Legendary Black Power Attorney Nkechi Taifa Honored by National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

WASHINGTON - EntSun -- Fighting for rights is not a hobby for Nkechi Taifa, a determined defense attorney and policy advocate who has fought for decades to upend a system rife with imbalances. Thursday, October 7th, the NACDL and its Foundation for Criminal Justice will honor her lifetime of achievement at the annual gala with its Champion of Justice Advocacy Award. Taifa, a Howard grad with a heart to change the world, learned quickly that justice may be blind, but the jury pool is not. She soon channeled her passion to right systemic wrongs by working with community leaders and progressive thinkers to reimagine a fair and just legal system. Through her tenacious work, Taifa has been a catalyst in the passage of key criminal justice reform legislation as well as the release from lengthy imprisonment of prisoners in general, and William Underwood in particular.

Underwood, a music mogul who promoted and jumpstarted the careers of top R&B and pop stars of the 80s and 90s, was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for drug conspiracy. With the swift thrust of a gavel, he went from a savvy businessman to a prisoner who would never see his children, and later, grandchildren, outside of prison walls. Through the unswerving advocacy efforts of Taifa and the Underwood family over the past ten years, his case gained steam among celebrities such as MC Hammer, R&B singers Johnny Gill & Keith Sweat, Senator Cory Booker and others who sought Mr. Underwood's release from the oppressive life sentence. Freedom  finally came for him in January through compassionate release after 33 years and since that time, the 67 year old grandfather has followed in Taifa's footsteps, becoming a consummate advocate for those deserving a second chance, meeting with high level policymakers and even testifying before Congress.

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This is but one example of the work of Nkechi Taifa. As convener of the JusticeRoundTable.org, a progressive voice for justice reform, Nkechi seeks to bring issues like this imbalance to the attention of mainstream society.  Through her work, the plight of incarcerated persons is no longer "on the fringes of society, but now are smack in your face."  And indeed, William Underwood will be a guest at Thursday's gala!

On the 20th anniversary of the annual NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice Gala, it is only fitting that this group of esteemed attorneys highlight the decades of her relentless work. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has long held the position of serving the community, by serving as leaders who are actively "identifying and reforming flaws and inequalities in the criminal justice system." Taifa is surely a crown jewel in this sea of do-gooders who want nothing more than fair and equitable distribution of the law. The author of "Black Power, Black Lawyer: My Audacious Quest for Justice," has long been a voice for the voiceless, crying out against mountains of injustice. The timeless memoir spells out the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to see true transformative justice in this country.

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In keeping with the theme of the evening, "Building on the Past, Imagining the Future," Nkechi is perfectly positioned to be a recipient of this great honor. The inspiring and fiery host of the "Black Power Hour" is reaching back through history to gain strength and strategy to overcome present-day inequities. On her fast-paced, informative show, Taifa brings historical heavyweights to the table with newly rising stars of the justice movement. These timely interactions foster hope, resilience, and a pathway forward.

This pivotal year, as the attendees gather at the National Building Museum in the nation's capital to honor Nkechi Taifa, her voice will be heard ringing through the halls of justice and beyond. Other honorees that evening include NPR's Carrie Johnson, celebrity/philanthropist Jason Flom, and departing NACDL Executive Director Norman Reimer. The in-person event will also be livestreamed.

About Nkechi Taifa: A leader before her time, Taifa stands as a pillar in the criminal justice reform movement. A sought-after public speaker on race and justice issues, she gained her law degree from George Washington University and graduated magna cum laude from Howard University. Taifa has many awards, including Essence Magazine's 2019 WOKE 100 Black Women Advocating for Change.
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