Posted in: Lawyers › None, Announcements
Meliah Bowers Jefferson was recently recognized with a top Upstate award for her role in bringing those who are often at odds in the courtroom together for a common cause.
A litigation attorney with Wyche, PA, Jefferson has been named the 2020 Peacemaker Award recipient by the Upstate Mediation Center (UMC) her for work in organizing a peaceful protest by lawyers in Greenville, following the tragic death of George Floyd.
Officially titled the Lawyers Standing Against Racial Injustice Protest, the demonstration held in front of the Peace Center in downtown Greenville this summer was a sign of solidarity with so many others across the nation protesting racial injustice.
“She encouraged us to show up and publicly stand against the long-standing atrocities being faced by African Americans and people of color. She encouraged all to come together to sing, chant, make signs and demonstrate our commitment against racial injustice,” said Rusty Infinger, South Carolina Legal Services deputy director of Operations and General Counsel and SC Bar secretary. “As lawyers, we are the stewards of bringing about justice. Because of Meliah’s efforts we had a platform to do this–to demonstrate to the community that racial injustice in any form and in any location is intolerable in a just society.”
The Peacemaker Award recognizes a member of the community who has made a significant difference in promoting tolerance, building good will and understanding, resolving conflict, and striving for peace.
Jefferson’s efforts to bring together members of the Bar to stand against injustices and give a voice to the unheard exemplify the spirit of the award, according to the UMC Board of Directors.
“I am honored to receive the Peacemaker Award, but my efforts to engage our Upstate Bar members in this important conversation would not have been a success without the other organizers or the original groundwork of the attorneys in the Midlands and the Lowcountry,” said Jefferson. “I believe that it is my responsibility to give voice to those of us who are often relegated to the margins of society. This event was one way in which I have tried to live up to that responsibility.”
The Upstate Mediation Center will present Jefferson with the award in the spring. Her name will be added to the Peacemakers plaque, recognizing past award recipients, on the Peacemaker Bench in Cleveland Park in Greenville.