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Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Robert J. Beckham Equal Justice Awards Celebration
Best-selling author and economic justice advocate Stephanie Land, whose memoir was the inspiration for Netflix’s Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated original series Maid, will deliver the keynote address at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s 23rd Equal Justice Awards Sept. 18 at the Jacksonville Public Library.
Land’s bestselling debut memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive recounts her harrowing saga as a single mom navigating the poverty trap. Her unflinching testimony exposes the physical, economic, and social brutality that domestic workers face, all while radiating a parent’s hope and dedication.
JALA’s Equal Justice Awards features the presentation of the Robert J. Beckham Equal Justice Award, named for a former JALA board member and longtime supporter. It is bestowed on a person or organization who has notably promoted the cause of equal justice for low-income residents of Northeast Florida.
The 2025 honorees are JALA’s partners in the Jacksonville Eviction Diversion Program, a comprehensive, community-driven initiative aimed at preventing evictions and promoting housing stability across Duval County.
This program was launched in early 2024 through a collaboration among the City of Jacksonville, United Way of Northeast Florida, the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Duval County, The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS), and JALA. Together, these organizations offer resources for both tenants and landlords to address housing-related challenges, prevent eviction filings, and sustain long-term housing stability. As of mid-July 2025, more than 330 households have been served.
“Our community partners in the Jacksonville Eviction Diversion Program richly deserve this recognition for their forward-thinking approach to reducing the number of evictions in our community, ensuring greater stability for tenants and landlords alike,” said JALA President & CEO Jim Kowalski. “So far, the program has had 83 percent of participating families remain housed six months after receiving assistance, which is a remarkable outcome.”
Tickets and event sponsorships can be purchased online at www.JaxLegalAid.org/EqualJusticeAwards. Cocktails and dinner are included. All donations will support the work of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3183318-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3183318-2
