Hidden Legal Figures
Because once upon a time, we knew better . . .
Hidden Legal Figures is produced by The Arc of Justice Institute, whose mission is to foster a greater understanding of the rule of law where governance, economics, and rights intersect. Our programs are designed to facilitate meaningful civic engagement and to achieve a broadened, intergenerational understanding of the American legal system. Our flagship initiative pays tribute to the heroic and vital contribution lawyers and judges made to the American Civil Rights Movement. The suite of efforts associated with this initiative is collectively referred to as The Arc of Justice Project and this podcast is a part of that effort.
Hidden Legal Figures keeps the past from being just that; a neglected and little understood legacy, but fuel in the continuing struggle for justice and equality. It will inspire many in ways we never imagine.
Howard Moore, Civil Rights Lawyer, Berkeley, California
ABOUT SEASON 2
After the civil war, the nation set about the hard work of correcting the inequities of the political, social, and economic legacy of slavery and to solve the problem of getting the southern states readmitted to the Union. This period of American history is known as Reconstruction. Every social and governing condition that was the subject of protest and discrimination in twentieth (and twenty-first) century America had their roots in this era. Long before the Civil Rights Movement reached its heyday on the national scene, lawyers and judges had already taken the first steps on the journey towards a more perfect union. In Season 2, we explore the legal efforts connected with the four issues from Reconstruction that continue to haunt our national psyche. Highlights from the inaugural season include:
- Exploration of the legal efforts associated with defining and defending citizenship, voting rights, the relationship between political and economic democracy, and the proper response to violence and domestic terrorism
- Weekly episodes released each Tuesday
- In-depth blog post supplementing episode each Wednesday
- "What I Learned" post on YouTube each Thursday
- Informative expert guests
- Panel discussion at the end of each month highlighting how contemporary challenges resemble and spring from the Reconstruction period and efforts to address them
- Legal figures like John Mercer Langston, Robert Morris, Amos T. Akerman, Frederick L. McGhee, Charles Hamilton Houston – and many more.
The Arc of Justice Project deserves a resounding and heartfelt thank you for finding and sharing the stories of these very courageous public servants. With strong sentiments set against change, their courage and commitment to the rule of law should be celebrated by all committed to a civil and just society such as ours. Congratulations to Derrick Pope and the dedicated professionals at the Arc.
Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Chief Judge, DeKalb County (Georgia) Superior Court
GET CONNECTED
Hidden Legal Figures is made possible by a grant from the Georgia Bar Foundation and the Atlanta office of Jones Day, with additional support from our Arc! Ambassadors. To learn how you can get on the Arc! connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Find all the information you need on our website at hiddenlegalfigures.com and The Arc of Justice Project.