Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke addressed the National Bar Association's Junius W. Williams Luncheon, reflecting on the significant contributions of Black lawyers in advancing civil rights throughout history. She acknowledged the NBA's pivotal role, stating, "The NBA has an enviable track record of leadership in civil rights."
Clarke highlighted notable achievements by NBA members, including challenging segregation and restrictive housing covenants, as well as landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education. She emphasized that these milestones are part of a continuous relay race toward justice.
Reflecting on the role of attorneys in civil rights, Clarke quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "It may be true that morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated." She noted that 2024 marks important anniversaries for civil rights, including Freedom Summer and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Clarke recounted how lawyers were initially excluded from civil rights conversations until efforts by figures like Bernard Segal and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy brought them into the fold. This inclusion led to significant advancements in civil rights legislation.
Discussing current priorities, Clarke underscored efforts to protect voting rights amid ongoing suppression attempts. She detailed litigation efforts in Texas, Georgia, and Arizona and highlighted a recent injunction won against voter documentation requirements in Mi Familia Vota v. Fontes.
Addressing hate crimes, Clarke mentioned over 120 defendants charged since January 2021 for offenses motivated by racism and xenophobia. She cited cases like the murder of Ahmaud Arbery and the attack at Club Q in Colorado Springs as examples of swift legal action taken by her division.
Clarke also discussed policing misconduct cases involving high-profile incidents such as George Floyd's murder and Breonna Taylor's death. Additionally, she mentioned systemic issues like redlining and discrimination faced by children in schools.
Concluding her remarks, Clarke called on attendees to continue their commitment to justice: "We are all... powerful people... with an urgent drive to protect our democracy." She urged them to approach challenges with courage and empathy to advance equal justice under law.