Annual Award Honors Commitment and Advocacy for Equal Justice in New Orleans
New Orleans – Last week, the Orleans Public Defenders (OPD) honored Voice of the Experienced (VOTE) Executive Director Norris Henderson, as well as New Orleans Saints players and Players Coalition members Benjamin Watson and Demario Davis, for their support of public defense, their fight for equal justice for poor people in New Orleans and their advocacy for criminal justice reform in Louisiana.
Norris Henderson has long led the fight for equity and reform in Louisiana, particularly for formerly incarcerated people and impacted communities. VOTE and Norris have been integral in many of the historic reforms in recent years, including the passage of the Justice Reinvestment package in the Louisiana legislature, the reestablishment of voting rights for formerly incarcerated people and the end to Jim Crow-era nonunanimous juries in Louisiana.
“Norris has long advocated for social justice and reform, for political participation for the formerly incarcerated. He knew these people had value and we should be reinvesting in them. He has long been a hero of ours and we are proud to fight alongside him,” said Chief Defender Derwyn Bunton.
Through the initiatives and mission of the Players Coalition, New Orleans Saints players Benjamin Watson and Demario Davis spent a day last fall immersed in the New Orleans criminal justice system, talking with public defenders and frontline advocates, reform and community activists, and observing the bail process in an effort to better understand the injustices of our criminal justice system. They quickly asked how they could help and soon threw their support and advocacy behind voter reenfranchisement, ending nonunanimous juries, and prioritizing and supporting public defense.
In their acceptances, each spoke of the impact that Listen and Learn had on them, and the importance of supporting their communities to create a more just society. “Standing for justice, for what is right, is something we should all be involved in,” said Benjamin Watson. Demario Davis acknowledged the role of public defense and the work of so many fighting for equal justice, “any form of oppression that is happening in our society – whether for political gains, for money, or for prejudice – is wrong, and I thank you for saying ‘this is wrong’ and being brave enough to stand up for what’s right.”
Chief Defender Derwyn Bunton once again presented the awards during the Ben Levick Sullivan Investigator Fellowship fundraiser. The fellowship, now in its fifth year, has filled the gap in services due to inadequate funding and become an integral part in fulfilling OPD’s client-centered representation and zealous defense of the accused. The fellowship was established in the memory of Ben Sullivan and his incredible passion and dedication for public defense. Ben devoted himself to those in need, sought the truth and endlessly fought for justice.
Established in 2012 to honor one of the stalwart advocates for public defense, Clyde Merritt, the Clyde Merritt Award recognizes extraordinary commitment and fight for public defense and equal justice in New Orleans.
The Orleans Public Defenders’ mission is to fight for our clients by providing excellent client-centered representation, reforming the system and partnering with the community.
