The renaming of Hinckley Allen’s Diversity Scholarship to the Malcolm Farmer III Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship is a poignant tribute to Malcolm Farmer III’s tireless efforts in advancing racial justice throughout his life. This scholarship now serves as a testament to Farmer’s enduring legacy and exemplifies his dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and beyond.
Malcolm Farmer III’s involvement in the Civil Rights movement spans back to 1965 when he bravely volunteered for a local Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) office. Farmer’s commitment to justice led him to join the Lawyers Constitutional Defense Committee (LCDC), where he journeyed to Mississippi to provide legal representation to residents and civil rights organizations. Despite facing physical threats and dangerous situations orchestrated by Mississippi’s oppressive law enforcement, Farmer remained steadfast in his mission, emphasizing that the focus was always on assisting the local black community and advancing civil rights causes.
Civil Rights leader and Congressman John Lewis lauded Farmer’s contributions, highlighting his immense courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality by saying, “He helped usher in a non-violent revolution. A revolution of values and a revolution of ideas. Our country is a much better country, and we are a much better people because of the sacrifice and unbelievable courage- raw courage- on the part of Mac Farmer and others.”
The decision to rename the scholarship in Farmer’s honor underscores the profound impact of his work and the values he upheld throughout his career. The Malcolm Farmer III Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship symbolizes Hinckley Allen’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. By recognizing Farmer’s legacy in this manner, the firm pays tribute to his remarkable contributions and reaffirms its dedication to promoting diversity and social justice-related issues.
Noble F. Allen, Partner and Chair of the DEI Committee, celebrated the new scholarship name, saying, “He absolutely put his life on the line in pushing back against Jim Crow, and we unanimously voted to honor his fortitude with the renaming of our diversity scholarship.”
The scholarship’s eligibility criteria reflect Farmer’s values and aspirations, including a demonstrated commitment to diversity, leadership qualities, and strong academic performance. Through this scholarship, Hinckley Allen seeks to support and empower first-year law students who embody diverse backgrounds and are dedicated to advancing diversity and social justice causes in their legal careers.