Earl B. Gillium Annual Civil Rights Panel

Camille Appling
July 25, 2024

Cal Western University hosted Earl B. Gilliam’s 60th Anniversary Civil Rights Forum. This event covered a host of important issues, including excelling under racism, fair housing and hate crimes. The evening was filled with promising law students, lawyers and judges who shared harrowing stories of resilience. President Taneashia R. Morrel worked diligently to put together this annual Civil Rights forum.

Judge Mary Knoll shared her experience and discussed the importance of fair housing in our community. Hailing from Mississippi and Chicago, Knoll has been a longtime champion and has always “worked hard for common good.”  

The second speaker was Dennis Dawson, Esq., who has been a proponent of safe law enforcement exchanges. Dawson helps people understand what to do if they are stopped by the police and are concerned about excessive force. He has also worked with Measure B to “establish an independent police review” and AB797, which is “in favor of public safety.” We were also graced with Judge Martin and other members of the law community. The evening was filled with discussions about humanity, housing rights, and the right to live civility without abuse. The catering included the best BBQ chicken, ribs and fried fish, greens, macaroni and cheese and cornbread in honor of the Juneteenth holiday!