Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Brown.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ebony. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I became interested in the law by looking at how the criminal legal system personally impacted my family. I knew I always wanted to attend law school, but I didn’t quite know what my impact could be as a lawyer until attending law school and taking certain classes that would expand my views of the criminal legal system, juvenile justice issues, and criminal justice reform. I took classes like Social Justice Lawyering and Habeas Project that reiterated to me the importance of treating the problem with our legal system by dismantling the barriers black, brown, and poor people face each day. The Southern Center provided an avenue by which I can combine my drive to be the change I want to see in this world with my passion for being a voice for the voiceless.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not always been a smooth road, although I have been fortunate enough to move through this world rarely wanting for anything. My main struggles have been owning my power in this profession and being unapologetic about my craft and my mission. Like many successful African American women, I suffer from impostor syndrome. I go through life constantly being reminded of my other-ness, and I have sometimes allowed that to define how successful I can be. It’s important for all “others” to feel empowered, though, and to own their power. I strive each day to march through this world confidently, boldly, and to remind people who look like me that they can be all they dream.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Southern Center for Human Rights – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The Southern Center for Human Rights (SCHR) is working for equality, justice, and dignity in our criminal justice system. The mission of SCHR is to end capital punishment, mass incarceration, and other criminal justice practices that are used to control the lives of poor people, people of color, and other marginalized groups in the Southern United States. We do this through death penalty representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and public education.
I am a Staff Attorney in the Impact Litigation Unit (ILU). For more information on the type of work SCHR does in the community and in the south, you can visit: https://www.schr.org.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to getting more involved in my community and hopefully engaging more in criminal justice reform efforts outside of my business.
Contact Info:
- Address: 83 Poplar Street NW Atlanta, GA 30303
- Website: www.schr.org
- Phone: 404-688-1202
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
