The Atlanta Lawyer April 2013 | Page 6

LAW DAY 2013 National Center for Civil and Human Rights By Maureen Klein and LaTasha Smith National Center for Civil and Human Rights [email protected] A t the corner of Ivan Allen Junior Boulevard and Centennial Olympic Park Drive is a unique section of land that is cradled by Coca Cola’s World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium. A major transformation at this site in downtown Atlanta, Georgia will result in the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a rare exhibition space focused on historic and present day civil and human rights. Currently operating from the fifth floor of the Ernst and Young building, the employees of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights can look from their office windows and imagine the future exhibition space as a strong motivator for each small and large task. With an anticipated opening date of spring 2014, the Center, which began in 2005 as a vision by then City of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and several civil rights leaders including Ambassador Andrew Young and Vernon E. Jordan Jr., will be a 42,000 square foot facility that provides exhibitions, designated event spaces, a broadcast studio and educational forum. These spaces will share the courageous fight of all people to secure equality for African Americans in the modern American civil rights movement and its fundamental impact and inspiration on contemporary movements for human rights globally. “The Center will be a storytelling facility convening Atlanta and the national community around civil and human rights issues,” said Doug Shipman, CEO. “I am pleased to be a part of this historic institution that will not only commemorate the legacies of our past, but also share their inspirational impact on our present and future.” The Center’s mission is to explore the universal search for a secure human existence, in a way that inspires vigilance and leadership among future generations. The facility will feature a civil rights gallery displaying the modern American Civil Rights movement and its impact on contemporary movements; a human rights gallery featuring modern day international movements ranging from immigration to LGBTQ rights; and a gallery showcasing the Morehouse College MLK Jr. Papers Collection, including the “I Have a Dream” speech. The Center will address current issues while incorporating the lessons from our past as a guiding path. The Center appreciates the supporters and partners who have committed to the vision of creating a space for Civil and Human Rights. The Justice Society, an affinity group that provides legal professionals with an opportunity to express 6 THE ATLANTA LAWYER April 2013 National Center for Civil and Human Rights their support for programming emphasizing the importance of the Rule of Law in codifying human rights, has raised more than $500,000 toward its $1 million goal. “I am honored to serve on the board of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights,” said Ernest Greer, Managing Shareholder of the Atlanta Office of Greenberg Traurig. “My participation with the Justice Society allows me to honor and celebrate the advancement of civil rights that has made possible the professional opportunities that I and many others now enjoy. I encourage others involved in the legal community to join together to honor this heritage and embrace our obligation to assure all people equal access to justice.” The Center invites all legal professionals and firms interested in committing to this goal and our vision. Justice Society members enjoy special benefits and recognition of their support in the Center’s communications, as well as in the completed facility. Joining gives members and their colleagues access to the history-making project’s milestones and relevant professional development on diversity, inclusion and human rights in the everyday work world. “On behalf of the 2500 lawyers of Jones Day worldwide, we are honored to be the founding member of the Justice Society -- having endowed the establishment of the Center’s "What are Human Rights" exhibit,” said Lizanne Thomas, President of the Jones Day Foundation. “We can think of The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association