October 16, 2023 by Clarissa Ayala
Lone Star Legal Aid Celebrates 75 Years Of Service With Historic Symposium: “The Origins Of Lone Star Legal Aid”
Houston, Texas — Lone Star Legal Aid, a legal aid organization, is proud to announce its historic symposium, “The Origins of Lone Star Legal Aid,” celebrating 75 years of dedicated service in meeting human and legal needs. The symposium will take place on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Thurgood Marshall School of Law from 10 AM to 4 PM.
This landmark event will feature engaging discussions, expert presentations, and insightful conversations on the organization’s journey in championing justice and making a difference in the lives of countless individuals. The symposium will cover various topics, including historical legal cases, community impact, discrimination, education, and recent client successes.
Agenda:
9:45 AM
Light Refreshments
10:00 – 10:15 AM
Introduction and Overview
Lydia Clay-Jackson will introduce to the event and give an overview of Lone Star Legal Aid’s significant journey in meeting human and legal needs over the past 75 years.
10:15 – 10:45 AM
The Strange Career of Sweatt v. Painter, The Early Days
Join us for an enlightening discussion by Distinguished Professor James M. Douglas, delving into the intriguing history of Sweatt v. Painter, offering insights into the early days of Lone Star Legal Aid.
*** 15-Minute Break ***
11:00 – 11:30 AM
The Gulf Coast Years
Bob Sohns and Daniel Hu will share their expertise, exploring the challenges and triumphs faced during Lone Star Legal Aid’s Gulf Coast years.
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Keynote Lunch – The Lone Star Legal Aid Era: State Planning, The Rise of Disasters, and Growth
Enjoy your lunch while listening to our keynote speaker, Paul Furrh, as he reflects on the Lone Star Legal Aid era, focusing on state planning, responses to natural disasters like Rita, Ike, Harvey, and more, and the organization’s remarkable growth.
*** 15-Minute Break ***
1:00 – 1:30 PM
Impact Work
Through a compelling video presentation, Brenda Willett will showcase the impactful work done by Lone Star Legal Aid, highlighting their contributions to the community.
1:45 – 2:15 PM
Discrimination (Fair Housing and Voting Rights)
Mike Daniel, Debra Wray, Betsy Julian, and Laura Beshara will engage in a conversation about discrimination, focusing on fair housing and voting rights, shedding light on the challenges faced and progress made in these areas.
2:15 – 2:45 PM
Education
Jane Swanson will discuss landmark cases, such as Doe v. Plyler and In re: Alien Children, providing valuable insights into education-related legal battles, including Byrd v. Livingston ISD.
*** 15-Minute Break ***
3:00 – 3:30 PM
The Heart of Law: Recent Client Cases from Hardship to Justice
Sit back and enjoy a visual journey through the last decade of Lone Star Legal Aid’s significant achievements, challenges, and memorable moments.
3:45 – 4:00 PM
Awards Ceremony
Join Ernest Brown to recognize the exceptional achievements of individuals chosen to be part of a Hall of Honor, concluding the event.
4:00 PM
Reception
Enjoy a reception, meet fellow attendees, and celebrate the history and accomplishments of Lone Star Legal Aid.
To ensure ample seating and resources for all attendees, we kindly request confirmation of attendance. The full agenda and event details can be found here.
Media Invitation:
Members of the media are cordially invited to cover this momentous occasion. Interviews with key speakers, organizers, and attendees can be arranged upon request.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, November 3, 2023
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Venue: Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University
RSVP HERE
Join us as we celebrate 75 years of relentless dedication to justice and equality. Lone Star Legal Aid remains committed to making a positive impact, and we invite everyone to be part of this significant milestone.
About Lone Star Legal Aid:
Lone Star Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families in 72 counties in Texas. For 75 years, the organization has been committed to ensuring equal access to justice and championing the rights of those in need.
For media inquiries, please contact Clarissa Ayala at cayala@lonestarlegal.org.
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Note: High-resolution images and additional information are available upon request.
