On July 25, 2017, the Executive Director of the Amara Legal Center, Stacie Reimer, was honored as the recipient of the J. Franklyn Bourne Award by the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association and the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission. Every year the J. Franklyn Bourne Award is given to a lawyer who has shown excellent commitment to the provision of pro-bono legal services to protect civil rights. This year’s event also marked the 40th Anniversary of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association and the 45th Anniversary of the Human Relations Commission of Prince George’s County, Maryland.

J. Franklyn Bourne was an inspiring advocate for civil rights in Prince George’s County and beyond. As a young African American lawyer, he experienced discrimination first hand. In spite of being denied membership to the Prince George’s County Bar Association, he was the first African American to open a law practice in the County and was also the first African American to be appointed as a District Court Judge. His legacy is an inspiration to all.

The Amara Legal Center is extremely honored to have received such an incredible recognition. Amara remains committed to our work fighting for the rights of those who have suffered human and civil rights violations and this award strengthens our resolve to continue in this fight.