At Roberts Markland LLP, our mission has always gone beyond the courtroom. We believe true justice is rooted not only in advocacy but also in education, truth-telling, and community empowerment. This vision came to life in June 2025 when our firm made a historic $100,000 donation to Texas Southern University (TSU) to launch the Juneteenth Remuneration Study and Symposium.

This partnership between Roberts Markland LLP and TSU represents more than financial support. It is an investment in truth, equity, and the next generation of leaders.

Honoring Juneteenth with Purpose

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day enslaved Texans finally learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Those additional 900+ days of forced labor remain among the most painful chapters in American history. Yet the economic and legal impact of that delay has never been fully quantified.

The Juneteenth Remuneration Study, housed within TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law and Jesse H. Jones School of Business, will address this gap. By combining legal analysis with economic modeling, the project will calculate the costs of delayed emancipation, identify who profited, and explore what accountability could look like today.

“This gift aims to reposition Juneteenth as a model for how we reconcile the national conversation around slavery and its ongoing impact,” said Sean Roberts, Partner at Roberts Markland LLP.

Read more about this historic announcement in Houston Style Magazine.

Turning History Into Action

Unlike symbolic gestures of the past, this study focuses on measurable data and actionable outcomes. TSU scholars and students will research:

• The number of enslaved people affected during the two-and-a-half-year delay

• The value of their stolen labor across industries

• The profits gained by businesses and plantation owners

• Legal frameworks for redress and remuneration

Hon. Vanessa D. Gilmore (USDJ Ret.), Of Counsel at Roberts Markland LLP, explained the significance:

“This is not just about history. It is about how the past continues to shape economic realities today, especially for Black Texans who were never compensated for their ancestors’ labor.”

A Partnership with Lasting Impact

For nearly a century, Texas Southern University has stood as a cornerstone of education, equity, and leadership in Houston’s Third Ward. Its alumni include civil rights icons such as Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and Judge Kenneth Hoyt. With such a legacy, TSU is the ideal institution to lead this groundbreaking work.

“This is not about division. It is about data. It is about facts. It is about fairness,” said Clive Markland, name partner of Roberts Markland LLP. “In a nation that cannot afford to leave its Black citizens behind, this study offers a chance to move forward with purpose, policy, and pride.”

Looking Ahead: Scholarship, Dialogue, and Policy

The study will culminate in a public symposium at TSU, where findings will be presented to lawmakers, scholars, and community leaders. A final report will then be published and distributed nationwide. The research will inform history books, public policy, and future advocacy efforts.

By investing in this initiative, Roberts Markland helps ensure that Juneteenth becomes more than a holiday. It becomes a platform for truth, accountability, and forward-looking solutions.

Explore full coverage of this groundbreaking initiative in Houston Style Magazine.

Strengthening Communities Through Justice and Legacy

From Houston’s Third Ward to the national stage, Roberts Markland LLP continues to stand at the intersection of justice and community impact. Our $100,000 gift to TSU is not only an investment in scholarship. It is also a commitment to equity, empowerment, and stronger communities for generations to come.