"Marsy’s Law for Georgia Presents Beverly Muhammad with First Challenge Coin for Outstanding Victims’ Rights Advocacy"
ATLANTA – August 4, 2020 – From court closings to early prison releases, social distancing and more, the COVID-19 outbreak has made crime victims’ rights advocacy even more challenging. To recognize overcoming these unique obstacles with a continued commitment to victims’ rights, Marsy’s Law for Georgia is presenting a challenge coin to Beverly Muhammad for being an advocate who has gone above and beyond during the pandemic to help raise awareness of Marsy’s Law and the rights that victims in Georgia have since the passage of the constitutional law in 2018. Beverly Muhammad, an advocate for Atlanta Victim Assistance, Inc., and a Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory committee member, is the first recipient of the 2020 Marsy’s Law for Georgia Challenge Coin.
Challenge coins are a keepsake representing outstanding achievements within an organization and are awarded when individuals overcome tremendous obstacles. Marsy’s Law for Georgia is proud to recognize individuals with challenge coins as a token of their commitment to justice and dedication to raising awareness of victims’ rights.
Muhammad, a Decatur, Georgia resident, was honored with a challenge coin because of her extraordinary dedication to assisting crime victims during the COVID-19 outbreak and raising awareness of the issues they face during this time. In June 2020, she helped pen a letter to Chief Justice Harold D. Melton of the Supreme Court of Georgia asking him to deem crime victims’ cases as “essential” when the Georgia Courts reopened in July. Muhammad also participated in a Facebook Live series, “Why We Do What We Do,” for Marsy’s Law for All in July 2020 to discuss her involvement with the organization.
“I am honored to be selected as the first Marsy’s Law for Georgia Challenge Coin recipient,” said Muhammad. “It’s been an empowering experience working with Marsy’s Law. I’m happy to be a part of an organization that ensures victims have a voice. I look forward to continuing my service on the Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory committee and helping raise awareness of victims’ rights.”
Other Marsy’s Law for Georgia Challenge Coin recipients will be announced throughout the year. To nominate a crime victim’s advocate for consideration, please contact Maggie McDaniel at [email protected].
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About Marsy’s Law for Georgia
In 2018, Marsy’s Law amended the Georgia State Constitution to include a Bill of Rights for victims of violent crimes during criminal proceedings. The constitutional amendment received broad support and assures rights for victims, including standing to petition a court if they feel that their rights have been violated. Georgia is one of the numerous states across the country that have added Marsy’s Law to their constitutions in recent years. To learn more about Marsy’s Law Georgia, visit www.victimsrightsga.com. Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected].
About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his mission to give victims and their families’ constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.
For more information on Marsy’s Law for All, please visit www.marsyslaw.us.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Maggie McDaniel, on behalf of Marsy’s Law for Georgia
communications 21
404.814.1330