The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center's 4th Annual Awards Presentation & Celebration
On October 7th, the Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center celebrated its 4th Annual Awards Presentation & Celebration. We were thrilled to have so many friends, supporters, and members of our community with us for such a special evening.
This year, we were proud to announce our newest grantees: Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, and the Texas Civil Rights Project. Their work reflects our shared commitment to using the law to protect rights, expand access to justice, and create lasting change. You can read more about their cases here.
We were also honored to present our Champion for Justice Award to Douglas Koff, with the award presented by Maria Imperial, Vice President of the McDowell Center.
For the first time, the McDowell Center presented its Corporate Champion for Equality and Access to Justice Award to Lowe’s, recognizing the company’s commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunity. Charlyn Stanberry, Secretary, Board of Directors, presented the award to Juliette Pryor, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Lowe’s, accepting on the company’s behalf.
A highlight of the evening was a lively and engaging fireside chat between Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent and former anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour, and United States Representative Deborah Ross of North Carolina. Bringing together Woodruff’s decades of experience covering American politics and Ross’s background in law and public service, their conversation touched on some of the important issues facing our country today, including the upcoming midterm elections, the state of our democracy, and the importance of civic engagement.
Barbara McDowell believed deeply that the law should be a force for justice, and her legacy continues to guide everything we do. Through litigation, advocacy, education, and grantmaking, the McDowell Center is working to carry that legacy forward and expand our impact.