Justin David Hansford

Justin David Hansford is a prominent legal scholar, civil rights advocate, and international human rights expert. He currently serves as a Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent at United Nations Human Rights, a position he has held since March 2022.1

Professional Background

Hansford is an accomplished academic and legal professional:

• Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center at Howard University12
• Professor of Law at Howard University School of Law since August 20171
• Former Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University from 2011 to 20161

Education and Early Career

He received his:

• B.A. from Howard University (1999-2003)
• J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center (2004-2007)1

Early in his career, Hansford gained valuable experience through various roles:

• Law Clerk for Judge Damon Keith, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit
• Summer Intern at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
• Legal Intern at Conectas Direitos Humanos in São Paulo, Brazil1

Expertise and Focus

Hansford's work centers on:

• Civil rights law and advocacy
• Human rights law
• Higher education
• Nonprofit organizations
• Legal writing and appeals
• Policy analysis1

United Nations Role

In December 2021, Hansford was elected to the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent for a 3-year term. This forum serves as:

• A consultative mechanism for people of African descent and other stakeholders
• A platform to improve the safety and quality of life for people of African descent
• An advisory body to the UN Human Rights Council1

Justin Hansford's multifaceted career demonstrates his commitment to civil rights, education, and international human rights, particularly focusing on issues affecting people of African descent.