Special to Texas Metro News – The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) has just announced its fifth cohort of the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program (MMSP) and Channing Hill of Tarrant County is one of the student scholars!
Channing Hill, a native of Euless, Texas, graduated from Howard University with a B.A. in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communication. Her academic career was marked by exceptional leadership as President of Howard University’s NAACP chapter, where she increased membership and campus engagement by 300% over three years while simultaneously serving on the NAACP National Board of Directors.
Previously, Channing served as an Organizing Fellowship Coach with Get Free Movement and as Administrative Manager at Youth Advocate Programs. Her extensive professional experience includes legislative work as a Capitol Intern for the 87th Texas Legislature with Representative Jasmine Crockett, campaign organizing for multiple Texas political candidates, and policy work with organizations including the American Youth Policy Forum and the Illinois Prison Project. Channing’s commitment to racial justice began in her hometown, where she founded “45 Degrees,” a mentorship program for at-risk youth, and organized multiple protests across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex addressing issues from police accountability to educational equity.
As co-founder of the Youth Never Let Up Coalition, she has mobilized young activists to raise awareness about prosecutorial inaction in civil rights cases, including the murder of Emmett Till. Her leadership during the 34-day #BlackburnTakeover protest in 2021 at Howard University brought national attention to housing inequities affecting HBCU students and demonstrated her ability to navigate complex negotiations while advocating for systemic change. Her dedication to civil rights advocacy has been recognized with the NAACP Image Award Activist of the Year in 2022 and the John Lewis Good Trouble Award.
After graduating from law school, Channing plans to use her legal education to defend activists, challenge discriminatory legislation, and advocate for equitable housing and educational opportunities for Black communities across the South.
Launched in 2020, MMSP has worked to equip the South with the next generation of highly skilled civil rights lawyers dedicated to providing legal advocacy of unparalleled excellence in the pursuit of racial justice. With the selection of this cohort, LDF has reached its initial goal of identifying 50 Marshall-Motley Scholars.
The program advances LDF’s mission to serve the legal needs of Black communities in the South, where racial injustice remains deeply rooted. Named for LDF pioneers Thurgood Marshall and Constance Baker Motley, it provides full law school scholarships, mentorship, and professional development to aspiring civil rights lawyers. In return, Scholars commit ten years to serving Black communities in the South.
“We are incredibly proud to announce our fifth cohort of Marshall-Motley Scholars, a group that exemplifies courage, commitment, and a deep dedication to racial justice,” said LDF President and Director-Counsel Janai S. Nelson. “These scholars represent the future of civil rights advocacy, and we are confident that they will continue to lead the charge for justice in the South and across the nation. We know that the impact of these scholars will resonate for generations to come.”
This cohort of the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program represents a group of future civil rights attorneys who have shown immense promise through their work in diverse fields such as environmental justice, public service, voting rights, organizing, and grassroots advocacy. This group of Scholars has also contributed to community initiatives, founded advocacy groups, and dedicated themselves to uplifting marginalized communities.
“We are excited to see this year’s group of Marshall-Motley Scholars step into their full potential,” said Adria Nobles Kimbrough, Director of the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program. “Our commitment to racial justice and to the development of new leaders in this work continues. These Scholars will carry forward the legacy of Thurgood Marshall and Constance Baker Motley with strength, vision, and determination.”
Over the past five years, LDF’s MMSP has invested in the education and training of 50 aspiring civil rights attorneys who will go on to advocate for racial justice and equity alongside, and on behalf of Black communities in the South. Each Scholar has been provided with:
• A full law school scholarship covering tuition, room and board, and incidentals to eliminate the financial barriers to pursuing careers in civil rights law
• Summer internships with national and regional civil rights organizations to jumpstart their training
• A two-year postgraduate fellowship at civil rights law organizations in the South fighting for racial justice
• Access to special training programs sponsored by LDF and partner organizations to enhance their skills and expertise
The impact of the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program has just begun. Fifty Marshall-Motley Scholars now stand ready to transform the legal landscape of the South—bringing bold advocacy, lived experience, and unwavering commitment to the communities they serve. Together, they represent not just a response to injustice, but a powerful vision for what justice can become.
Other 2025 MMSP:
Jayla Allen
Jayla Allen, a third-generation Texan, graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Legal Studies, later earning a Master’s in African American African Diaspora Studies from Columbia University. Her academic research focused on the impacts of public policy on formerly incarcerated minorities, building upon her family’s multi generational commitment to advocacy and service throughout Texas.
Jayla recently served as the Restorative Justice Practice Program Coordinator, overseeing programming at CUNY’s Macaulay Honors College. She previously worked as a Community and Youth Programs Associate at Trinity Church Wall Street, where she developed programming for new migrant families and youth.
Jayla’s commitment to civic engagement began during her undergraduate years as a Deputy Voter Registrar, and she later became the lead plaintiff in Allen v. Waller, a Legal Defense Fund lawsuit protecting Black voters’ rights in Waller County, Texas—continuing a fight that spans three generations of her family. Her advocacy has gained national recognition, including testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives on voting rights issues, appearances on national media platforms such as MSNBC and the Washington Post, and being featured in Amazon Studios’ documentary “All In: The Fight For Democracy.”
After graduating from law school, Jayla aims to continue her lifelong commitment to racial justice through civil rights law, motivated by personal experiences of losing loved ones to racist violence and police brutality.
Maisie Brown
Maisie Brown, a native of Mississippi, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Jackson State University with a degree in Political Science. Her academic excellence and commitment to social justice were recognized when she became the university’s first Harry S. Truman Scholar in 2023, alongside additional honors including selection as part of Essence Magazine’s inaugural class of ‘Black Futures Now’ Honorees and as Glamour Magazine’s HBCU College Woman of the Year in 2022.
Maisie currently serves as Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator at Mississippi Votes, where she manages policy portfolios focused on reproductive rights, education, housing, and economic justice. Her professional experience includes roles as Youth Program Director at the Institute for Democratic Education in America and Advocacy Director at the ACLU of Mississippi, where she developed satellite internship programs and organized lobbying training for students.
Maisie’s dedication to serving her community inspired her to found the Mississippi Student Water Crisis Advocacy Team, which provided clean water to over 1,100 underserved individuals during the Jackson water crisis. She also led 601 for Period Equity Central Mississippi, the region’s first abortion collective fund and caravan post-Roe, while donating 1,500 feminine hygiene products to incarcerated women and distributing 2,000 care packages to Black and Brown menstruators across the state. Her exceptional commitment to electoral justice earned her the 2023 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
Maisie envisions using civil rights law to create sustainable systemic change in Mississippi, combining her grassroots organizing experience with legal advocacy to advance racial justice in the state she calls home.
Ryan Doherty
Ryan Doherty, a native of Charlottesville, Virginia, is completing his undergraduate education at the University of Richmond, where he is pursuing majors in History (Honors) and Africana Studies with a minor in Creative Writing. His commitment to racial justice was profoundly shaped by the 2017 white supremacist rally in his hometown, where his parents participated in counter
protests against neo-Nazi groups. Ryan’s academic excellence has earned him recognition as a Humanities Fellow and selection for the C.J. Gray Award.
As Vice President of the University of Richmond NAACP Chapter, Ryan led voter registration drives and worked on creating an additional support structure for marginalized students. His advocacy work has uncovered forgotten aspects of Virginia’s Black history, including the creation of a historical marker recognizing a previously unacknowledged freedmen community in Richmond at a Confederate historical site – the first public recognition of this important site.
Ryan’s scholarly contributions include presenting at the American Historical Association Conference on “The Construction & Defiance of Black Compulsory Heterosexuality Under Slavery,” and he is currently researching the nationalist appropriation of colonially constructed sexuality during Jamaica’s independence movement. His commitment to institutional change is evident in his successful campaign to rename university buildings that honored enslavers and eugenicists, and through his public speaking engagements at various community events, including the Richmond African Burial Ground. Ryan has also worked on a collaborative project with Professor Sandy Williams IV called the ’40 Acres’ Archive, which seeks to reshape the way that we understand our collective history by unveiling forgotten moments in America’s past, such as Virginia Beach’s history as a sundown town and freedmen camps throughout Virginia and D.C. with numerous art exhibitions around Virginia, and two skywriting events in Richmond and New York City that etched a 40-acre symbol in the sky recognizing the promises and dreams of formerly enslaved people. His exceptional academic and advocacy work has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the Activism for Change Award and the Oliver Hill Scholarship and the Richmond Scholarship, his university’s most prestigious academic merit award.
After completing law school, Ryan plans to combine his passion for learning history with legal advocacy to address the lasting system effects of slavery and Jim Crow.
Kiersten Hash
Kiersten Hash, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, is a graduating senior at Harvard University, pursuing a degree in Government on the Political Economy track, and earning recognition as a two-time John Harvard Scholar for highest academic distinction. She complemented her studies with a secondary in Environmental Science & Public Policy and a citation in Spanish, building a strong academic foundation inspired by her family of educators and community leaders.
Kiersten’s commitment to advocacy is evident through her role as CEO and founder of Queens for Change, an organization that has supported over 100 girls in Charlotte through panel discussions, service projects, and a CROWN Act advocacy campaign, successfully implementing a natural hair policy for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. At Harvard, she served as Director of Diversity and Engagement at the Harvard Institute of Politics, Co-Chair of Harvard Undergraduate Black Community Leaders, and Political Action Chair for the Harvard Generational African American Students Association. Her dedication to voting rights led her to serve as Advocacy Director for Harvard Votes Challenge, where she partnered with organizations like Black Voters Matter to mobilize student voters. Professionally, Kiersten gained valuable experience as an intern on Capitol Hill with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and leading digital outreach as an intern with the New North Carolina Project. Most recently, she completed an internship with the Legal Defense Fund’s Black Voters on the Rise initiative, supporting attorneys combating voter suppression.
After her law school graduation, Kiersten aims to pursue a career in civil rights law focused on protecting and expanding voting rights in the South, drawing on her multifaceted approach to democracy-building and racial justice advocacy.
Akheem Mitchell
Akheem Mitchell, a native of Florida, graduated from Rollins College with degrees in Philosophy and Political Science, complemented by minors in African/African American Studies and Ethics. His dedication to combating racial inequities in the South is rooted in his lived experiences. Beginning in his adolescence, Akheem witnessed countless forms of economic and social disparities targeting Black communities across the Central Florida region.
During his undergraduate career, Akheem merged his passion for advocacy with his education, to strategically produce initiatives amplifying Black student voices. He distinguished himself as the first Black Student Body President in the institution’s history. Most notably, Akheem helped facilitate Rollins College’s Strategic Plan on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, while also supporting the implementation of a mandatory “intercultural competency” graduation requirement within their academic curriculum. Through his work, he assisted in advancing crucial policy and institutional changes needed to create an inclusive environment for all community members.
Akheem recently served as Teen Coordinator for the YMCA of Central Florida, where he mentored over 50 underserved youth through the Boys and Young Men of Color program. His professional experience includes working as a Congressional Intern for Representative Fredrica Wilson (FL 24), where he researched policies disproportionately affecting the Black community and worked closely with her Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. Expanding his advocacy efforts, he participated in the Southern Youth Engagement Summit with the Harris for President Campaign, focused on increasing multi-generational civic participation in underserved Southern communities.
After graduating from law school, Akheem seeks to leverage his exceptional leadership abilities and unwavering dedication to racial equity, to dismantle systemic racism throughout the South. He hopes his work as a civil rights attorney will not only challenge current policies disenfranchising marginalized communities across the South, but also create a sense of liberation for Black people through his litigation and activism.
Khya Nelson
Khya Nelson is a Florida native, and Florida A&M University graduate whose passion for addressing food insecurity and advancing racial justice has defined her academic and professional journey. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and a minor in Political Science, Khya has dedicated her time to testing agricultural innovations, advocating for resources as a White House HBCU ambassador, and beyond to ensure Black policy leaders have a seat at the table.
Formerly serving as a Legislative Aide to Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Khya has introduced bipartisan legislation, handled multi-million-dollar appropriations requests, and advanced policy initiatives addressing agriculture, justice, science, and women’s rights. Her previous roles included serving as Staff Assistant for Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and interning with Congressman Sanford Bishop, where she developed extensive expertise in agricultural policy and leadership.
Khya’s dedication to addressing food insecurity is evidenced through her work with Impact Food Services Group, where she expanded access to fresh food in underserved communities and coordinated payment options to include EBT cards. As Social Action Chair for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and Director of Student Lobbying for FAMU Student Government Association, she co-led the “Strike the Vote” campaign that increased voter participation by over 100%.
Khya’s commitment to Black communities is further demonstrated through her role as Secretary of Black Professionals in Food and Agriculture, where she forges relationships with key White House officials, members of Congress, and industry leaders.
Khya aspires to use her legal education to continue advocating for food security and racial equity in the South. As a civil rights attorney, Khya intends to advance forward-looking solutions to resolve social, political and economic injustices perpetuated against historically marginalized populations.
Romello Robinson
Romello Robinson, a graduate of the University of Georgia, earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Political Science. During his undergraduate years, he served as President of the Black Male Leadership Society, where he addressed critical issues affecting Black men on campus, secured new funding after a state-wide restructuring of grant awards, and launched a mentorship program pairing members with Black male staff and faculty.
Romello’s professional experience includes his work as a Financial Program Analyst at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), where he analyzed consumer complaints related to advanced technology, identifying how technology disproportionately impacts Black communities along with other vulnerable communities. His groundbreaking work led to new investigations and market monitoring of technology products and services, including with biometric and automated systems. Romello’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces extended
to his role as Co-President of the CFPB’s LGBTQ Employee Resource Group, where he advocated for equity within the federal government. He has also developed programs to support young federal employees of color by building community and mentorship opportunities.
After graduating from law school, Romello aims to leverage his legal education to ensure emerging technologies comply with civil rights laws rather than perpetuate racial inequities. His vision is to build a career challenging systemic discrimination in the South, particularly focusing on how technological innovations can either harm or empower Black communities.
Kayla Sibble
Kayla Sibble, a Jamaica native by way of Florida, is completing her undergraduate Political Science studies at the University of Florida. Kayle embodies a deep commitment to advancing racial justice and supporting Black communities in the South. She has consistently demonstrated leadership in advocating for marginalized communities through her multiple roles in student government, including Diversity Affairs Chair and Chief of Staff to the Student Body Vice President.
As President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Kayla developed programs addressing social justice and economic empowerment within Gainesville’s Black community.
Kayla’s research on “The History of Black Experience in Alachua County,” and her work as a Graham Civic Scholar Researcher exploring the correlation between race and abortion opinions, demonstrate her scholarly commitment to understanding systemic inequalities. Her legal experience includes working as a Legal Assistant at Lauren Richardson Law, where she assists with estate planning, probate, and guardianship matters.
Recognized repeatedly on the Dean’s List and inducted into Florida Blue Key, Kayla has developed a venture proposal for “Right Insight,” a nonprofit initiative to provide technology, legal literacy, and curriculum resources to predominantly Black Title I schools. Kayla looks forward to continuing her mission of creating sustainable change through legal advocacy for racial equity.
Liyu Woldemichael
Liyu Woldemichael, born in Ethiopia and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, graduated from Duke University with a degree in Public Policy and a minor in African and African American Studies. Her exceptional academic work includes a senior thesis, “Carcerality as a Climate Crisis: Alabama’s Incarcerated Population and the Prison-to-Pollution Pipeline,” which was awarded highest distinction. Liyu’s leadership as president of Duke’s NAACP chapter earned her Duke’s Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and recognition as an Outstanding Student Officer.
Liyu currently serves as Staff Expert on Housing Policy for Alameda County, California, leading research efforts for the county’s Reparations Commission and advancing tenant protections. Her professional experience includes work with the Southern Environmental Law Center, where she mapped racially insensitive place names on public lands and created an interactive database to inform policy reform.
During her time at Duke, she led initiatives assisting over 300 incarcerated individuals in Durham County Jail to receive stimulus checks and register to vote during the 2020 election and served as an undergraduate representative on Duke’s Racial Equity Advisory Council, helping shape the university’s anti-racism commitments. Her scholarly contributions include published work on “Transgender People and Incarceration: Legal Avenues for Litigating Discrimination Cases.” Her exceptional promise in public service has been recognized through her selection as a finalist for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship and as a Kenan Global Human Rights Scholar.
Liyu plans to focus on the intersection of criminal and environmental justice following her law school graduation, by challenging prison siting decisions and advocating for incarcerated individuals affected by environmental hazards in the South. Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation’s first civil rights law organization. LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Please note that LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957—although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login