Barbara Arnwine facts for kids

Barbara Ruth Arnwine was born on March 28, 1951. She is a very important attorney who has worked hard for civil rights in the United States. From 1989 to 2015, she was the leader of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. This group works to protect the rights of all people.

Early Life and Education

Barbara Arnwine was born in Los Angeles County, California. She went to Scripps College and then studied law at Duke University School of Law. After finishing law school, she stayed in Durham. She worked for a legal aid program there. Later, she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she helped with rules about fairness and legal help for people. In the 1980s, she led the Boston Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Barbara Arnwine is known for her amazing work in civil rights. She helped pass an important law called the Civil Rights Act of 1991. This law made sure that everyone has equal rights.

Global Human Rights

Arnwine also worked on civil rights around the world. She helped observe elections in South Africa. In 1995, she led a group to a big meeting in Beijing, China. This meeting was about women's rights. Her work helped create a plan for the United Nations. This plan helps protect women from unfair treatment. In 2001, she helped write parts of a plan for a UN meeting in South Africa. This meeting was about fighting racism and unfair treatment.

Protecting Every Vote

In 2004, Barbara Arnwine became a leader of Election Protection (EP). This is the largest group in the country that helps people vote. It is not connected to any political party. The group helps people who might have trouble voting. In 2008, more than 10,000 volunteers worked with Election Protection. They helped many people make sure their vote counted.

Recognized for Her Work

Barbara Arnwine has received many awards for her dedication. These awards honor her important work in civil rights. Some of her awards include:

• The Gertrude E. Rush Award from the National Bar Association in 2011.
• The Sadie T.M. Alexander Award from the National Black Law Students Association in 2011.
• The Washington D.C. Freedom's Sisters Award in 2009.
• The Keeper of the Flame Award from the Boston Lawyers' Committee in 2009.
• The Equal Justice Award from the National Bar Association in 2007.
• The Charlotte E. Ray Award in 2002.
• She was also one of five people to win the Gruber Prize for Justice in 2011.

Sharing Her Voice

Barbara Arnwine often speaks at conferences. She also writes many articles. You can see her on TV and read about her in newspapers. She has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, BET, and TV One. She shares her ideas about civil rights with many people.