Civil Rights

Students from Watkins Elementary School in Washington, D.C., gathered to honor the civil rights leader.

Eric Parker, accused of using excessive force on the unarmed man, went on trial twice last year. Both trials ended in hung juries. The judge said federal prosecutors won't get a third chance.

One suit accused the police of violating the New York and U.S. constitutions "by singling out and stigmatizing entire communities of New Yorkers based on their religion."

Nearly 6 million former felons will not be able to cast ballots in next year's presidential election. Thousands are trying to change that by petitioning for clemency.

Chicago's department is the latest to be in the spotlight for shooting a black man, which critics say is evidence of a long history of the city's police using excessive force on minorities.

The Justice Department found widespread noncompliance with a law requiring states to let people register to vote or update registration information when applying for or renewing a driver's license.

The criminal justice system can be difficult to navigate, and without a lawyer, it's even harder. Yet the government says it's still too difficult for poor defendants to get representation.

Across the country, small towns are beginning to pass LGBT non-discrimination ordinances where state legislatures have failed to implement them. Advocates say it's a start, but still not enough.

Friends, family and colleagues recounted the human rights contributions of the late Julian Bond at a memorial service Tuesday for the former NAACP chairman. Bond died in August after a brief illness.

A police officer was on trial for violating the civil rights of Sureshbhai Patel by using unreasonable force against him in February. A mistrial was declared after the jury did not reach a verdict.

How do you curate a museum exhibit about the protests in Ferguson, Mo.? NPR's Scott Simon speaks with the director National Museum of African American History and Culture, which will open next fall.

Beyond preserving his legacy, city leaders are calling to investigate the 1940 death of Elbert Williams, who is believed to be the first NAACP official killed for seeking voting rights for blacks.