The Philadelphia law firm that joined with the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania in filing a federal complaint against the city and its mayor over a controversial outdoor homeless feeding ban will be honored at the end of the month for its work toward social justice by an area organization dedicated to the same.
The Bread & Roses Community Fund, which describes itself as a “unique gathering” of activists committed to supporting social justice by raising and distributing money, has announced that the firm of Kairys, Rudovsky, Messing & Feinberg will be the recipient of the “Robin Hood was Right Award” during the organization’s Tribute to Change 2012 annual gala scheduled for June 28 at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel.
Bread & Roses, recognized as the region’s clearinghouse for activists, donors and allies of racial and economic justice, will honor both individuals and organizations during the yearly event, which last year drew 400 social justice activists and progressives from the Philadelphia region, according to the group’s website.
Bread & Roses stated that Kairys, Rudovsky, Messing & Feinberg is being recognized with the Robin Hood was Right Award for the law firm’s financial support of the organization as well as the “thousands of hours” of pro bono legal representation lawyers with the firm have provided to the grassroots organizations Bread & Roses helps to fund.
The law firm, the organization stated on its website, is dedicated to promoting the public interest, frequently partnering with nonprofit groups and seeking to litigate matters that Bread & Roses says will result in “broad benefits to underrepresented members of the region.”
“They have been at the forefront of the field in the litigation of cases vindicating civil rights and liberties including police misconduct, the rights of prisoners, free speech and unlawful discrimination,” the group stated on its web page.
On Tuesday, Kairys, Rudovsky, Messing & Feinberg joined the ACLU of Pa. in filing suit against the City of Philadelphia and Mayor Michael Nutter over a ban that went into effect June 1 preventing social activists and religious organizations from carrying out feedings for homeless residents in the city’s parks.
The ban drew the ire of those who believe it is a backdoor way of clearing the homeless out of areas frequented by tourists.
The Nutter administration has denied that accusation, saying the ban is meant to drive the homeless indoors where safer feedings could be conducted.
The suit was filed at the federal courthouse in Philadelphia. It seeks injunctive and declaratory relief.
Phila. law firm to receive social justice award during upcoming annual gala
