Honoring Dedication to Public Service in the Class of 2021

  • by Kevin R. Johnson
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Martin King Luther King, Jr. Service Award Nominees
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Professor Karima Bennoune
The end of the year is filled with wonderful celebrations.  The Public Service Graduation, held this year on April 22, recognizes and celebrates the dedication to public service of King Hall's graduating 3Ls. Those receiving Public Service Law Program or Pro Bono certificates are recognized. Also announced is the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award, which is presented to the graduating student who best exemplifies Dr. King's vision and commitment to public service. 


There was a great group of nominees for the coveted award.  This year, the student committee selected Jeanette Boykins. She devoted countless hours to improving our community on behalf of subordinated peoples, and she was active in many student organizations that help others.  

Professor Karima Bennoune was the faculty speaker for the evening. The program for the Public Service Graduation can be viewed here.

This event celebrates students who embody the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  A huge group of students in the Class of 2021 earned Public Service Certificates.  Students helped protect criminal defendants, immigrants, workers, family violence survivors, and many others.  The Class of 2021 devoted nearly 24,000 hours -- 1,000 days or close to three years -- to public service during law school.  In welcoming the group, I announced that the law school is creating a special plaque honoring the students which will be placed prominently in King Hall.

The graduating students no doubt will do great things in law.  Many no doubt will get into "good trouble," as the late Congressman (and civil rights icon) John Lewis put it.  The future is in good hands.