Meet Ben Crump: Civil Rights Lawyer Fighting for Black Freedom

The name of Ben Crump is associated with justice, activism, and with the current struggle of civil rights in the United States. However, other than the cameras and courtroom publicity, Crump is one with a story of survival, sacrifice and a profound dedication to serve.

Humble Beginnings & Family Roots

Ben Crump was born in Lumberton, North Carolina, in 1969. Raised by a single mother, Helen, who worked two jobs, at a factory and as a hotel maid, to support her nine children, Crump witnessed firsthand the struggles of working-class Black families in the South.

His mother later remarried, and his stepfather, a math teacher, helped further shape Ben’s values around education and perseverance.

Ben Crump attended Florida State University, earning a law degree and setting his sights on advocating for those whose voices too often go unheard. Growing up, he was inspired by Thurgood Marshall and the civil rights movement, fueling his drive to become a lawyer who “fights for the least of these.”

Breaking Barriers Amid Struggles

Crump’s path was not easy. As a young, Black attorney in the South, he often faced discrimination and skepticism, even from within the legal community. Early in his career, he was told that “nobody would want a Black lawyer.”

Crump ignored the doubters, often taking on pro bono work and cases that other lawyers avoided. The emotional toll of representing grieving families and the pressure of being the face of national movements have been heavy.

Ben Crump has spoken openly about the trauma of seeing graphic evidence, the weight of expectations, and the criticism that comes with being a public figure in contentious civil rights battles.

Landmark Cases & Legal Victories of Ben Crump

Despite the struggles, Crump’s legal victories are a testament to his commitment:

Trayvon Martin (2012): Represented the family of the unarmed Black teen whose death in Florida sparked a national conversation about race and self-defense laws.

Michael Brown (2014): Led legal efforts for Brown’s family after he was killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri, igniting the Black Lives Matter movement.

George Floyd (2020): Represented the Floyd family after the Minneapolis police killing seen around the world; the city settled for $27 million before the officer’s trial.

Breonna Taylor (2020): Advocated for Taylor’s family, helping secure a historic $12 million settlement and changes in Louisville police policy.

Ahmaud Arbery (2020): Fought for justice for the family of Arbery, a Black man killed while jogging in Georgia.

Other Notable Cases: Sandra Bland, Stephon Clark, and cases involving the Flint water crisis and the Astroworld Festival tragedy.

Crump has won hundreds of millions in settlements, many of them record-breaking, and his relentless advocacy often leads to broader policy reforms.

Philanthropy & Giving Back

Ben Crump doesn’t just fight in the courtroom—he invests in the next generation and underserved communities:

Ben Crump Social Justice Institute: Based at St. Thomas University College of Law in Miami, this program aims to train the next wave of civil rights lawyers.

Scholarships: Crump has created scholarship programs for Black students, including those at his alma mater, Florida State University.

Community Initiatives: He supports voting rights drives, police reform projects, and literacy programs, using his platform and resources to uplift others.

Personal Life

Ben Crump is married to Dr. Genae Angelique Crump, and together they have a daughter. Despite his hectic travel schedule and national profile, he’s known as a devoted family man and an advocate for education, faith, and service. His close-knit upbringing and strong family ties remain at the heart of his activism.