In honor of Black History Month, the Harris County Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library and the Houston Lawyers Association, hosted the Echoes of Excellence: Celebrating Black Legacy and Leadership Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) program on February 18, 2025. The event provided a compelling discussion on pivotal legal cases that helped shape civil rights and social justice in America.

Moderated by Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, the panel featured distinguished legal professionals: Ebenezer Gyasi (U.S. District Court Law Clerk, Southern District of Texas), Alaina King Benford (Managing Attorney, King Benford Law Firm PLLC), and Teresa Jones (Attorney, Baker Botts LLP).

Panelists explored landmark cases that transformed civil rights and social justice, including:

• Hainsworth v. Harris County – An early challenge to segregation in public facilities.
• Smith v. Allwright – A case dismantling racial barriers in political participation.
• Sweatt v. Painter – Undermining the “separate but equal” doctrine in higher education.
• Brown v. Board of Education – The cornerstone case declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

“These landmark cases show us that progress isn’t inevitable—it’s the result of deliberate legal action and relentless advocacy,” said Associate Teresa Jones. “The legal battles we discussed are not just moments in history; they are roadmaps for the ongoing pursuit of justice. Just as those before us fought to break barriers, it is our responsibility to keep advancing justice for future generations.”