Shown above (from left) are: Lawyers’ Committee for Economic Justice board member David Bowman and John Cruz, III.

Boston, MA Cruz Companies president John Cruz, III received the Keeper of the Flame Award from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice during its 49th anniversary celebration at the Boston College Club.

“Like the Lawyers’ Committee, Cruz has worked to expand opportunities for minority communities for generations,” said Cruz. “I thank the Lawyers’ Committee for this honor and join them in carrying forth the flame of the late civil rights icon Rosa Parks.”

More than 200 attended the event, including local elected officials and leaders from the minority legal community. More than 25 Cruz Companies staff and family members were in attendance.

Cruz Companies employs 80 people, of which 90% are people of color. Cruz Companies’ MBE contractor participation rate is 82%, serving as an industry leader in diversity and inclusion.

The Lawyers’ Committee was formed 49 years ago to marshal the resources of the legal community to address racial and national origin discrimination. The ‘Keeper of the Flame Award’ commemorates the legacy of civil rights activist Rosa Parks by recognizing today’s social justice leaders. Previous honorees include former judges, professors, CEOs and non-profit leaders.

The event, held on June 15, also honored James Gallagher, executive vice president and general counsel of John Hancock / Manulife Financial.