Elizabeth Ray
My first encounter with the Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr. Institute was during my senior year of high school, when my AP U.S. Government class visited the courthouse for an afternoon. During this visit, we were given a tour of the federal courthouse, including the historic courtroom where Judge Johnson once served. Additionally, we completed the Institute’s Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions program, a program that teaches participants how to engage in thoughtful civil discourse through the use of a mock court case.
What stood out to me from my visit was my surprise that, although I was born and raised in Montgomery, this was the first time I had learned about Judge Frank Johnson. Nevertheless, upon graduating high school and entering my first year at Dartmouth College, Judge Johnson’s story stuck with me, and is ultimately why I pursued an internship at the Institute.
Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to meet federal judges, lawyers, law clerks and educators. Additionally, I gained firsthand knowledge of Alabama’s judiciary by observing court proceedings in the federal courthouse. In July, I participated in the Institute’s 2024 Scholars Conference, a three-day conference designed to provide civics education professional development to middle and high school educators. And on the 59th anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, I had the privilege of hearing Attorney Fred Gray speak at an event organized by the National Park Service.
The most impactful experience from my internship, though, was working on the Institute’s Oral History Project. On August 20, I helped to organize and conduct four oral histories with individuals who knew Judge Johnson. In each interview, I was introduced to a unique perspective on Judge Johnson’s life and legacy. Taking part in these conversations reminded me of the importance of highlighting personal narratives as means to preserve our history.
Interning at the Johnson Institute was the perfect choice because it allowed me to explore my interests in political science, history and journalism all through one role. My internship, specifically the time I spent watching court proceedings and interacting with legal professionals, reinforced my goal of attending law school. Ultimately, I am confident that, no matter where my educational or career endeavors take me, I will forever carry the lessons I learned at the Johnson Institute and Judge Johnson’s legacy with me.