Morrison Cohen Provides Pro Bono Counsel to Investment Fund Aimed at Social Justice, Launch Event Held at National Museum of African American History and Culture

Morrison Cohen is proud to be providing pro bono counsel in connection with two important projects: first, the formation of an investment fund that will invest in underserved communities and second, the establishment of a nonprofit social justice organization, which will bring together the descendants and families of civil rights leaders and icons and fund whatever endeavors they deem important. Lora King, daughter of Rodney King, and Bridgett Floyd, sister of George Floyd, along with other family members of civil rights icons, will serve in advisory roles to the nonprofit social justice organization.

Partner Darcy Katris brought this meaningful initiative to the firm, knowing that the firm’s capabilities and values aligned perfectly with the needs and goals of the project. Partner Brian Forman advised on the structure and purpose of the fund and was ultimately selected to do the fund formation work himself. He will continue to provide ongoing pro bono counsel to the fund.

As the project progresses, additional lawyers from the firm will be involved in assisting with the launch of the investment fund, the establishment of the 501(c)(3) organization, and other aspects of the project. In addition, NFTs may be produced in connection with another future gathering involving more family members of the various civil rights icons and leaders. 

On February 27, in connection with the launch of the fund, Brian and Darcy had the honor of attending a private tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and private dinner, alongside the families of George Floyd and Rodney King, who were visiting the museum and meeting each other for the first time. By all accounts, the event was a profoundly moving experience. 

“This is a very special opportunity for our firm to contribute in a small way to issues of racial justice and to bolstering communities that are underserved. It is a privilege for us to be involved,” said Brian.

The launch event was covered by TIME magazine in a March 1 story entitled “The Families of George Floyd and Rodney King Didn’t Ask to Be Part of History—But They Know They Are.” Read the full story here.