2026 Marcia Johnson Change Agent Awards

Come celebrate the inspiring trailblazers making real impact in our community at this in-person event. Join us for an evening honoring those who are shaking things up and driving positive change. Don't miss out on the chance to connect, cheer, and be part of something special!

Join us in celebrating the work of these awe-inspiring organizations:

1. Literacy Now
2. Target Hunger
3. Civic Heart
4. San Jose Clinic
5. The Beacon

Professor Marcia Johnson, the award's namesake, founded the Earl Carl Institute for Legal & Social Policy, Inc. The Institute uses the law as a tool to stabilize families, protect communities, and dismantle systemic barriers—ensuring that where you live, your past, or your status does not determine your future.

Consider supporting one or more of the Institute's Projects.

Property Preservation Project

Protecting family homes to preserve generational wealth and community stability.

SN52 Land & Legacy Project

Defending community ownership and legacy in Kashmere Gardens, one home at a time.

Fort Bend County Civil Legal Services Project

Providing early legal intervention to keep families stable and self‑sufficient.

Rebound Project

Removing the legal barriers that keep people from rebuilding their lives.

Citizenship by Naturalization Community Clinics

Turning legal status into full civic participation and belonging.

Thurgood Marshall School of Law Innocence Project

Correcting wrongful convictions to restore freedom and accountability.

Student Development

Enhancing Thurgood Law students' research and writing skills, professional development and substantive legal practice skills, including law office management.

Safe & Supportive Schools Collaborative (SSSC)

Keeping students in classrooms by reforming harmful discipline systems.

Research, Writing, and Advocacy Project

Transforming frontline legal work into lasting policy change.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Earl Carl Institute for Legal & Social Policy