Congressman John Lewis: Honoring His Legacy
Congressman John Lewis never wavered in his commitment to equality and justice – the ideals enshrined in the heart of our Constitution. He stood up for those who did not have a voice, the poor, disadvantaged and individuals who society treated unjustly.
NLADA and the equal justice community join those around the world in mourning the loss of this human rights champion. We send our deepest sympathies to the Congressman’s family, friends and staff.
Congressman Lewis’ dedication to justice and racial equality finds expression in the work that civil legal aid and public defenders do every day as they fight for people who otherwise would not have access to justice. As our nation mourns this American hero, the NLADA community is doubling down on our efforts to promote racial equity and opportunity for all. As we honor Congressman Lewis’ life and legacy, we will speak with clarity about poverty and racial equity and support purpose-driven civil legal aid and public defense practices that employ strategic advocacy to advance racial justice in our communities. We are committed to leadership that will move our nation toward its highest ideals. Honoring Congressman Lewis’ legacy demands nothing less.
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The National Legal Aid & Defender Association, founded in 1911, is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. NLADA has pioneered access to justice at the national, state and local levels through the creation of our public defender systems and other important institutions from The Sentencing Project to the Legal Services Corporation. A leader in the development of national standards for civil legal aid and public defense, NLADA also provides advocacy, training and technical assistance for equal justice advocates across the country.