Bryan Stevenson: Champion of Justice, Founder and Executive Director of Equal Justice Initiative
Bryan Stevenson is a renowned public interest lawyer, social justice advocate and the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a nonprofit dedicated to challenging racial injustice, ending mass incarceration and protecting the rights of the marginalized. As the author of “Just Mercy,” his work has inspired countless individuals to engage in the fight for equality and fairness in the legal system. With decades of dedication to justice, Stevenson’s impact extends far beyond the courtroom—his leadership has led to critical reforms, landmark legal victories and the creation of cultural spaces such as The Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
Can you touch on the importance of establishing these sites in Montgomery?
A: You can’t understand America without understanding the history of Montgomery. From slavery through a century of racial terror violence and the codification of rigid racial segregation, Montgomery has been at the heart of the challenges created by our history and at the center of the transformation of this nation. Montgomery can help people all over the world be inspired to make a deeper commitment to human rights, equality and justice.
What do you hope visitors take away from their experience?
A: I think genuine engagement with the sites will change you, inform you and inspire you. I hope people feel transformed, motivated to contribute to the kind of work needed in every community and encourage others to come and visit us.
What has been the most meaningful response you’ve received from visitors?
A: I’ve been very pleased by the acclaim our sites have attracted. Many visitors describe the spaces as the most meaningful they’ve ever visited which is really gratifying. The memorial was heralded by the Washington Post as “one of the most powerful and effective new memorials
created in a generation.” One design publication wrote that our sites are the most significant “to be found anywhere on the planet.” It’s incredibly high praise that I never expected but I’m certainly motivated by
Out of the various accolades throughout your career, is there one that stands out to you?
A: I’m always honored to receive any recognition. I didn’t attend my law school graduation because there were real challenges facing people on death row, and I was needed in Georgia as soon as possible. My family was disappointed not to see me become a lawyer. I was therefore grateful to receive an honorary doctoral degree from Harvard a few years ago and attend a graduation with my family.
What or who would you consider your biggest motivation?
A: My grandmother, Victoria Baylor Golden, the daughter of parents who were both enslaved in Virginia, had a huge impact on me. My mother, Alice Golden Stevenson, was a fierce believer in the power of education who really inspired me. Both these women smothered me with love and affection, enough for a whole lifetime.
If you could go back and give advice to your younger self at the start of your career, what would you say?
A: “It looks daunting and impossible, but just keep on keeping on.”
What legacy do you hope to leave behind—not just through EJI, but personally?
A: I hope to be someone who can genuinely reflect the scripture from Micah 6:8, “To do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.”
Bryan Stevenson’s unwavering commitment to justice continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers. His work reminds us all that hope, perseverance and a deep sense of empathy can truly change the world.
JUST FOR FUN:
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
A: Play the piano!
What is the best business book you’ve read?
A: “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is not a business book per se, but it is an amazing work on navigating life, the complexity and challenges of relationships and the relationship between heart and mind. For me, these issues have been central to the work I do.
