Legally Written:  A modern-day green book for justice

In honor of Juneteenth, Kisha A. Brown announces the launch of the first national Black Lawyer Directory aimed at empowering Black communities through culturally competent legal representation. Through the “Road to 1 Million” campaign, the initiative seeks to connect 1 million Black households with trusted Black attorneys by Juneteenth 2026, echoing the legacy of the Green Book as a tool for protection and empowerment. The post Legally Written:  A modern-day green book for justice appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Legally Written:  A modern-day green book for justice

Why a national Black lawyer directory can’t wait

By Kisha A. Brown

In the 20th century, “The Negro Travelers’ Green Book” was more than a directory—it was a lifeline. A community-anchored guide that gave Black families the tools to navigate safely through a country that refused to see our humanity. Today, we honor and continue that legacy through access to justice.

A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Wellesley College, Kisha previously served as director of both the Maryland Attorney General’s Legislative Affairs division and the Civil Rights department. She was the first woman to lead the Baltimore City Civil Rights office. She is a past president of and member of several local bar associations and serves on the executive board of several nonprofits including Coppin State University Development Foundation and the National Children’s Center. Credit: Courtesy photo

Enter Justis Connection.

This Juneteenth, Justis Connection is launching the first-ever national Black Lawyer Directory, a modern “Green Book” for legal empowerment. Because in every city, every courtroom, and every boardroom, Black people deserve to be represented by lawyers who understand the full weight of our lived experiences and will fight fiercely on our behalf.

Justice is not a luxury. On the contraire, it’s a necessity. But too often, Black America is left vulnerable— underrepresented, overcharged, or entirely shut out of the legal system. Whether it’s estate planning, business contracts, family matters, civil rights violations, or personal injury, African American lawyers have the magic combination of culture and competence when one is seeking legal help.

That’s why we launched the Road to 1 Million campaign—to connect 1 million Black households with trusted Black attorneys by Juneteenth 2026. It’s not just a marketing goal—it’s a movement. A strategic, collective push to build a sustainable legal infrastructure rooted in our communities.

Because the truth is: we have the talent, we just need the tools to find one another.

So if you’re a Black-led organization that believes in community protection, economic strength and legacy building, now is the time to partner with us. Join BuyBlack, the Association of Black Estate Planning Professionals, Black Men Network, the Black Church Food Security Network and dozens of other organizations in ensuring our people have access to legal counsel. Let’s build this modern legal Green Book together.

Visit www.justisconnection.com to explore local Black lawyers who care.

Reach out if your organization wants to be part of our Road to 1 Million campaign.

Because justice—real, accessible, culturally grounded justice—is not just something we hope for. It’s something we build.

Together.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.

The post Legally Written:  A modern-day green book for justice appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.