Best-selling author and economic justice advocate Stephanie Land, whose memoir was the inspiration for Netflix’s Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated original series “Maid,” will deliver the keynote address at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s 23rd Equal Justice Awards at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Jacksonville Public Library.
Land’s debut memoir, “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive,” recounts her story as a single parent navigating the poverty trap.
The event also features the presentation of the Robert J. Beckham Equal Justice Award, named for a former JALA board member and longtime supporter. It is bestowed on a person or organization who has notably promoted the cause of equal justice for low-income residents of Northeast Florida.
The 2025 honorees are JALA’s partners in the Jacksonville Eviction Diversion Program, a community-driven initiative aimed at preventing evictions and promoting housing stability across Duval County.
The program was launched in early 2024 through a collaboration among the city of Jacksonville, United Way of Northeast Florida, the 4th Judicial Circuit Court, the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Duval County, LJD Jewish Family & Community Services and JALA. The partnership offers resources for tenants and landlords to address housing-related challenges, prevent eviction filings and sustain long-term housing stability.
As of mid-July 2025, more than 330 households have been helped.
“Our community partners in the Jacksonville Eviction Diversion Program richly deserve this recognition for their forward-thinking approach to reducing the number of evictions in our community, ensuring greater stability for tenants and landlords alike,” said JALA President and CEO Jim Kowalski. “So far, the program has had 83% of participating families remain housed six months after receiving assistance, which is a remarkable outcome.”
Tickets and event sponsorships can be purchased online at JaxLegalAid.org/EqualJusticeAwards. Cocktails and dinner are included.
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm focused on delivering economic, social and housing justice to low-income and at-risk individuals and families in Northeast Florida.