Celebrating History: The Faith and Politics Institute visits the Historic Judge Frank Johnson Jr. Courtroom

The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute hosted a momentous event in America’s Courtroom, the historic courtroom of Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr., with a visit from the Faith & Politics Institute. Approximately 175 visitors from Washington, DC, including Members of Congress,  filled the courtroom for the morning program that celebrated the history of several historic cases that changed the nation—paying homage to Judge Johnson's profound impact on American History, civil rights, and the events that took place in the courtroom.

Theater artists from Alabama State University performed a modified version of "Faces of a King," which is based heavily on court transcripts. The program offered insight into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s struggles for justice with poignant excerpts from testimony by a young John Lewis given in that courtroom during Williams v. Wallace, the case of the Selma March, in 1965. The Johnson Institute first commissioned Faces of a King to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January of this year.

Eleventh Circuit Judge Joel F. Dubina then reflected on the landmark case of Williams v. Wallace, providing valuable legal insights and highlighting Judge Johnson's role, while sharing his memories of the Selma March.

Chief U.S. District Judge Emily C. Marks presided over the event, and Johnson Institute Board of Directors Co-Chair Debbie Long articulated the mission of the Johnson Institute, emphasizing its commitment to Constitutional and civics education. 

A Historic Celebration: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We are excited to share a video from the recent “Inaugural Celebration: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." This program was hosted by the Middle District of Alabama and The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute for the court community as a tribute to the enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

The Honorable Myron H. Thompson and The Honorable W. Keith Watkins contributed to the program with their insightful "50 Miles and 50 Years" segment about their lives growing up in Tuskegee and Troy, AL, respectively. The discussion provided a profound reflection on the progress made and the challenges we still face. Additionally, students from the Alabama State University College of Visual and Performing Arts performed highlights from Dr. King’s life, including excerpts from his testimony in Williams v Wallace (1965), the case that authorized the Selma-to-Montgomery March. 

We are pleased to share the video below of “50 Miles and 50 Years” and encourage you to take a moment to watch this thoughtful discussion between judges of the Middle District of Alabama.

If you would like more information about “America’s Courtroom” and the cases that were decided here, please visit our website to request a tour. Join us to experience the historic setting for yourself, bringing to life the rulings that changed our country. https://www.thejohnsoninstitute.org/

Social Studies Standards in the Courtroom Series

By Caroline Harris

Hi there, we are The Judge Frank Johnson Institute. We exist as a non-partisan voice that shares the stories of our Constitution and our Judiciary through programs that illuminate issues and perspectives, foster thoughtful and civil discourse, and inspire our national community in our nation’s never-ending pursuit of a more perfect union. 

We’ve been around since 2019, growing and learning on how to best live out our mission. Over the past four years we’ve had the pleasure of hosting over 2,300 visitors at the Frank Johnson, Jr. Federal Building in Montgomery, Alabama. Visitors have ranged from professional groups to students of all ages. 

Each visit was unique and presented an opportunity to learn how best to foster constitutional education through history. We’ve honed our visits to three main areas of interest: 

1). Civics: The U.S. Constitution and the Judiciary
2). History: Civil Rights Cases decided in America’s Courtroom
3). History: Sharing the legacy of Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. 

One of our flagship programs is the Johnson Institute Scholars Conference, a three-day convening at the Frank Johnson Courthouse for middle and high school civics and social studies educators. Summer 2023 was our second in-person conference. The conference offers sessions taught by federal judges highlighting the judicial system, anatomy of criminal and civil cases, and historical significance of cases decided in “America’s Courtroom.”

America’s Courtroom in the Frank Johnson Courthouse

A significant take-away from this year’s 2023 Scholars Class was the opportunity to share how The Johnson Institute can help educators meet specific social studies standards.

In the following months, we will be writing a blog series titled Standards in the Courtroom. We will highlight specific standards across grade levels, how students can experience the U.S. Constitution and Judiciary in action and learn about historic civil rights cases by sitting in the courtroom where some of these landmark cases were decided. 

Already interested in scheduling a visit? Click here to contact our team!

Celebrating Constitution Day 2023

Celebrating Constitution Day 2023

By Caroline Harris

What once began as “I am an American Day,” made official by President Roosevelt in 1939, has morphed into our current Constitution Day. 

September 17th is an annual observance for the impactful day when the United States Constitution was ratified and signed in 1787. 

It is a day to take time to celebrate and explore the extraordinary document that is the United States Constitution. Not only the document itself but the impact on the lives of United States citizens. 

This year, September 17th falls on a Sunday. However, the entire week can be dedicated to our country’s ruling document. 

All one needs to do is type “Constitution Day” into a search engine for numerous articles, blog posts, and videos to pop up. While I’m sure each resource is helpful, here are a few that can be easily implemented in a classroom or at home. 

• From iCivics, explore their Constitution Day Activities page! 

• From the The National Archives, browse through their Celebrating Constitution Day video resources!

• From the U.S. Courts, find a quick 10-minute activity highlighted on their Constitution Day and Citizenship Day page!

• From the Center for Civic Education, check out their Principles of the Constitution learning module! 

• From the Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr., Institute, learn the impact Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. had on the U.S. Constitution in a panel discussion video from Constitution Day 2020! 

• Come visit the Frank Johnson Federal Building with us where visitors learn about the U.S. Constitution and the federal Judiciary! Click here to set up a tour. 

Happy Constitution Day!

Johnson Institute Executive Director Thomas Rains interviewed on Steve Flowers’ Alabama Politics

Thomas Rains, executive director of the Judge Frank Johnson Institute, was recently interviewed on Alabama Politics with Steve Flowers. In the interview, Rains discusses the Johnson Institute and its work at the Frank Johnson Courthouse in Montgomery, including civics and Constitutional education, courthouse tours, as well as some history about Judge Frank Johnson.

Flowers is a lifelong friend of Senior District Judge Keith Watkins, a charter board member of the Johnson Institute.

Johnson Institute to co-host Free Speech Forum with Jacksonville State University

The Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr. Institute and the Jacksonville State University American Democracy Project will co-host a Free Speech Forum at JSU on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. 

Panelists will include:

• Professor Bryan Fair, a First Amendment law expert at the University of Alabama School of Law and a board member for the Southern Poverty Law Center.

• Professor Allen Linken, political science professor who teaches Constitutional law at the University of Alabama and former US Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer.

• Former US Senator and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, who successfully argued a free speech case before the US Supreme Court, Lane v. Franks, in 2014.

• US District Judge Keith Watkins, who was appointed to the bench by President George W. Bush in 2005, elevated to chief judge in 2011 and assumed senior status in 2019. He is a board member of the Judge Frank Johnson Institute.

The panel will be moderated by Thomas Rains, executive director of the Johnson Institute and Dr. Lori Owens, chair of the JSU American Democracy Project committee and dean of Honors and Special Programs. More information about the event and speakers can be found here.

The American Democracy Project (ADP) at Jacksonville State University “is a nonpolitical, cooperative effort by students, faculty, staff, and administrators to promote community involvement. People from all walks of life are encouraged to work together to further civic interactions, discussions, and service opportunities.”

Members of the public are invited to submit questions using this link by noon on September 15. 

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Jacksonville State University, 1602, 700 Pelham Rd N, Jacksonville, AL 36265 on the 11th floor of Houston Cole Library
Admission: Free and Open to the Public

July Scholars Conference Review

By Kimberly Pierce

Are you looking for a professional development opportunity that will enhance your socioemotional self while learning about law?

The Johnson Institute will provide you with that chance. During this three-day workshop you will:

• Meet current and retired judges/magistrates that will introduce and will discuss civil and criminal law,

• Tour the federal courthouse and visit the historic courtroom of the Hon. Frank Johnson,

• Participate in a mock trial with actual attorneys,

• Network with fellow educators,

• Create a lesson with your group that  showcases how you would teach this to your class,

• Receive resources to use in your classroom,

• Choose to tour a local historical site.

I was honored to participate during the July session. As a local History teacher, I acquired a better understanding of the intricacies of the judicial system. Meeting actual judges and having conversations brought a “realness” to their titles in comparison to what I see on T.V. I had the opportunity to tour the Freedom Rides Museum with my group and to discuss the transgressions that took place with public transportation while standing in the actual area of the original Greyhound station.

This whole experience was eye opening and thought provoking. I would definitely attend again if it was permitted.

Be sure to seize the opportunity when the time comes.

Johnson Institute Hosts Second Scholars Conference of 2023

By Gracie Morgan 

The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute successfully hosted its final summer Scholars Conference for 2023 on July 11-13. From each state within the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, middle and high school-level educators traveled to the Frank Johnson Jr. Federal Courthouse in  Montgomery for the multi-day conference. 

The Johnson Institute’s Scholars Conference is part of an ongoing effort to provide educators with free-of-charge civics education professional development by studying the role of the U.S. Constitution through historic court cases. 

With the help of judges, attorneys, and other volunteers from the Middle District of Alabama, teachers participated in immersive lessons about the U.S. Constitution, independent judiciary, and landmark cases from the Civil Rights era. Summer interns from the high school, college, and law school levels assisted with making the conference a success. 

The three-day program kicked off with an overview of the court system and appeals followed by classes on the “anatomy” of criminal and civil cases. The conference proceeded with a Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions workshop that included volunteer attorneys and a mock federal court hearing. The teachers heard from legal experts and learned firsthand from professionals in the field. 

The teachers delved into historic court cases with Senior District Judge Keith Watkins, a charter member of the Johnson Institute board who assisted in the planning of the conference. Among other cases, the teachers learned about Browder v. Gayle, the federal lawsuit related to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Williams v. Wallace, the suit that authorized the 1965 Selma March. After learning the history of some of these prominent cases, the teachers visited historic sites around Montgomery, broadening their understanding of American history. 

The final day of the conference included attending an actual sentencing in the U.S. District Court with Senior District Judge Myron Thompson. Prior to the sentencing, Judge Watkins walked the group through what they would see, and the prosecuting and defense attorneys discussed their roles. After the sentencing, Judge Thompson spoke with the group about being a judge and shared his own memories of Judge Johnson.

Teachers left the conference with a plethora of classroom resources and teaching strategies that allow them to provide their students with a unique and informative educational experience. 

The Johnson Institute will host the Scholars Conference again next summer. Middle and high school teachers interested in attending the 2024 conferences and keeping up with the Johnson Institute may sign up to receive email updates from the Johnson Institute regarding future dates, events, and news.

Johnson Institute’s Board Co-Chair Named First Black President Pro Tempore of Auburn Board Of Trustees

By Gracie Morgan 

Quentin Riggins, Co-Chair of the Johnson Institute Board of Directors, was recently elected as the first Black president pro tempore of the Auburn University Board of Trustees. 

The Montgomery native earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and distributive education from Auburn University in 1989, where he also led the Auburn football team to win three consecutive SEC championships under the coaching leadership of Coach Pat Dye from 1987-1989. Beyond his undergraduate career, Riggins continued to serve the university as a sideline reporter for the Auburn Sports Network for 25 years and became a member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees in 2017.

In 2011, Riggins was named the senior vice president for governmental and corporate affairs at Alabama Power Company. Additionally, Riggins coordinates the grassroots and corporate relations programs within Alabama Power Co. He still serves in this role today and has led numerous councils and committees within Alabama Power. 

Prior to fulfilling his current position at Alabama Power, Riggins worked extensively within Alabama state government, achieving nearly 25 years of meaningful experience in governmental affairs. While working for the Alabama state government, Riggins worked for former Alabama House Speaker Seth Hammett as a legislative analyst and was appointed as the director of legislative affairs by Governor Bob Riley. Following his work with Governor Riley, Riggins served as the senior vice president of governmental affairs for the Business Council of Alabama, the state’s leading advocate for businesses. In this role, he led the governmental affairs efforts for over 5,000 corporate members of the BCA in both the state and federal government. Riggins’ passion for governmental affairs encouraged him to establish his own governmental affairs firm, Quentin Riggins and Associates, in Montgomery prior to beginning his career with Alabama Power Company. 

A highly successful and servant leader, Riggins has dedicated his career to serving his community and the state of Alabama. In past years, Riggins has served on the boards of Leadership Alabama, the Baptist Foundation, and the Energy Institute of Alabama. Currently, in addition to serving the Johnson Institute as Board co-chair, Riggins is on the boards of Grandview Medical Center, the Women’s Foundation of Alabama, and the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center. 

Mr. Riggins’ lifelong devotion to his community has left a lasting impact on the state of Alabama and will continue as he begins his role as the president pro tempore of the Auburn Board of Trustees. 

Johnson Institute Hosts First Annual Scholars Conference of Summer 2023

By Tristan Dumas

The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute hosted its first conference of the 2023 summer at the Frank Johnson Courthouse in Montgomery, AL, with the help of judges, attorneys, and others from the Middle District of Alabama. 

June 2023 Class

The teachers attending this conference learned about the U.S. Constitution, independent judiciary, and historic cases of the Middle District of  Alabama. The teachers are sure to take back what they’ve learned this week to their students and colleagues.

“The most interesting things I’ve learned is what I can take back to my classroom like the mock lessons, the mock cases… and just the historical facts that I can use and my students can utilize in the classroom,” said Chad Hoffman, a 12th grade teacher from Alexandria High School in Alexandria, Alabama.

This conference is part of an ongoing effort to create a series of events that support teachers and students learning about the Constitution and landmark court cases that have shaped the law in American society. Teachers and other educators in attendance had roots everywhere from Montgomery to Michigan.

Over the three day conference (June 13-15), teachers met and heard from people skilled and knowledgeable in the law–including four judges and nine attorneys–to discuss the work they do, their experience with the Constitution, and other related topics. The group took part in a mock hearing designed for high school students by the U.S. Courts, working with volunteer attorneys and a judge, called Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions.

Daphney Portis participating in CD3 mock hearing.

Daphney Portis, a social justice coordinator at the YWCA Central Alabama thought “it would be awesome to attend this experience in order to get more of that background knowledge to really uplift the work that I do in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).”

A highlight of the conference was when Senior District Judge Keith Watkins discussed historic civil rights cases in the United States like Browder v. Gayle, the 1956 case that ruled Montgomery bus segregation was unconstitutional, and Williams v. Wallace, which authorized and granted protection for the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. 

Other sessions included a dive into the inner workings of civil and criminal cases, a viewing of a sentencing, and pedagogical lessons from an experienced teacher. In addition to the discussions with experts on these topics, the teachers also visited the Legacy Museum led by the Equal Justice Initiative. 

Jarrett Maye, a teacher at LeFlore High School in Mobile, Alabama said, “When I found out that Judge Johnson was not just pivotal to the cases but his history and backstory really pushed him into why he decided the cases the way [he did], that opened up a door.”

Judge Watkins, a member of the Johnson Institute board, helped to plan the conference based on his experience observing the Montana Judicial Institute for teachers hosted by the District of Montana in Missoula.

The Johnson Institute will host the Scholars conferences again later this summer on July 11th-13th for middle and high school teachers. Teachers interested in attending and others interested in the Johnson Institute’s work can stay up to date by signing up for email updates here. 

For those interested in applying for involvement in the Summer Scholars Program sign up here.

Johnson Institute Hosts Humphrey Distinguished Fellows

The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute recently hosted two Hubert H. Humphrey Distinguished Fellows during their visit to Montgomery for a tour of the Frank Johnson Courthouse.

During the visit, the fellows, Ana Carolina Evangelista of Brazil and Elisabeth Sándor-Szalay of Hungary, joined the U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson, law clerks, and Johnson Institute staff for lunch and a wide-ranging discussion of their countries.

“Meeting like this really makes people realize that we should compare each other's legal practice and our views on legal interpretation more often, and exchange ideas...” said Dr. Sándor-Szalay afterward. 

Dr. Sándor-Szalay is Ombudsperson (Hungarian NHRI) responsible for the protection of national/ethnic minorities living in Hungary. Ms. Evangelista is a senior researcher and the executive director of the Institute of Religious Studies in Brazil, the main Brazilian organization dedicated to study religion and its relations to politics.

The Humphrey Distinguished Fellowship Program “offers executive and leadership development opportunities for senior-level professionals. This rigorous, short-term, invitation-only program is designed to strengthen abilities to develop sound policies and programs around critical global issues. Through executive training and strategic engagement with U.S. organizations, this program provides a foundation for productive ties between Americans and their professional counterparts overseas.”