"Alvin Barnes of Jackson Mississippi" offers a practical demonstration of his dreams in high school uploading the PowerPoint he had to make for a class exploring what he wanted to be when he was older. "Activism is just like the priesthood; it's a calling. You don't wake up one day and want to be an activist." These words from Rev. Jeremy Tobin, a dear friend and a priest for many years, resonate deeply with me. His inspiring commitment serves as a reminder that activism isn't merely a choice; it's a profound sense of purpose that drives individuals to make a difference, fight for justice, and strive for a better world for all.

1. CIVIL RIGHTS
AND
DEFENSE
ATTORNEY &
COMMUNITY
ACTIVIST
ALVIN MORRISON
BARNES

2. ACTIVISM IS JUST LIKE THE
PRIESTHOOD IT’S A
CALLING YOU DON’T WAKE
UP ONE DAY AND WANT TO
BE AN ACTIVIST
Rev. Jeremy Tobin
BARNES 2

3. BARNES 3
WHAT IS A CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY & A
COMMUNITY ACTIVIST
‣ A civil rights attorney focuses on cases involving issues such as
equality, human rights, social freedom, and discrimination. Their job
tasks may include conducting research on cases, drafting legal
documents, arguing cases in court, and negotiating settlements.
‣ Attorneys often work long hours and can experience a great deal of
stress presenting their client's case in a courtroom.
‣ An activist is a person who campaigns for some kind of social
change. Someone who's actively involved in a protest or a political or
social cause is an activist.

4. BARNES 4
SKILLS NEED TO BE AN
ATTORNEY AND ACTIVIST
‣ Critical thinking
‣ Analytical reasoning
‣ Research and writing skills
‣ Relationships
‣ Communication Skills
‣ Organize
‣ Write letters
‣ Recruit volunteers
‣ Raise money

5. BARNES 5
EDUCATION
▸Most law schools would like you to have a B.S. in English or
Political Science.
▸A Juris Doctored ( Law Degree) is required to become an
attorney in the United States.
▸ When you complete law school you must take the BAR
exam.
▸Community Activism doesn’t require any formal education.

6. BARNES 6
SALARY
▸ The average salary for attorneys in
the United States is $ 115,000.00 a
year.
▸ Most community activist earn about
$50,00.00 a year.

7. BARNES 7
WHY DID I CHOOSE
THIS CAREER
▸ I chose this career because I want
to have an impact on the world and
make it a better place.
▸ I believe all people deserve justice
and to be treated fairly.

9. TEXT
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ATTORNEY &
ACTIVIST
‣ Your daily tasks will vary depending on your area of law. A typical
day for most lawyers includes:
‣ Research. Lots of research.
‣ Writing: writing documents, responses, briefs, letters and plenty of
emails.
‣ Phone calls.
‣ Court appearances.
‣ Meeting with Clients.

10. YOUR CAREER
SHOULDN’T BE VALUED
BY HOW MUCH MONEY
YOU’LL MAKE. IT
SHOULD BE VALUED BY
HOW YOUR JOB WILL
IMPROVE THE LIVES
OF OTHERS BECAUSE
IN THE END THAT WILL
BE ALL THAT MATTERS