Marilyn Harris to receive the Brown-Forman Spirit of Justice Award at this year’s JOURNEY TO JUSTICE!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 @ 5:30 PM | Tickets are $100 through July 31st!
All proceeds benefit Legal Aid Society’s mission of pursuing justice for people in poverty!
Legal Aid Society is pleased to announce that Marilyn Harris will receive the 2024 Brown-Forman Spirit of Justice Award at Legal Aid Society’s Journey to Justice event on Friday, September 6, 2024.
Marilyn S. Harris is a seasoned housing and community development professional with extensive experience managing large-scale housing programs and initiatives. As the current Director of the Office of Housing and Community Development for Louisville Metro Government, Marilyn oversees a team of 50 staff members and 15 interns, managing an annual budget of approximately $20 million. Her leadership has been pivotal in administering various federal and local housing programs, including the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Community Development Block Grant Funds, the Louisville Creating Affordable Residences for Economic Success (CARES) program, and the Federal American Rescue Plan Funds.
Since joining Louisville Metro Government in 2017, Marilyn has held multiple key positions, demonstrating her ability to handle increasing responsibilities and complex projects. Notably, she directed the city's Eviction Diversion Programs, efficiently managing over $100 million in federal funds to support housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Marilyn's dedication to housing justice during the pandemic meant that thousands of Louisvillians retained their homes in an uncertain and precarious time. Our city owes a debt of gratitude to Marilyn,” says Executive Director Jefferson Coulter.
“My life’s work has revolved around helping people find access to safe, decent, affordable housing. I have always had a passion for housing, from the start of my career in Shelbyville, Kentucky as a community Development Coordinator to my time at Kentucky Housing Corporation to the last seven years with the Louisville Metro Government Office of Housing and Community Development. But there is still so much to be done as we try to create more affordable housing in this community, and I am excited that the city, and this administration are making it a priority and committing millions of dollars to the cause,” said Marilyn.
“I’m so proud of the work the Office of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Resilience and Community Service did during the height of the pandemic. We ensured thousands in this community could stay housed with the help of federal rental assistance. And none of this would have been possible without our many Metro partners, including Legal Aid Society, who represent those in crisis in the court system, and the Coalition for the Homeless, who provided the voice of those in our community who often aren’t heard. I am honored and humbled to accept this award and to join the company of such amazing people who have received this recognition in the past.”
ABOUT THE BROWN-FORMAN SPIRIT OF JUSTICE AWARD
The Brown-Forman Spirit of Justice Award began in 2015 to honor a member of the community who demonstrates a deep dedication to upholding the principles of equal justice. At this year’s Journey to Justice, we will celebrate our 9th Annual Brown-Forman Spirit of Justice Awardee, Marilyn S. Harris, as she retires from a long and impactful career as a public servant. Marilyn is the first individual to receive this award who is not an attorney.
Journey to Justice is a casual event that allows guests to network with over 300 legal professionals and community leaders. Guests chart a course through the event space, following the Legal Aid Society story of four clients while journeying to four destinations: Housing Justice, Family Justice, economic justice, and Community Justice. At each destination, guests will have their Justice for All Passports stamped while enjoying gourmet hors d'oeuvres and tastings of Kentucky spirits.
Journey to Justice: All Aboard is generously supported by:
Atria Senior LIving (First Class Sponsor)
Brown-Forman (Spirit of Justice Sponsor)
Humana, Inc. (Advocate Sponsor)
All proceeds from Journey to Justice: All Aboard benefit Legal Aid Society and their mission to pursue justice for people in poverty. Tickets are on sale at early bird prices ($100) through July 31. Beginning August 1, tickets will be $125 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, or for more information, please visit YourLegalAid.org/Journey.