Shriver Center on Poverty Law

After years of organizing by civil rights leaders, the #VotingRightsAct passed 59 years ago today in 1965. This act outlawed discriminatory and racist voting practices including literacy tests and poll taxes as a requirement to vote. The results were staggering — by the end of 1965, a quarter of a million new Black voters had been registered. The Voting Rights Act was a significant win for marginalized communities, but we must continue to fight for equity and opportunity for all. The Shriver Center on Poverty Law advocates for an end to racism and poverty — read more at https://lnkd.in/gxmNwBr8

“I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” #JamesBaldwin, writer, critic, and activist, was born 100 years ago today. Growing up in Harlem, New York, Baldwin witnessed the effects of poverty and racism on his community, along with the Harlem Race Riot in 1943. His writing passionately addressed race relations and queer themes, most notably in his novel Giovanni’s Room and essay collection The Fire Next Time. In the latter, Baldwin wrote about being refused service at an O’Hare Airport bar, with no white patrons speaking up against the discrimination. This essay caught the attention of our founder Sargent Shriver, who retold the story in a speech he gave in 1963. Baldwin spent much of his adult life abroad but returned to the U.S. frequently, often to participate in Civil Rights Movement events. After the assassination of his friends Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr., he moved permanently to France. Until his death in 1987, Baldwin continued to lecture at many universities and often appeared on television to discuss the civil rights movement.

Now more than ever, it’s imperative that legal aid and public interest lawyers know how to navigate federal litigation. The Federal Practice Manual for Legal Aid Attorneys guides these lawyers through a range of topics, including preparation strategy, litigation tactics, and barriers they may encounter during federal litigation, along with many other scenarios. We appreciate the efforts of the National Center for Law and Economic Justice in producing the recent edition of this manual. Previously, the Shriver Center on Poverty Law coordinated updates because these strategies to defend those living in poverty were important to our founder, Sargent Shriver. The manual is currently available for free while the current text is being finalized. Sign up to access this invaluable resource: https://lnkd.in/eW6MCD-G

We’re hiring! The Shriver Center on Poverty Law has four open positions. We’re fighting for a future free from racism and poverty — now’s your chance to join a team of creative thinkers on a mission to end poverty. UPDATE: We are no longer accepting applications for the postgraduate fellow or economic justice trainer positions. We’re still looking for a director of housing justice and fall legal intern. Read the full job descriptions here: https://lnkd.in/gV_m2P5

34 years ago today, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed, ushering in unprecedented legal protections for people with disabilities. The ADA protects against discrimination in a variety of situations, including employment and governmental services. Importantly, the law protects against retaliation for a person who has asserted their rights under the ADA or complained about a lack of accessibility. The Shriver Center on Poverty Law is fighting for equity and opportunity for all, and that includes people with disabilities. To learn more about the ADA, check out Disability Lead’s overview: https://lnkd.in/e5i244nv

We are devastated to hear that Ben Counts, legendary Chicago ad man and longtime friend of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, passed away recently. A native Chicago South-Sider, Ben was most well-known for creating the famous “Cub fan, Bud man” ad slogan for 1980s Budweiser commercials, as well as his work for Eugene McCarthy’s presidential campaign in 1968. After forming his own agency, Coil, Counts, Ford and Cheney, Ben specialized in creating ad campaigns for hospital systems. The firm worked pro bono for many nonprofit groups over the years, including the Shriver Center. In fact, Ben was instrumental in the early success of the Shriver Center by creating promotional materials for one of our very first fundraising events. We are forever grateful to Ben. A memorial service is planned for later this year. https://lnkd.in/g_FWUFRu

Sonya Massey should be alive today. Her murder by police is one of too many in this country — these systemic failings for Black communities are unacceptable. Black bodies and lives have value. We must continue the fight for justice, for Sonya and all victims of police violence. https://shorturl.at/5EdWC

All families deserve to live in dignity and see their children thrive. Illinois has joined over a dozen states in passing a child tax credit, putting money in the hands of families who need it most. A coalition that includes the Shriver Center on Poverty Law worked hard to make this a reality. Coalition members are also advocating for the elimination of revenue from fines and fees and regressive taxes that punish people living in poverty. Although the child tax credit is necessary, we have more work to do in the fight for a more equitable future for all. Read more about our involvement in passing Illinois’ first-ever child tax credit: https://lnkd.in/g94igMNm

Guaranteed income programs have been proven to help people with low income survive. At this year’s #BIGConference2024, programming includes sessions focusing on the importance of centering community members, especially pilot participants. We’re excited to dig deep and learn! Join us next week: https://lnkd.in/e4a6g7_R

We’ve made another step forward in ensuring health care access for all. The Healthcare Protection Act now protects our communities from predatory “junk” insurance plans that have high deductibles and low coverage. Stephani Becker, our associate director of health care justice, was among the many advocates celebrating the bill signing last week. Illinois is making health care more affordable and accessible by banning practices like prior authorization for mental health hospitalizations and the requirement that people try cheaper medications before insurers cover drugs prescribed by doctors. Health care should be a human right. At the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, we’re fighting for a future that prioritizes patients over profit. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dDMYtSxG