To kick off the 25th anniversary of the Public Interest Institute at Alabama Law, the Law School hosted an art competition surrounding the anniversary theme, “Cultivating a Lifelong Commitment to Service.” After reviewing a collection of outstanding submissions, the Public Interest Student Board and members of the Law School community have selected “Seeds of Service” by Sonya Clemons (AKA “The Artlady”) as the winner. The committee also extended honorable mentions to two submissions, “Lady Justice Reimagined” by Emily Kelley (Class of 2026) and “The Call to Justice” by Thad Jaymes Bradley. More information about these three pieces can be found below. The Law School extends a special thanks to all who participated in the competition.
1st Place: “Seeds of Service”
By Sonya “The Artlady” Clemons
“Seeds of Service,” a mixed-media illustration, was selected as the winning submission in The University of Alabama School of Law’s community art contest, which was held as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Alabama Law Public Interest Institute. Reflecting the anniversary theme – “cultivating a lifelong commitment to service” – the artwork highlights the legal community’s vital role in fostering a just and thriving society. An education at Alabama Law equips students with the skills and dedication to become servant leaders, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in their communities, regardless of their chosen career path.
About the Artist: Recognized across her home state of Alabama as “The Artlady,” Sonya Clemons is the founder of Pictures of Hope, a program in Jackson County that offers art classes to adults and children involved in the Jackson County Drug Court and Family Wellness Court. Through this program, participants gain a positive outlet for self-expression, stress relief, and confidence building, using creativity as a tool for personal growth and healing.
“The Artlady” earned her moniker by painting murals throughout north Alabama, transforming blank walls into beautiful pieces that tell the stories of individual communities and their identities. Most recently, she was commissioned to create a piece of art for the 92nd Anniversary Commemoration of the Scottsboro Boys, which is on display at the Scottsboro Boys Museum.
No matter what surface she’s painting on – walls, city sidewalks, a simple canvas – “The Artlady” creates images that focus on Southern Culture and are full of color and life. Visit her Instagram account to learn more.
Honorable Mention: “Lady Justice Reimagined”
By Emily Kelley (Class of 2026)
“Lady Justice Reimagined” is a gouache-on-canvas painting that reinterprets Lady Justice as an Alabama Law student and as a Black woman – honoring the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement – in pursuit of justice as a lifelong commitment. Seated on a platform, her outstretched, open hand symbolizes humility, accessibility, and an invitation to serve. Inspired by Buddhist and Hindu art, her four arms represent the strength, time, and determination required in the fight for justice. This piece challenges the notion of justice as an unattainable ideal, instead portraying it as a shared responsibility – one that law students, attorneys, and communities can uphold together.
About the Artist: Emily Kelley is a 2L student at The University of Alabama School of Law (Class of 2026) with a passion for blending creativity and analytical thinking. From a young age, Emily’s Grandma nurtured her love for art and encouraged her to view the world through both a thoughtful and imaginative lens. As a law student, art remains an integral part of Emily’s life. Emily believes that the law – like art – requires precision, perspective, and a deep understanding of the human experience, and uses painting as a medium to express the complexities of life and the legal profession. Emily is deeply grateful for her Grandma’s encouragement and the supportive community at Alabama Law.
Honorable Mention: “The Call to Justice”
By Thad Jaymes Bradley
Service begins in the heart of the law,
where words become shields,
and action builds bridges.
It is the steadfast pursuit of justice—
a torch carried through shadowed halls,
lighting the path for those left unseen.
It is the voice that breaks the silence,
standing firm in the face of power,
speaking for those the world has silenced,
lifting those too weary to stand.
Service is not the grandeur of verdicts,
but the quiet acts of care:
guiding hands through tangled systems,
restoring faith in what is fair.
It is the courage to unearth truth,
to dig through layers of pain and history,
seeking not just law,
but the humanity it should defend.
It is holding space for hope
when the weight of injustice threatens to crush it.
To serve is to know the law is alive—
not bound by books and courts,
but thriving in the lives it touches,
the rights it secures,
the dignity it restores.
And though the victories may seem small,
a case won, a life changed,
each ripple joins a larger tide,
moving us closer to equity.
Service is a vow to uphold,
to nurture the seeds of justice,
to cultivate a world
where fairness reigns,
where all are heard,
where the law becomes
not just a structure,
but a promise fulfilled.
The poem “The Call to Justice” illustrates that service in the legal field extends beyond winning cases – it encompasses supporting individuals through complex systems, advocating for the voiceless, and ensuring justice for all, especially the marginalized. The poem underscores that true service involves making the law meaningful in daily life, restoring fairness, and standing up for what is right. It emphasizes that even small acts of justice can lead to significant change, each step bringing society closer to equality. By focusing on the law’s role in protecting dignity and humanity, the poem portrays service as a lifelong commitment to creating a more just world where everyone is heard and treated fairly.
About the Author: Thad Jaymes Bradley is an advocate for disabilities, suicide prevention, and inclusion. As a child abuse survivor, Thad channels personal experiences into empowering others to overcome adversity and find hope.
Thad previously served as a case advocate fellow for the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP), where he worked on outreach and self-advocacy initiatives. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies at The University of Alabama. His passion for service extends to his role as a QPR Suicide Prevention Trainer and a board member of the Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition (ASPARC).
In addition to his advocacy work, Thad is a writer and poet who uses his words to inspire and create awareness around social issues. Through writing, advocacy, and media, Thad strives to empower communities and drive meaningful change.