Two weeks ago, OPD honored several community organizations with our highest honor, the Clyde Merritt Award, for their extraordinary work to free poor people held pretrial who can't afford their bonds. Women with a Vision and Southerners on New Ground have made a significant impact on OPD clients, their families and the New Orleans communities.
“Community bail funds represent the power citizens have to save one another from an unjust, unfair and unequal money bail system and the New Orleans community has stood up ready to advocate for its most vulnerable and disenfranchised,” said Chief Defender Derwyn Bunton. “These organizations have affected numerous lives so far. We know when people are out of jail, they can better help their case, are able to maintain their jobs, homes, stay with their families and children, remain connected to their community, and have an exponentially greater chance to succeed.”
Chief Defender Derwyn Bunton once again presented the awards during the Ben Levick Sullivan Investigator Fellowship fundraiser. The fellowship, now in its fourth year, quickly become an integral part in fulfilling OPD’s mission to provide zealous, client-centered representation. 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 the cause of public defense in New Orleans.
