Human Rights Organizations in Memphis, TN

Established in 1966, the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association honors the legacy of its namesake, Ben F. Jones, a pioneering attorney who practiced law in Shelby County from 1949 until his death in that founding year. The Chapter was created to address the unique needs of African American lawyers during a time when they were largely excluded from the majority bar, and it has evolved into a vital community institution serving Memphis, Tennessee. For more than five decades, the organization has been linking Black lawyers to each other and to the broader legal community, celebrating the culture, influence, and progress of African American attorneys in the Memphis area. The Chapter operates as part of the National Bar Association, the world's oldest and largest association of attorneys of color, providing members with access to a national network of professional support and resources. Beyond professional networking, the Ben F. Jones Chapter remains deeply committed to community engagement, working to advance the rights and privileges of members, their families, and their communities. The organization champions diversity within the legal profession, promotes legal ethics and understanding of the law among the public, and upholds constitutional objectives that strengthen the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. Through decades of dedicated service, the Chapter has become an essential resource for Memphis's legal community and a beacon of progress for attorneys of color.

Since its founding 20 years ago, the Memphis Area Women's Council has been the advocacy voice for women in Greater Memphis, Tennessee, working on issues that matter most when women need it most. MAWC is a nonprofit organization built on the principle that research and grassroots activism together create lasting community change. With a membership of individuals and organizations, MAWC focuses exclusively on advocacy and policy change rather than direct service provision, positioning itself as a catalyst for systemic transformation in the Memphis area. The heart of MAWC's mission is connecting women's experiences with data and evidence to challenge local policies and practices that limit opportunities for women and girls. The organization has built deep community relationships through programs like WomenTalk, a gathering space for meaningful dialogue; the Women of Achievement awards, which celebrate and document the leadership of Memphis women; and Memphis Says NO MORE, which raises awareness about domestic violence and connects people to resources. MAWC's court watch efforts, workplace safety initiatives, and educational equity work demonstrate a commitment to addressing the toughest issues facing women in Memphis—from domestic violence to economic inequality to harassment in schools and workplaces. What sets MAWC apart in the Memphis, TN community is its unwavering focus on lifting women's voices during their most vulnerable moments, particularly around safety and rights. The organization's 20-year track record includes victories that have reshaped city policy, from ending corporal punishment in schools to establishing protections for domestic violence victims. MAWC invites community members to become changemakers by joining the organization and supporting its mission to ensure that women in Greater Memphis have the advocacy, data, and collective power needed to shape their own futures.

For nearly four decades, OUTMemphis has been a beacon of support and community for LGBTQ individuals throughout Memphis and the Mid-South. What began in 1989 as a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative—gathering in storefronts and volunteers' homes—has evolved into a comprehensive institution with multiple facilities and a professional staff dedicated to serving the community. OUTMemphis is guided by a powerful vision: a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals live safely, are respected, and celebrated with equal rights. The organization's growth reflects the deep commitment of its donors, volunteers, and community participants who have made this journey possible. Today, OUTMemphis stands as the only organization of its kind in the region, providing not just services but genuine community and refuge for LGBTQ individuals seeking connection and support. From youth programs that empower the next generation to advocacy efforts addressing the most pressing challenges facing the LGBTQ movement, OUTMemphis demonstrates a relentless commitment to creating meaningful change. The organization's expansion over the past five years—including the opening of their Youth Empowerment Center and Donation Center—showcases their responsiveness to community needs. In Memphis, Tennessee, OUTMemphis represents more than an organization; it embodies the resilience, solidarity, and hope of the LGBTQ community itself.