January 13, 2023— Duane Morris Chairman Matt Taylor shared the following message today with members of the Firm:
Each year the world pauses to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Monday, January 16, 2023, our Firm joins in the recognition of the extraordinary contributions of this uniquely American hero.
It is hard to imagine how much Dr. King accomplished in such a short time on this earth. He enrolled in Morehouse College at 15 years of age, graduating at 19. His graduate studies at Crozier Seminary, Harvard University and Boston University resulted in Masters and PhD degrees by age 26, the same year he vaulted onto the world stage as the leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Dr. King gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech at age 34, became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize one year later, and was only 39 years of age when he was felled by an assassin’s bullet. He was a husband, father, scholar, minister and author whose commitment to making our society more just and equitable benefits us all. His brief but extraordinary life is a reminder to each of us to use the time we have been given in selfless service to causes greater than our own.
Each year, I am reminded of the book signing and town hall event that Duane Morris sponsored in 2019 featuring Attorney Fred Gray, who, among other notable cases, represented Dr. King and Rosa Parks in the bus boycott matters. That event is a testament to our enduring respect and admiration for Fred, Dr. King and so many others whose brilliance, hard work and sacrifice laid the groundwork for a more perfect union. Please join Duane Morris in honoring Dr. King’s memory.
Fred Gray (left) responds to a question from Duane Morris Partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Joseph K. West (right).
Fred Gray shares stories about his landmark victories during the civil rights movement.
Fred Gray (center) stands with Duane Morris Partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Joseph K. West (left) and Nolan N. Atkinson, Jr., the City of Philadelphia's first chief diversity and inclusion officer and former Duane Morris chief diversity and inclusion officer.
