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
Illustration of Sonia Sotomayor by the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity.
Thurgood Marshall
Illustration of Thurgood Marshall by the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Illustration of Martin Luther King Jr. by the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity.
Malcolm X
Illustration of Malcolm X by the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity.
Larry Itliong
Illustration of Larry Itliong by the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity.
Audre Lorde
Illustration of Audre Lorde by the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity.
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.