Ben Crump Joins Rochester Leaders in Call for Educational Reform

Hundreds gathered at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Rochester, NY to hear Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump address the local educational crisis.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump visited Rochester on Saturday to address what local leaders have called an “educational crisis” facing the city’s public schools. Known for representing families in high-profile civil rights cases across the nation, Crump joined community members, educators, and elected officials at a town hall aimed at finding solutions to long-standing disparities.

The forum, titled “Addressing the Educational Crisis in Rochester,” was sponsored by Charter Champions, a non-profit organization that advocates and supports Charter Schools and brought together concerned parents, faith leaders, and local advocates to discuss systemic issues such as underfunding, low graduation rates, and high teacher turnover.

Organizers described the event as an opportunity to spotlight the challenges students face, while also fostering cooperation among community stakeholders in finding lasting solutions.

“We must protect the educational futures of our children,” Crump said. “By investing in their success, we’re investing in the future of Rochester.” Crump stressed that educational equity is a critical civil rights issue, encouraging residents to collaborate with school officials and lawmakers to enact sweeping reforms.

Echoing the sentiments of local leaders, Crump highlighted that the educational system in Rochester has long been marked by inequity, with students in historically underserved communities facing barriers to achieving their full potential. He reinforced that the struggle for educational reform in Rochester is part of a broader civil rights movement that demands justice for all children, particularly those from marginalized communities.

“It is not enough for our children just to survive,” He said. “We owe it to them to ensure they can thrive through access to quality education.”

In his remarks, Crump also spoke about the recent death of Robert Brooks, whose family has sought answers following a fatal encounter with local law enforcement. Crump called for transparency in the investigation, emphasizing that thorough and fair investigations are crucial for maintaining public trust in law enforcement and ensuring accountability. He also touched on the broader issue of police brutality and the need for systemic change, noting that the educational struggles in Rochester are part of a larger battle for justice.

Following Crumps remarks was a panel discussion featuring Crump, Dr. Paul Miller—CEO of Charter Champions, Dr Lesli Myers-Small—Exec Director of Rochester’s Police Accountability Board and former Rochester City School District Superintendent, Rev Sebrone Johnson—CEO of EDceptional, a charter school support organization, and Adrian Hale from the NYS Board of Regents.

While no immediate policy changes were announced at the event, organizers stated that the feedback gathered during the town hall would be used to shape future advocacy efforts. Crump urged participants to remain engaged, stressing that meaningful change requires sustained pressure on local and state officials. “Change can’t just be a moment — it has to be a movement,” he said. “We owe it to our children to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed.”

In his closing remarks, Crump called on the community to fight for the future of its children, reminding attendees that the struggle for justice is ongoing and that every individual has a role to play. “We are fighting not just for the future of Rochester, but for the future of our children and our nation,” Crump concluded. “The work we do today will ensure that our children can live out the promise of America—the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Crump’s visit to Rochester further underscored the connection between the fight for educational reform and the broader civil rights movement, reinforcing that the battle for justice must continue on multiple fronts—whether in the courtroom, the classroom, or the community. As local leaders continue to press for change, Crump’s call for sustained activism is a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over, and it will require collective effort and long-term commitment to bring about lasting reform.