bob Hirsch on guitar; the Honorable Brad Seligman on guitar, harmonica and vocals; USF law professor Bill Hing on bass guitar; and Bill Tamayo on keyboards and accordion.  

    2023 AWARD - Kristen Clarke

    2022 AWARD - Elaine R. Jones

    2021 AWARD     - No keynote, mulitple speakers throughout the virtual celebration

    2020 AWARD     - Valerie Jarrett

    2019 AWARD     - Rhiannon Giddens (performance)

    2018 AWARD     - Sherrilyn Ifill

    2017 AWARD     - Dean Erwin Chemerinsky

    2016 AWARD     - Bryan Stevenson

    2015 AWARD     - Scott Turow

    2014 AWARD     - Professor Lani Guinier

    2013 AWARD     - James J. Brosnahan

    2012 AWARD     - Geoffrey Stone

    2011 AWARD     - Justice Rosalie Abella

    2010 AWARD     - Pamela S. Karlan

    2009 AWARD     - Hon. Abner J. Mikva

    2008 AWARD     - John Payton

    2007 AWARD     - Hon. Thelton E. Henderson

    2006 AWARD     - Hon. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI)

    2005 AWARD     - U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens

    2004 AWARD -     Rev. Joseph A. Lowery

    2003 AWARD     - Justice Joyce Kennard

    2002 AWARD     - Roger Wilkens

    2001 AWARD     - Professor Charles J. Ogletree, Jr.

    2000 AWARD     - Gay McDougall

    1999 AWARD     - Hon. William F. Winter

    1998 AWARD     - Hon. Shirley S. Abrahamson

    1997 AWARD     - Hon. Martha Craig Daughtrey

    1996 AWARD     - Elaine R. Jones

    1995 AWARD     - Hon. Leon Higginbotham

    1994 AWARD     - Congressman John Lewis (D-GA)

    1993 AWARD     - Ambassador Andrew Young

    1992 AWARD     - Philip A. Lacovara, Welcome; Stephen L. Carter, Reflection; and Karen Hastie Williams, Presentation (no keynote for presentation to Justice Thurgood Marshall himself)