In honor of Law Day 2025, the Johnson Institute is highlighting recent remarks from Attorney Fred Gray.
In conversation with Dr. Robert White of Alabama State University earlier this year, Mr. Gray discussed his time as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s attorney and his work in America’s Courtroom in front of Judge Frank Johnson. This conversation took place as part of a program for the court community in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day.
Teachers, students, and parents are encouraged to watch the conversation and use the questions below to discuss the lessons from Mr. Gray.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions to start a discussion with your students, frame a research topic, or as writing prompts for essays. The questions are based on the content of the video above and information from the other resources linked below.
Mr. Gray and Dr. King started their careers in Montgomery around the same time. What was the relationship between Fred Gray and Dr. King?
What was the first case that Mr. Gray handled as an attorney?
What is the significance of December 1, 1955?
Who were Clifford and Virginia Durr, and what role did they play in supporting Rosa Parks after her arrest?
Mr. Gray mentions Jo Ann Robinson, a teacher and president of the Women’s Political Council. What was the Women’s Political Council and what role did they play in the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
What are the origins of the Montgomery Bus Boycott? How did the plan evolve?
Why did they choose Aurelia Browder to be the lead plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle?
What were the conditions that led to the Selma to Montgomery March?
There was more than one attempt to march from Selma to Montgomery. What took place on Bloody Sunday?
The 2025 Law Day theme encourages us to take pride in a Constitution that unites us across our differences. How does this theme connect to something you learned from the conversation between Mr. Gray and Dr. White?