President’s Statements
Civil Rights Attorney and Special Needs Network Founder & President Areva Martin Statement on the Passing of Sheila Jackson Lee
America’s leading civil rights attorney and Special Needs Network Founder and President Areva Martin issued the following statement on the passing of Sheila Jackson Lee, long-serving Democratic congresswoman and advocate: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of...
Civil Rights Advocate Areva Martin Calls for Urgent Reform and Compassionate Response Following the Fatal Shooting of Teen in Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - Following the heart-wrenching incident in Victorville, California, where a 17-year-old boy with mental health issues was shot and killed by sheriff's deputies, Areva Martin, a notable civil rights attorney and fervent advocate for mental health and...
Areva Martin Honors Rev. Dr. Cecil ‘Chip’ Murray: A Legacy of Inclusivity and Empowerment in Autism Advocacy
Los Angeles, CA - Civil rights attorney, commentator, and fervent advocate for autism awareness Areva Martin paid homage to the influential life and lasting legacy of Reverend Dr. Cecil 'Chip' Murray, an Advisory Board Member for Special Needs Network.. Martin, the...
Remembering Senator Dianne Feinstein: A Champion for Affordable Housing in LA
Dear Special Needs Network Community, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you who make up the incredible Special Needs Network family. Our journey together has been one of...
Florida education standards about slavery are based on lies: SNN president, Areva Martin responds to Florida’s dangerous education standards on Black history
In the ongoing struggle for racial equality and educational integrity, the recent actions taken by the Florida Board of Education are deeply concerning, as a civil rights advocate, as an attorney, and as a Black mother. Approving a new set of standards that turn back...
Statement from Areva Martin on Today’s SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "I am deeply troubled by today's Supreme Court ruling overturning the use of affirmative action in college admissions. This decision, and particularly the distorted view of the 14th Amendment presented by the conservative court,...
The Special Report with Areva Martin Wins Telly Bronze and Silver Award
The Special Needs Network is excited to announce that "The Special Report With Areva Martin" was awarded Bronze and Silver Social Video Series awards for Public Service & Activism and Social Impact in the record breaking 44th Annual Telly Awards. The Telly Awards...
Statement by Areva Martin, Esq. on the Passing of Harry Belafonte
Los Angeles, CA (April 25, 2023) – “While I am saddened by his passing, I’m grateful for a life well lived by the formidable Harry Belafonte – a true advocate for the civil rights movement and a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. What made Harry Belafonte so...
Statement from President Areva Martin on Autism Rates
The distressing new findings by Rutgers University researchers that autism rates have tripled over the past 16 years are made far grimmer by their conclusion that, once again, children in underserved communities are not getting the same access to resources as their...
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee: Areva Martin Testimony
I would like to thank the members of the IACC for allowing me to offer testimony today. I am speaking to you as the Founder and President of Special Needs Network, as a civil rights attorney, and as the mother to a child with an autism diagnosis. You are aware that...
SNN Calls for Resignations of Martinez, Cedillo, de León and Herrera
Leading child advocacy group cites damage of Council President’s racist, violent comments and colleagues’ complicity. Los Angeles, CA –Special Needs Network demanded the immediate resignation of Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez, Council Members...
President’s Statement on the overturning of Roe v Wade
The aftershocks of today’s SCOTUS opinion overturning Roe vs. Wade are already rippling across the country, as many states have trigger laws withdrawing the established right to abortion. This devastating decision is happening despite that documented fact that a...