LDF’s Impact Areas

Our Work. Our Fight. Our Legacy.

Black-and-white photo of a large crowd of demonstrators, some holding placards, at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963.

Crowds of demonstrators, some with placards, at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)


Promotes
Political Participation

A strong democracy requires an informed electorate participating in the political process. We pursue efforts to support democracy by building, promoting, and protecting Black political power.
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Explore the journey of civil rights in the United States, from the 1940s to the present day, as we unravel the intricate political landscape that has shaped the battle for equality and justice.
Black-and-white photo of three men wearing suits (from left to right, Thurgood Marshall, Walter Lee Irvin, and Paul C. Perkins Jr.) sitting behind a table in a courtroom, with a crowd of seated spectators behind them.

Walter Lee Irvin (center) speaks with his attorneys, Thurgood Marshall (left) and Paul C. Perkins Jr. (right) during his trial for rape in Ocala, Florida, on February 18, 1952. Irvin, one of four Black people charged with kidnapping and raping a young Florida housewife, was sentenced to die in the electric chair.

Fights for
Criminal Justice

Systemic bias and discrimination have played significant roles in maintaining racial disparities in America’s criminal legal system. We work to end the oppression, control, and dehumanization of people of color across the criminal legal system and to advance a new vision for the future of justice and safety that affirms everyone’s humanity. 
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Explore the criminal legal system’s impact on civil rights, through landmark cases and essential movements that continue to drive the pursuit of fairness and justice within the legal system.
Black-and-white photo of picketers demanding an end to lunch counter segregation while marching outside a Woolworth store in Lynchburg, Virginia. The two picketers hold signs reading, "Don't Let Your Dollars Support Discrimination" and "I Want to Be Free! Are You With Me?"

Picketers demanding an end to lunch counter segregation march outside a Woolworth store in Lynchburg, Virginia. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

Protects
Economic Justice

Poverty isolates people and communities from opportunity. We advocate for economic security in Black communities by challenging and dismantling racial barriers that have impeded progress and prolonged economic disparities. 
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Explore the pivotal moments and people, from the 1940s to the present day, who challenged the status quo and forged a path toward economic justice.
Black-and-white photo of two young Black children sitting on the steps outside the U.S. Supreme Court building during arguments about the integration Little Rock Schools.

Children sit in front of the Supreme Court during arguments about the integration Little Rock Schools. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

Furthers
Education Equity

A high-quality, integrated public school system creates engaged, informed, and compassionate citizens committed to the ideals of democracy. We work tirelessly to advance educational equity and ensure that all students have access to a safe, inclusive, and comprehensive education.
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Explore the landmark cases and key figures behind efforts to desegregate schools and ensure inclusive educational opportunities.
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