Trailblazing social justice advocate Ben Crump will give the keynote address at Niagara University’s annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The presentation takes place at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, in the Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons on the Niagara University campus, and is co-sponsored by NU’s Multicultural Affairs Advisory Board, NU Student Government, and the offices of Multicultural Affairs and Campus Activities. The free event will be available to the public both in person or via Zoom. Those attending in person must show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations (a physical vaccination card or certificate or a digital vaccination pass such as the Excelsior Pass) and are required to wear masks.
Through a steadfast dedication to justice and service, renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Benjamin Crump has established himself as one of the nation’s foremost lawyers and advocates for social justice. His legal acumen has ensured that those marginalized in American society are protected by their nation’s contract with its constituency.
Crump’s tireless advocacy has led to legislation preventing excessive force and developing implicit bias training and policies. He has been nationally recognized as one of the Most Influential People of 2021 by TIME100, the 2014 NNPA Newsmaker of the Year, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers, and Ebony Magazine Power 100 Most Influential African Americans. In 2016, he was designated as an Honorary Fellow by the University of Pennsylvania College of Law.
He has represented families in several high-profile civil rights cases including Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Stephon Clark, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and the residents of Flint, Michigan, who were affected by the poisoned water of the Flint River.
Crump is the president of the National Civil Rights Trial Lawyers Association and previously served as president of the National Bar Association. He was the first African-American to chair the Florida State University College of Law board of directors and currently serves on the Innocence Project board of directors. He is the founder and director of the Benjamin Crump Social Justice Institute, and founder and principal owner of Ben Crump Law.
Among dozens of accomplishments, Crump has been recognized with the NAACP Thurgood Marshall Award, the SCLC Martin Luther King Servant Leader Award, the American Association for Justice Johnnie Cochran Award, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Eleanor Roosevelt Medallion for Service.
Crump’s book, “Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People,” reflects on the landmark cases he has battled and how discrimination in the courthouse devastates real families and communities.
“We welcome Ben Crump to Niagara University’s campus,” said Simone Beckford, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “His tireless advocacy and steadfast dedication to justice provides inspiration to all and will empower the audience to become champions that advocate for justice even in the most challenging spaces.”
Please register for either option using at https://apps.niagara.edu/speaker-series/. For more information, Taylor Lilton, OMA program coordinator, at oma@niagara.edu or 716.286.7352.