Bryan Stevenson Discusses Montgomery Square Opening and Social Justice Insights

Bryan Stevenson, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), recently opened Montgomery Square, a new site commemorating the Civil Rights Movement and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the square focuses on the period from 1955 to 1965, highlighting lesser-known figures like Linda Blackmon Lowry and Sheyann Webb, and emphasizing the role of women in the movement. Stevenson, a civil rights attorney, leads EJI's efforts to end mass incarceration and promote narrative change through sites such as the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. In an interview, he discussed the importance of courage, accountability, and community organizing, drawing parallels between social justice and collective engagement seen in events like March Madness. He also outlined EJI's anti-poverty and healthcare initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism and addressing trauma. Stevenson emphasized the need for truth-telling in corporate and historical contexts to foster societal progress.