Civil Rights Attorney Don Quinn Recognized at Maryland's First Malcolm X Memorial
Maryland civil rights and employment attorney Don Quinn was publicly recognized for continuing the fight for equality and justice at the October 14, 2026, unveiling of Maryland's first memorial to Malcolm X in Annapolis.
Don Quinn, the founder and senior partner of Quinn Patton, L.C., and his wife, Bethany Quinn, were also among the private donors whose financial contributions helped bring the historic memorial to life. For Quinn, a civil rights attorney representing clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C., the recognition reflected the purpose behind much of his legal career: protecting individuals from discrimination, challenging powerful institutions, and holding employers and government agencies accountable when they violate people's rights.
"We must continue the legacy of leaders like Malcolm X and Dr. King," Don Quinn said. "Every day our firm receives calls from people who have been discriminated against for their race, gender or retaliated against because of their disabilities. This memorial reminds us all of how far we've come and how far we still have to go."
Maryland's Malcolm X Memorial Honors a Legacy of Civil Rights Advocacy
The memorial was unveiled at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library before an audience of elected officials, community leaders, and civil rights advocates. The ceremony celebrated Malcolm X's contributions to racial equality, human dignity, and the power of education to transform lives.
The $300,000 memorial was supported by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Anne Arundel County, the Caucus of African American Leaders, Anne Arundel County, and private donors.
Among the dignitaries participating were U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, State Senator Shaneka Henson, and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. Longtime civil rights advocate Carl Snowden, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing the memorial to Annapolis, served as master of ceremonies.
The dedication also highlighted the civil rights challenges facing Americans today.
As Senator Chris Van Hollen stated during the ceremony:
"We must fight back against efforts to turn back the clock on civil rights and social progress."
His remarks, reported by Eye on Annapolis, echoed the concerns of advocates working to preserve and enforce civil rights protections.
Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk similarly emphasized the responsibility to confront ongoing discrimination:
"We must continue to confront the painful truths of our history, recognize the injustices that persist today"
Her remarks, published by The Washington Informer, underscored why the principles Malcolm X championed remain relevant today.
For attorney Don Quinn, those principles are reflected in the legal battles he takes on every day.
How Attorney Don Quinn Continues the Fight for Civil Rights
Don Quinn has built his career representing individuals whose civil rights, employment rights, and access to equal treatment have been threatened or violated. As founder and senior partner of Quinn Patton, L.C., formerly the Quinn Law Group, Quinn represents individuals in civil rights and employment matters involving federal agencies, state and local governments, and private corporations.
His work includes defending federal employees, protecting individuals with disabilities, pursuing discrimination and retaliation claims, and challenging unlawful employment actions.
Defending Federal Workers During the Trump Administration
Federal employees have faced substantial changes to government employment policies and workforce operations during the Trump administration. For employees confronting removals, reductions in force, discrimination, retaliation, or other adverse personnel actions, understanding and enforcing their legal rights can be particularly challenging.
Don Quinn has worked to protect the rights of federal employees affected by these challenges, helping clients evaluate and pursue available legal remedies. His federal employment practice includes matters involving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), and federal courts.
As a combat veteran, Quinn brings a personal understanding of government service and the consequences that employment disputes can have for public servants and their families.
His advocacy for federal employees and veterans was also highlighted in the Summer 2026 issue of the Maryland Bar Journal, which featured Quinn's perspective on helping individuals restore their careers and stability after difficult professional experiences.
Fighting Disability Discrimination and Protecting Workers' Rights
Don Quinn's civil rights practice includes protecting individuals with disabilities who have been denied reasonable workplace accommodations, subjected to discriminatory treatment, or retaliated against for exercising their legal rights. Under federal and applicable Maryland and D.C. laws, workers with disabilities have important protections against discrimination and may be entitled to reasonable accommodations.
Quinn represents individuals when employers fail to meet their legal obligations, helping them pursue fair treatment and accountability. In one case, Don Quinn represented a veteran in an employment discrimination matter against the United States Air Force. The case involved allegations of discriminatory conduct and wrongful termination. After the firm initiated an MSPB action, the matter was resolved through a favorable settlement.
Quinn Patton has also represented employees challenging disability discrimination at major corporations, including a case involving a visually impaired worker and allegations against Amazon. These matters demonstrate the importance of enforcing the rights established through decades of civil rights legislation, including protections for individuals with disabilities.
Taking on Government Agencies and Major Corporations
Challenging a large institution can be intimidating, especially when that institution controls someone's career, income, or access to essential benefits. Quinn has pursued legal claims involving public agencies, government employers, and major organizations accused of violating civil and employment rights.
In a notable 2023 case, attorney Don Quinn represented a former Baltimore City school principal in an employment discrimination dispute against the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. The Maryland State Department of Education ruled in favor of the principal on the issue before it, finding limits on the local superintendent's authority and ordering that the employee be allowed to return to work.
The case illustrates how legal advocacy can challenge decisions made by powerful public institutions and help enforce the protections available to individual employees.
Attorney Don Quinn Elected to American Bar Association House of Delegates
Don Quinn's commitment to advancing civil rights extends beyond litigation. In June 2026, Don Quinn was elected by members of the District of Columbia Bar to serve a two-year term in the American Bar Association House of Delegates.
The ABA House of Delegates is the national organization's policymaking body, responsible for considering and adopting positions on matters affecting the legal profession, the justice system, and the rule of law. Representing the District of Columbia in this capacity, Quinn has an opportunity to advocate for policies that strengthen the legal profession's ability to protect individual rights and advance access to justice.
His election reflects the broader dimensions of his professional commitment. Through litigation, legal leadership, and policy advocacy, Quinn works to advance the principles of fairness, accountability, and equal treatment.
A Memorial to Malcolm X and a Responsibility to Future Generations
One of the memorial's most thought-provoking features is a time capsule asking visitors to consider what race relations in America might look like 50 years from now. When future generations reflect on the civil rights progress achieved between now and 2076, the work of today's attorneys, advocates, policymakers, and community leaders will be part of that story.
For Attorney Don Quinn, the answer to that challenge lies in continuing to defend the rights of individuals, regardless of the size or influence of the institution responsible for violating them. His personal contribution to the Malcolm X memorial, his public recognition for civil rights advocacy, and his ongoing work as a Maryland and Washington, D.C. attorney reflect a commitment to ensuring that the pursuit of equality does not end with one generation.
The greatest way to honor the civil rights leaders who changed history is to continue the work they began.
Quinn Patton congratulates Carl Snowden and the organizations, officials, and community donors who brought this historic memorial to life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attorney Don Quinn
Who is Don Quinn?
Don Quinn, also known as Donald Quinn, is a civil rights and employment attorney and the founder and senior partner of Quinn Patton, L.C. He represents clients in Maryland and Washington, D.C., with an emphasis on employment discrimination, retaliation, federal employee rights, disability discrimination, and civil rights litigation. Quinn is also a combat veteran and an elected delegate to the American Bar Association House of Delegates.
What types of civil rights cases does attorney Don Quinn handle?
Attorney Don Quinn handles employment and civil rights matters involving discrimination, workplace retaliation, wrongful termination, disability accommodations, and federal employment disputes. He has represented clients in matters involving government agencies and major organizations, including the U.S. Air Force and Baltimore City Schools.
What is Don Quinn's role with the American Bar Association?
Don Quinn was elected in June 2026 to represent the District of Columbia Bar in the American Bar Association House of Delegates. His two-year term allows him to participate in the ABA's national policymaking process.
Why was Don Quinn recognized at the Malcolm X memorial in Annapolis?
Don Quinn was recognized from the podium during the October 14, 2026, unveiling of Maryland's first Malcolm X memorial for his work as a civil rights attorney continuing the fight for equality and justice. Quinn and his wife, Bethany, were also private financial contributors to the memorial.
Where does attorney Don Quinn practice law?
Don Quinn is the founder and senior partner of Quinn Patton, L.C., with offices in Severna Park, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. The firm represents clients in civil rights and employment matters, including claims involving private employers, federal agencies, and state and local governments.
Contact Attorney Don Quinn About a Civil Rights or Employment Matter
If you believe your rights have been violated through workplace discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, or denial of reasonable accommodations, Quinn Patton can help you evaluate your legal options.
Schedule a free consultation with Quinn Patton to discuss your situation with a civil rights and employment attorney serving Maryland and Washington, D.C.
This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Past case outcomes do not guarantee results in future matters.
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