defenderconnect ions

bu i ld ing the movement

FEBRUARY 2020

On Friday, January 24th Gideon’s Promise held our annual Winter Training Institute: Defending the Promise at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel in Atlanta, GA. Over 300 public defenders were walking the hotel lobby excited to reunite after a long six months. These conferences not only allow public defenders to learn vital skills to help them excel and skillfully advocate for people in the justice system but, it alsoserves as an opportunity for them to reconnect with defenders who understand practicingin challenging systems. The conference kicked off with a training for the Jack Olender Alumni Faculty Fellows with our senior faculty. They discussed the various ways to improveon numerous sessions that would take place during the weekend which are essential to helping our public defenders to be the best advocates for the accused.

Gideon’s Promise had the pleasure of interviewing Andre Johnson of the KnoxCounty Public Defender’s Community Law Office. “Gideon’s Promise represents a continuation of the civil rights movement... it’s not only about your client but, it’s about advocating for criminal justice reform,” said Mr. Johnson. Members from the class of 2017, 2018, and 2019 throughout the evening shared stories of challeges and triumphs of what it is like to fight for justice as a zealous public defender using the Gideon’s Promise model.

On Saturday evening, the Class of 2017 graduated after 3 years of participating in the CORE 101 Program. Tears and laughter filled the banquet room as their peers had the opportunity to watch them walk across the stage and receive their certificates. Although we were celebrating the graduating class, we also took the time to acknowledge a few individuals who have used their voice to amplify public defense.

Continued on Page 5

2020 winter training recap

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UPCOMINGUPCOMING PROGRAMS & DEADLINESPROGRAMS & DEADLINESclick here for programs website

Summer Institute 2020

• Where: Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel Atlanta Metropolitan State College

• Date: July 31 - August 15, 2020

• Where: 33 Gilmer Street SE Atlanta, GA 30302

GSU Public Sector Career Fair • Date: February 28, 2020

Trainer Development Program

• Where: Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School 1422 W. Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30309

• Date: April 15 - 19, 2020

Opening Weekend: 7/31 - 8/2

Summer Law Clerk Orientation 2020

• Where: Gideon’s Promise 101 Marietta Street, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30303

• Date: May 26-28, 2020

Summer Institute Training: 8/3 - 8/15

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website

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The 2020 Winter Training Institute graduating class of 2017.

click for our annual report

ANNUAL REPORT

2019strengthening public defenderstransforming public defense

EXECUTIVE EVENTS

GET READY

Coming to a bookstore near you on May 5th is our President/ Founder and MacAruthur “Genius” Fellow, Jonathan Rapping’s first book, Gideon’s Promise: A Public Defender Movement to Transforming Criminal Justice! A powerful book that puts public defenders at the forefront of the criminal justice reform move-ment and solution. Mr. Rapping had a few words to say about the release of his book, “I am so excited to have finally finished writing this book that centers public defenders in the broader criminal justice conversation and articulates a vision for these advocates, in partnership with the communities they serve, to transform the criminal justice narrative.”

Gideon’s Promise is an incredible narrative that details, if we start with public defenders, the champions of our communities, we can create cultural change within our judicial system.

“ This important exploration of the role of defenders is a vital and compelling corrective on how we balance the scales of justice.”

- Bryan Stevenson, Author of Just Mercy

President, Jonathan Rapping and Gideon’s Promise Class of 2010 member and faculty member, Aisha McWeay attended the 2019 Philantropy Conference in Washington D.C.

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Executive Director, Ilham Askia and a few members from the public interest law community and the Atlanta Bar Foundation that attended the 2019 Grants Celebration Luncheon.

President and Executive Director, Jonathan Rapping and Ilham Askia took a quick picturewith public defense pioneer Stephen B. Bright as he stopped by the Gideon’s Promise office.

Jonathan Rapping with a few lawyers from the Los Angeles County Public Defender Office after his riveting presentation.

MAY 5TH

FOR THE DEBUT

OF JONATHAN

RAPPING’S PREMIER BOOK

Executive Director, Ilham Askia with former Knox County Public Defender Mark Stephens and a few of our Gideon’s Promise lawyers.

Pre -Order today to reser ve your copy!

click here to pre-order

A por t ion o f the sa les o f the pre-order go to Gideon’s Promise .

Twice a year, I am BLESSED to serve alongside more than 20 of the greatest public defenders in this country as we train the next generation of advocates and re-unite with other soldiers in the struggle against systematic injustices.

The sense of community and love felt as we gather to hone trial skills and share stories of victory (and heartbreak) is a necessary battery-in-the back to keep us motivated and charged for at least the next 6 months until we see each other again.

It is the salve to wounds that allow us to continue onward in this profession which, when done correctly, invites potential and actual emotional trauma into your life.

Simply put, Gideon’s Promise is a lifeline for Public Defenders across this country, including myself.

That being said, simply being around my GP family was enough to fill my cup several times over, such that I could return to work and continue to pour into the accused persons whom I represent.

I did not “need,” though I am certainly grateful for the surprise I received on Saturday from Gideon’s Promiseat the graduation celebration for the Class of 2017.

I truly was not expecting to be given the 2020 Foot Soldier Award - an award given in recognition of servicein the struggle to make equal justice a reality. In the moment, I was overcome with emotion. And as I reflecton it a bit, I am increasingly humbled. It’s always been pretty easy for me to give myself, but awkward to receive acknowlegdment... and to be recognized and celebrated by my peers is simply BEYOND anything I could fathom. Thank you Jonathan Rapping and Ilham Askia for everything from day one in Birmingham nearly ten years ago to now.

Thank you, Cathleen Bennett, Patrice Fulcher, Sean Maher, Dehlia Umunna, Mary Moriarty, Violeta Chapin, Williams R. Montross Jr., Andre Vitale, David Patton, Heather Pinckney, and all the other faculty who have taught me how to be a strong advocate and pretty good trainer in my own right.

Thanks to my peers, Shane Goranson, Aisha McWeay, Landon Antelman, Georgia Sims, Jenny Andrews, Maisie Osteen, CJ Brooks, Kenneth Hardin, Chanta’ D. Parker, Jacinta Hall, Sara Whitaker, Yohance Christie, Atteeyah Hollie, Ray Ibarra, Glover Wright, Patrick, Melanie Foote Hollingsworth, and my big sis Zanele Ngubeni.... I couldn’t ask for better “foot soldiers” to march alongside as we embark on this new frontier of growth and transition. I’m proud of who you all are and the work that you are doing literally all across this country.

Thanks to all the young attorneys we train... your energy, ambition, and bright-eyed hopefulness inspire us all and literally save all of us old heads from burnout and jadeness. I couldn’t possibly begin to name you all, but I will specifically thank my mentees -- Alex Stephens, Lenderrick Taylor Esq., and Mario Knox. I know we don’t talk often enough, but I promise to do better. Nevertheless, I’m proud of you all for sticking with the program and the profession, and truly embodying what it means to be a Gideon’s Promise Attorney.

Last but not least, thanks to my wife Sophia Franklin and my sons Stokely and Langston. I imagine no one married to a PD would describe the situation as ideal. Late evenings and long nights are not easy on you when I’m in my Isley Brothers “Work To Do,” mode. You all are my balance. Learning how to prioritize you all has allowed me to be happy with me again. And consequently, that has allowed me to do those things that have lead to this recognition.

I am officially motivated to do even more.

TTSTT.

372 US 335

::poetry finger snaps::

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w. DeVin FRAnklinw. DeVin FRAnklin2020 FOOT SOLIDER

A LETTER TO MY GIDEON’S PROMISE FAMILY

AWARD RECIPIENT

FROM W. DEVIN FRANKLIN

Our keynote speaker, Alec Karakatsanis during the 2020 Winter Training Luncheon.

A few members of the Class of 2019 that participated in one our comprehensive “Returner Sessions.”

Class of 2017 member, Bukky Oyewuwo shared her story of triumph at the “Welcome Dinner.”

Founder, Jonathan Rapping and the 2020 Igniting Change honoree and GP Board Member, Claudia Saari sharing a smile during the Winter Training VIP reception.

Our amazing faculty geared up for the weekend by participating in the Alumni Training Workshop.

The event of the season is almost here! On March 20, 2020 Gideon’s Promise is hosting the 2020 Igniting Change – Black & White Affair. Come join us as we celebrate 13 years of uplifting public defenders and the work they do every day. This year Igniting Change – Black & White Affair will be held at the 595 Event Center at 6pm, so come dressed in your best black & white cocktail attire! Gideon’s Promise is elated to honor three individuals who are dedicated to improving the Atlanta community by advocating equality for all individuals. We look forward to seeing you at this star-studded event!

2020 A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE SPONSORS:

UPCOMING EVENTS

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• Gideon’s Promise Week March 16 - 20, 2020

• Igniting Change (Atlanta)March 20, 2020

• A Night to Celebrate (New York)September 17, 2020

• 2020 Summer Institute

July 31 - August 2, 2020

Opening Weekend

Executive Director, Ilham Askia introducing the honorees to the many 2019 Igniting Change - Black & White Affair attendees.

Attendees were all smiles as they mingled the night away.

CLICK HERE FOR THE IGNITING CHANGE - BLACK & WHITE WEBSITE

march 20, 2020

claudia saari the gathering spot

2020 John R. Lewis Lifetime 2020 Community Impact

2020 Ambassador of Change

Stone Mountian Circuit Atlanta’s Premiere Social ClubPublic Defender

champ bailey2019 NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer

Achievement Award Honoree Award Honoree

Award Honoree

to submit stories from the field or office updates:Email the Marketing Specialist, Ebony Willis at ebony@gideonspromise.org

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101 marietta st. nw, suite 250, atlanta, ga 30303 • 404-525-4505 • www.gideonspromise.org

special thanks to the followingspecial thanks to the following

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specialspecialrecognitionsrecognitions

At the 2020 Winter Institute Graduation Banquet, Gideon’s Promise honored the following individuals for their outstanding efforts in amplifying public defense work in the movement to reform the criminal justice system:

• Natasha Perdew Silas, Senior Litigator, Federal Defender Program - Community Ambassador Award for her dedication to expose high school students through the Student Law Internship Program to public defense and for being a fierce advocate in the federal system.• Alaina Boothe, Public Defender at the East Baton Rouge Public Defender’s Office in Baton Rouge, LA - Public Defender Ambassador Award for working with her office to build partnerships with public defender offices and communities impacted by the system. • W. Devin Franklin, Attorney for the Fulton County Public Defender Office in Atlanta, GA - Foot Soldier Award for his unwavering commitment to Gideon’s Promise and ensuring that his clients receive the best representation possible.• Faculty member & Director of Training for the Office of the Public Defender Maryland, Patrice Fulcher was honored for her 15 years with Gideon’s Promise and for implementing the Gideon’s Promise model into state of Maryland. • Faculty member & Attorney, Sean Maher was honored for his 15 years teaching, writing curriculum and inspiring new public defenders every day.

Picture 1: Executive Director, Ilham Askia with the 2020 Public Defender Ambassador recipient, Alaina Boothe. Picture 2: Founder Jonathan Rapping and Gideon’s Promise Faculty Member, Patrice Fulcher sharing a touching moment as she was honored for her work in public defense. Picture 3: Ilham Askia with the 2020 Community Ambassador Award recipient, Natasha Perdew Silas. Picture 4: Gideon’s Promise Faculty Member, Sean Maher grinning from ear to ear as he accepts his plaque for his 15 years with the organization. Picture 5: Attorney, W. Devin Franklin with Ilham Askia as he accepts his 2020 Foot Soldier Award.