Bradley Arant partner Jim Rotch watches as Archbishop Desmond Tutu signs the Birmingham Pledge.

The Birmingham Pledge

"I believe that every person has worth as an individual. I believe that every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color." These are the words that begin the Birmingham Pledge, a personal commitment by those who sign it to focus on and practice a non-racist philosophy. The Birmingham Pledge was conceived and authored by Bradley Arant partner Jim Rotch. The Pledge is part of a grassroots effort to eliminate racial prejudice in the United States and around the world. Since its inception in 1998, the Birmingham Pledge has been signed by more than 100,000 people from every continent including Antarctica. Those who have signed the pledge include former President and Mrs. Clinton, former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson, and the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Jim Rotch continues to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Birmingham Pledge, along with two other Bradley Arant partners who also serve on the board. Pledges can be signed on-line at the Birmingham Pledge web site.