Atlanta, GA-  The Southern Center for Human Rights (SCHR) is pleased to feature Harvard Law professor and civil rights expert Charles Ogletree at its annual Atlanta benefit, Justice Taking Root. This year’s reception is on Monday, June 28, 2010, from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm, at Newcastle, the landmark home of noted criminal defense attorney and SCHR board member Edward T.M. Garland and his wife Judy.  

SCHR is a nationally recognized non-profit public interest law firm that provides legal representation to people facing the death penalty, challenges human rights violations, and seeks through litigation and advocacy to improve representations of poor people accused of crimes.  Professor Ogletree, who is also the chairman of the board of directors of SCHR, will discuss criminal justice issues raised in his most recent book The Presumption of Guilt: The Arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Race, Class and Crime in America.  

“I am honored to be part of the efforts of the Southern Center for Human Rights’ quest for justice,” states Professor Ogletree. He continues, “I'm proud of the valiant and successful efforts made by SCHR lawyers and staff to fight every day for those we represent. Our team is passionate and committed, and they make the difference between life and death, and liberty and detention.”

The Presumption of Guilt will be released in mid-June and has already received wide acclaim.  Following a brief question and answer period, Professor Ogletree will sign copies of his book.  SCHR President and Senior Counsel, Stephen Bright and Executive Director Sara Totonchi will also be present to discuss the current efforts of SCHR and the crisis in Georgia’s indigent defense system.

Guests will enjoy wine, beer and other beverages and an array of hors d’oeuvres. Individual tickets are $100.00 per person, and include a copy of the book.  A limited number of Public Interest/Summer Associate tickets are available at $75.  Sponsorships and patron level support include copies of the book begin at $500 (for 2 tickets).  Purchases can be made online at www.schr.org. The deadline for reservations is June 21, 2010.     

For further information, please contact SCHR Development Director Barbara Horwitz at 404-688-1202 or bhorwitz@schr.org