The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) voted to give Montgomery civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson the Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award during the group’s annual winter conference last week.

Stevenson, head of the nationally renowned Equal Justice Initiative, was nominated by Alabama Secretary of State John Merill for the honor.

“We are incredibly proud of the work that has been completed in our state and in the country through the leadership and courage of Bryan Stevenson,” said Merill in a statement, adding, “His education and advocacy efforts to restore voting rights have significantly contributed to our democratic process through establishing a path for re-entry into society.”

“Established in 1992, the Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award is named after the former U.S. Senator from Maine, who jeopardized her career by speaking out against the red-baiting tactics of Senator Joseph P. McCarthy in the 1950s,” explains the NASS website.

Stevenson joins Alabamians Condoleeza Rice, Rosa Parks and Fred Gray as recipients of the prize.

“His work to advocate for the voiceless is the epitome of democracy. He is beyond worthy of commendation, and I am grateful that my colleagues at NASS have recognized his many contributions to our society,” remarked Merrill. “Our country is a better place because of his service and vision for equality, and I am honored to call him a friend.”

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.