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Annual Founders’ Month Gathering 2025

 

A Call to Consciousness and Action

Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, Washington, D.C. | June 24, 2025

In honor of our founding in June 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee hosted its Annual Founders’ Month Gathering—an evening of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to civil rights advocacy. This year’s gathering brought together civic leaders, philanthropic partners, legal champions, and our entire staff and interns for an inspiring program featuring:

  • Stirring reflections from former federal judges Hon. Andre Davis and Lawyers’ Committee Executive Board Member Hon. Shira Scheindlin, in a panel conversation hosted by Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. of Howard University School of Law.
  • Special remarks were delivered by Congressman Shomari Figures (AL-02), who was introduced by Shaylyn Cochran, Deputy Executive Director at the Lawyers’ Committee.
  • A call to action from President and Executive Director Damon Hewitt, including the official launch of the Civil Rights Solidarity Fund.
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This gallery captures the spirit of the evening—one rooted in legacy, resilience, and a collective commitment to justice. Browse the gallery below and join us as we continue the work to defend democracy and civil rights for all.

Photo credit: Larry French for AP Images/Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights | Kea Taylor & Heaven Brown for Imagine Photography |