New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity Expands Icon Series Honoring Trailblazers of Justice and Equity
In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, and in an effort to demonstrate our sincere gratitude for those who’ve sacrificed for others, the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity (NHCJE) unveiled the latest additions to its Icon Series, a project that celebrates individuals who have made transformative contributions to justice and equity. This initiative, which began last fall, continues to use art and storytelling to inspire action and honor the legacies of pioneers across civil rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, workers' rights, and more.
The newest icons featured in the series include Sonia Sotomayor, Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Larry Itliong, and Audre Lorde.
Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor is the first Latina and third woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her journey from public housing to Princeton and Yale Law School, and eventually to the nation’s highest court, exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of representation.
Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall was the first Black Supreme Court Justice, was a groundbreaking civil rights advocate. His pivotal role in landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education helped dismantle segregation in public schools.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and peace through nonviolent resistance. From leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott to delivering the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, his legacy continues to inspire movements for change.
Malcolm X
Malcolm X championed Black empowerment and economic justice. Following a challenging upbringing, he transformed his life during a prison sentence, emerging as a powerful voice for racial equality and a leader in the Nation of Islam.
Larry Itliong
Larry Itliong was a Filipino-American labor leader, played a pivotal role in the American labor movement. He organized West Coast farmworkers and led the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, standing at the forefront of farmworker rights.
Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde was a self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” used her writing and activism to challenge racism, sexism, homophobia, and class oppression, while celebrating the intersections of her identities.
The Power of Art in Social Movements
The Icon Series artwork, designed by 2023 intern Matt Lambert (Wheaton College, 2024) , incorporates NHCJE’s core values: Love, Trust, Empathy, Inclusion, and Accountability. Lambert’s visual artistry brings the icons’ legacies to life, blending their stories with compelling imagery. Each sticker includes a hand-drawn portrait and a selected quote that encapsulates the individual’s contributions.
The first phase of the series honored Angela Davis, Yuri Kochiyama, Judith Heumann, Marsha P. Johnson, Cesar Chavez, and John Lewis, each representing a unique struggle for justice and equity.
A Call to Action
Art and storytelling has long been a tool for expressing complex ideas, fostering unity, and inspiring social change. NHCJE’s Icon Series continues this tradition, reminding us of the individuals who paved the way and the ongoing work required to achieve a more equitable society.
During this holiday season, the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity invites the public to celebrate and explore these stories and artworks, engage in events inspired by the series, and share in the mission to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
On behalf of the Board and Staff of the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
Who is your icon? We are collecting suggestions for the next series of NHCJE Icons. Let us know who you would honor by clicking the button below.
