Lawyers' Committee

Advancing Racial Equity and Ensuring Access to Justice

The James Byrd Jr. Center to Stop Hate stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment in the fight for racial justice and equality. Founded in 1964, we have tirelessly advocated for the abolishment of racial discrimination, championed access to quality education, and tackled critical social and economic disparities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to dismantle systemic racism and empower marginalized communities through:

• Legal Advocacy: We champion racial equity through litigation, policy advocacy, and legislative reforms.
• Education & Research: We generate impactful research and educational resources to counter misinformation and foster critical understanding.
• Public Awareness: We amplify diverse voices and stories to shine a spotlight on the urgency of racial justice.
• Community Empowerment: We connect communities with resources and support to build resilience and self-determination.

Our Expertise

We offer a comprehensive range of services to address the multifaceted challenges faced by marginalized communities. Our expertise includes:

1. Voting Rights & Election Protection

• Ensuring equal access to voter registration and ensuring fair election practices.
• Providing legal guidance and technical assistance to election officials and advocates.
• Litigation to combat discriminatory voter practices and policies.

2. Criminal Justice Reform

• Advocating for criminal justice reforms that prioritize racial equity and accountability.
• Providing legal representation to individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.
• Addressing racial disparities in sentencing, incarceration, and policing.

3. Education Equity

• Promoting access to quality education for all, regardless of race or socioeconomic background.
• Challenging discriminatory practices and policies in schools and educational systems.
• Advocating for increased funding for under-resourced schools.

4. Economic Justice

• Addressing racial disparities in income, wealth, and access to opportunity.
• Promoting economic policies that empower marginalized communities.

5. Advocacy & Public Awareness

• Raising public awareness about racial injustice and its devastating effects.
• Mobilizing communities to take action and demanding systemic change.
• Engaging the public in critical conversations about race and social justice.