About

Born in 1959, Stevenson dedicated his career to fighting against inequality, racial discrimination, and injustice within the criminal justice system. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Stevenson began his career in Georgia, defending those who had been unfairly sentenced or marginalized. He found a deep passion for representing death row inmates and advocating for their rights. Over the years, Stevenson successfully challenged several cases involving minors and mentally ill individuals facing the death penalty, ultimately leading to landmark Supreme Court rulings to protect these vulnerable populations. In 1989, Stevenson founded the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) in Montgomery, Alabama, with the aim of providing legal representation to those who could not afford it. EJI has since expanded its scope to address issues such as excessive punishment, mass incarceration, and racial inequality. Stevenson and his team have played a significant role in challenging unfair sentencing practices, advocating for criminal justice reform, and confronting the legacy of slavery and racial terror in the United States. Stevenson's work to combat racial injustice has not only involved legal representation but also public education and awareness. He has written extensively on these subjects, most notably in his best-selling book Just Mercy, which recounts the true stories of his experiences with EJI and their impact on his clients. The book was later adapted into a feature film in 2019, further spreading Stevenson's message of compassion, redemption, and reform. Recognized worldwide for his contributions, Stevenson has received numerous awards and honors for his advocacy work, including the MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Grant and the ACLU National Medal of Liberty. He continues to speak out against systemic racism and inequality, inspiring others to join the fight for a more just and equitable society. In summary, Bryan Stevenson is a prominent American lawyer and social justice activist who has dedicated his life to fighting against inequality, racial discrimination, and injustice within the criminal justice system. Through his organization, the Equal Justice Initiative, Stevenson has worked to provide legal representation to those who cannot afford it, challenge unjust sentencing practices, and confront the legacy of racial terror in America. His work, as documented in his book Just Mercy, has sparked significant public awareness and discourse surrounding racial and criminal justice issues, making him a leading figure in the fight for justice and equality.