Civil Rights Titan Ben Crump Gives Stirring MLK Lecture

February 20, 2024

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump captivated attendees with his passionate discourse on justice, equality, and the enduring influence of Dr. King’s legacy, reinforcing the vital role of legal advocacy in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Crump shared the stage with Jordan D. Schnitzer Professor of Law Professor Robert Klonoff in an insightful Q and A session. Crump and Klonoff’s partnership, particularly in litigating on behalf of Henrietta Lacks’ family, underscored the evening’s themes of perseverance and legal accountability.

Crump’s lecture was a clarion call for continued vigilance and action against injustice. He detailed his involvement in high-profile cases such as those of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and George Floyd, highlighting the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and violence against African Americans. He also highlighted his efforts beyond the courtroom, including pushing for legislation to prevent excessive police force and develop implicit bias training.

The evening concluded with the impact of Crump’s words lingering in the air, inspiring students, faculty, and community members alike: “What we are doing, brothers and sisters, more than anything else, we’re helping America be America, for all Americans. And that is the goal. That is how we give our children a better world, a better America, by making the Constitution real for them too. I know you’re going to do it, Lewis and Clark students. I have all the faith in the world.”

The lecture series honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is made possible by the generosity of alumni Jacqueline Alexander ’07 and Lee Matthews BS ’71, JD ’73.

(L to R) Lee Matthews and Jacqueline Alexander with Ben Crump at the lecture.