The National Equal Justice Awards Dinner, LDF’s signature event, is an opportunity to recognize and honor leaders in law, the arts, business, and philanthropy who have demonstrated a commitment to the promotion of racial justice and equality. The evening also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the tremendous civil rights work that has been accomplished by LDF over the past year. This year’s NEJAD was held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at The Glasshouse in New York City. 

Pioneering civil rights attorney and former LDF President and Director-Counsel Ted Shaw was awarded the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Recognition Award. Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee were awarded the Spirit of Justice Award in recognition of their decades-long commitment to advancing racial justice. Apple was awarded the National Equal Justice Award for its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative

With the theme We Are All Brown, NEJAD 2024 celebrated the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark case that transformed America and its enduring legacy. The event opened with a performance by Sing Harlem & Waverly Fredericks. The event featured a captivating performance by Grammy-nominated artist Aloe Blacc. Wendell Pierce served as the event’s host. Singer, songwriter, and social commentator Dara Starr Tucker joined the evening as LDF’s official red carpet correspondent. 

The event was attended by leaders in the civil rights, business and philanthropy communities, as well as luminaries including legendary actress Alfre Woodard, musician Jon Batiste, fashion designer Sergio Hudson, actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Former LDF client, author and criminal justice advocate Kemba Smith, and Alexander v. South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP plaintiff Taiwan Scott also attended the annual dinner.