Akin Pro Bono Effort Assists with Bringing Barbara Rose Johns Statue to the United States Capitol
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(Washington, D.C.) – In a significant pro bono effort, Akin partner Katie Brossy assisted the Commonwealth of Virginia to honor civil rights pioneer Barbara Rose Johns with a bronze statue in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall.
The installation marks Brossy’s fifth successful statue placement in Statuary Hall, following her work to secure statues of music legend Johnny Cash, civil rights activist Daisy Bates, acclaimed author Willa Cather, and Ponca Chief and civil rights leader Standing Bear.
“It has been an honor to work with the Commonwealth of Virginia to elevate a figure of such historical importance,” said Brossy. “Bringing Barbara Rose Johns’ courageous story to the Capitol, where it will inspire generations, is a privilege and a continuation of my work helping states honor their most distinguished leaders.”
“Katie has demonstrated a deep commitment to honoring transformative figures who have shaped our nation,” added Steven Schulman, head of Akin’s pro bono practice. “Her ability to guide states through this complex process has resulted in meaningful additions to Statuary Hall.”
At 16 years old, Barbara Rose Johns led a strike of more than 400 students at the segregated Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia, on April 23, 1951, protesting substandard conditions. Her action helped ignite the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which ended the “separate but equal” doctrine in public schools.
The statue depicts Johns standing at a podium, holding a book aloft as she calls on classmates to walk out in protest. After the strike, Johns completed high school in Alabama, attended Spelman College, married, raised five children and worked as a librarian.
The unveiling took place in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol on December 16, 2025.
Akin is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers and advisors across the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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