Ben Crump: Over Two Decades of Advocacy Fueling an Emmy Win, a New Novel, and the 2nd Annual Human Rights Gala
Ben Crump: Over Two Decades of Advocacy Fueling an Emmy Win, a New Novel, and the 2nd Annual Human Rights Gala
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump continues to push forward with the same force and purpose that shaped generations before us. His recent Emmy win for How to Sue the Klan, the debut of his legal thriller Worse Than a Lie, and the 2nd Annual Ben Crump Human Rights Honors all point to one truth—restorative justice […]
The post Ben Crump: Over Two Decades of Advocacy Fueling an Emmy Win, a New Novel, and the 2nd Annual Human Rights Gala first appeared on Upscale Magazine.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump continues to push forward with the same force and purpose that shaped generations before us. His recent Emmy win for How to Sue the Klan, the debut of his legal thriller Worse Than a Lie, and the 2nd Annual Ben Crump Human Rights Honors all point to one truth—restorative justice is a reclamation of legacy, power, and resilience. Together, these milestones reflect the work he continues to advance for communities too often marginalized, underserved, and denied justice across the country.
Why Ben Crump’s ‘How to Sue the Klan’ Deserved Its Emmy
The 35-minute documentary How to Sue the Klan, co-produced by Ben Crump along with Cameron S. Mitchell, Raji Ramanathan, and director John Beder, tells the story of five Black women in Chattanooga who were attacked by Ku Klux Klan members in 1980. Instead of accepting fear of retaliation and silence, they turned to a little-used Reconstruction-era civil rights law passed in 1871 (a law protecting Black Americans from racial terror). A federal jury found Klan members liable in 1982 for the shooting.
The case helped lay legal precedent that has inspired numerous similar lawsuits across the country, like the $25 million verdict against white supremacists behind the 2017 Charlottesville “Unite the Right” rally. Crump is now turning to the same statute as he fights for justice for the victims of the 2022 Buffalo Tops supermarket massacre, gunned down by then-19-year-old Payton Gendron.
Click here to watch Crump’s acceptance speech for How to Sue the Klan Emmy: “Tonight I am deeply honored to accept an Emmy…”
Attorney Betty Lawrence Lewis led the legal team that won justice for the Chattanooga 5The Chattanooga Five, (Left to Right) Opal Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Viola Ellison, Betty Lawrence Lewis (Attorney), Lela Mae Evans | Photo courtesy of Randall HigginsRandolph McLaughlin, lead attorney in the Chattanooga 5 case against the KKK
Ben Crump has been honored with a regional Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Midsouth Chapter for the film, which won Outstanding Short Form Documentary in Nashville, Tennessee, a meaningful achievement in a media landscape where national awards often overshadow local stories. When Crump speaks about the women at the center of the doc, he reminds us what their courage meant:
“They provided hope for America that justice may be delayed but it will not be denied—as long as we’re willing to fight for it.”
— Attorney Ben Crump On the Chattanooga Five
Crump’s involvement extends the work he has championed for decades, representing families at the heart of some of the most defining civil rights cases of our time. He has secured multimillion‑dollar settlements, including the $27 million settlement for George Floyd’s family and the $12 million settlement for Breonna Taylor’s family. His legal advocacy has repeatedly forced the country to confront the violence and inequity in stories that are too often swept under the rug. That is why this Emmy win feels not only deserving but a testament to the legacy he continues to build.
What’s Worse Than a Lie
The novel is named one of Amazon’s Best Thrillers of February 2026, a resonant staple during Black History Month and five years in the making. It centers on Attorney Beau Lee Cooper, a man determined to expose the truth after surviving a wrongful prison sentence in Chicago. The story is shaped by lessons drawn from real civil rights battles, reflecting how each case from Trayvon Martin to Tamir Rice to Breonna Taylor deepened Crump’s understanding of justice and how to fight for it.
Its title comes from something his grandmother used to say: “What’s worse than a lie is to tell the truth and nobody believes you.” This novel is a relentless exploration of truth, justice, and the buried realities too many people try to ignore.
Click here to purchase your copy of Worse Than a Lie.
“What’s worse than a lie is to tell the truth and nobody believes you.”
Benjamin L. Crump, Esq.
Crump sits down with Emmy-winning journalist and co-host of The View, Sunny Hostin to discuss his new book, Worse Than A Lie.
Ben Crump Human Rights Honors Holds Second Annual Ceremony
The Honorees
Keisha Lance Bottoms — Public Service Award
Bishop Talbert Swan — Faith-Based Activism Award
John Johnson — Rising Star Award
Cameron Cleveland — Emerging Leader Award
Rushion McDonald — Media Mogul Award
Dr. Tiffany Crutcher — Equity & Justice Award
The 2nd Annual Ben Crump Human Rights Honors was held Sunday afternoon, Feb. 22, at Park Tavern in Atlanta, bringing together a powerful cross‑section of leaders, advocates, and changemakers. The invitation‑only, star‑studded brunch celebrated six public figures whose work continues to push justice, equity, and public service forward.
Although Attorney Ben Crump was snowed in while in New York City and unable to attend, the room was still filled wall‑to‑wall with guests, dignitaries, and supporters who came to honor the mission he champions.
The event also awarded six Morris Brown College students with scholarships.
(Left to Right) Cameron Cleveland, Keisha Lance Bottoms, John Johnson | via Cameron Cleveland LinkedInHonorees Bishop Talbert Swan and Dr. Tiffany Crutcher | via @drtiffanycrutcher InstagramRushion McDonald | via LinkedIn
LET US KNOW: Which truth in Worse Than a Lie stayed with you long after you turned the last page and why? Scroll down to the reply sectionand leave a comment.
If you appreciate the "Free Daily Articles" and would like to show your one off support by making a "Donation " please click link below, and help us to keep spreading "Black News to our Diaspora."
Black News 
