Director Alli Keynotes 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

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Executive Director Omotayo Alli delivering the keynote address at the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Service

ATLANTA – January 17, 2025 – Executive Director Omotayo Alli called for transforming the lives of Georgians returning from incarceration during her keynote address at the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. event at the Georgia State Capitol.

During his remarks at the event honoring the legacy of Dr. King, Governor Brian P. Kemp commended Director Alli for her accomplishments since he appointed her in 2020 to lead the Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC).

“I’m very excited about your keynote speaker today,” Kemp said. “She has been a great friend of mine. She’s doing a great job in the executive branch. Director Alli has been an outstanding leader in state government.”

Alli shared a key insight gained during her more than 35 years as a public defender.

“I want to talk to you about the power of transformation from the perspective of a public defender who has seen how many people in the criminal justice system are struggling to break free,” Alli said.

“Can you imagine the possibilities if we could transform their tax bracket and increase their chances of successfully returning to their neighborhoods?”

“When I started over 35 years ago, I planned to spend just three years as a public defender because I wanted to give back through the power of representation.

“I thought all I had to do was represent people, and they would naturally do better, right? No, it didn’t work like that.

“Seventeen years later, I represented a young man who called me and said, ‘Ms. Alli, I’m back. I caught another case.’ I said, ‘Well, why didn’t you catch school? Why didn’t you catch a skill?’ Then I realized—who is giving him instructions on how to catch school and a skill?”

“All I was doing was trying cases. And I realized that I didn’t become a public defender just to try cases. I came to change lives.”

This realization led Alli to transition to juvenile court, where she focused on transforming the lives of children.

“On my first day in juvenile court, there were children everywhere. I saw more kids in court than I had seen in the hallway of the school where I had just dropped off my child. I decided to talk to them. I asked one, ‘Sweetie, what are you doing here?’

“‘I have probation,’ they said.

“I asked, ‘How old are you? What school do you go to?’

“‘I’ve been expelled,’ they replied.”

Those conversations sparked an idea for transforming young lives.

“I thought, why not start a school here? If they’re going to be here, then they can go to school. I called the kids ‘my babies.’ And they loved that. But if you’re my baby, then you have to pull up your pants and put on a belt. That’s how it works. You don’t just hug me in the morning and do nothing.”

Her approach was effective.

“They thrived. They came to school every day, even on Saturdays. These were the kids who weren’t supposed to succeed, but we created a safe space for them.

“That’s the power of transformation—through guidance, structure, and love. I met them at their worst moment, but they left me at their best.”

In 2022, Alli implemented a similar approach at the Georgia Public Defender Council. The Ladders Program helps GPDC clients aged 16 to 24 who have been involved in the justice system achieve educational and career goals. Ladders provides 12 months of free mentoring, tutoring, and counseling for participants committed to turning their lives around. It also connects them with skills training and employers.

To date, an impressive 91% of participants have successfully completed the program. Only 2% of graduates have re-entered the justice system, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in reducing recidivism.

Alli called on attendees at the King Day event to support the Ladders Program, which is funded by the Georgia Public Defense Foundation.

“I am asking you to join this movement of transformation. You are the ones who can provide opportunities—as business owners, mentors, and community members. Talk about it. Join us as we help young people leaving the criminal justice system pursue technical education, ensuring their children won’t end up in juvenile court.”

Following Alli’s keynote address, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Chair Sen. Nikki Merritt of Gwinnett County reflected on Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality and acknowledged the contributions of Coretta Scott King and the ongoing civil rights work of the King family.

“Dr. King once said, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ As we reflect on those words, let us remember that bending that arc requires all of us—our voices, our actions, and our commitment to a better future,” Merritt said.

“Dr. King’s legacy would not have been possible without the strength and vision of Coretta Scott King, who reminded us that the struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won—you earn it with every generation.”

House Speaker Rep. Jon Burns of Newington encouraged attendees to honor Dr. King’s legacy through actions promoting equality and justice.

“Throughout this long weekend, let’s remember that Monday isn’t just another day on the calendar. It’s an opportunity to find ways to carry on Dr. King’s legacy and mission,” Burns said.

Georgia Rep. Billy Mitchell of Stone Mountain, who chairs the MLK Commission, emphasized the importance of community participation in efforts inspired by Dr. King’s life and work.

Mitchell asked attendees to reflect on Dr. King’s teachings and recognize the accomplishments of those who embody his dedication to justice, equality, and empowerment.

On behalf of the MLK Commission, Rep. Mitchell presented awards to four individuals for their significant contributions to civil rights and humanitarian efforts:

  • The Andrew Young Humanitarian Award: Adekunbi Oyekan, for addressing systemic challenges in underserved communities through her nonprofit, 3rd Mile Incorporated.
  • The Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Civil Rights Award: La Wanda Folami, for her advocacy in leadership development and civil rights through community and educational initiatives.
  • The John R. Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award: Herbert Dennard, for his trailblazing work in civil rights, community advocacy, and public service in Middle Georgia.
  • The Rita Jackson Samuels Founders Award: Krystal Hart, for empowering women in business and the community through her work with Sparrow Communications.

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