LDF Mourns the Loss of Former Board Member Richard Moss, Labor Lawyer and Civil Rights Advocate

Read a PDF of our statement here.

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is deeply saddened by the death of Richard "Dick" Moss, a longtime labor lawyer best known for his work as a leader of the Major League Baseball Players Association, who graciously served on LDF's Board of Directors for over two decades. A steadfast civil rights advocate, Mr. Moss was an attentive and supportive member of the Board who played a pivotal role in advancing several LDF initiatives. Mr. Moss passed away at 93 years old in Santa Monica, California on Sept. 21, 2024.

LDF President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson issued the following statement:

"We mourn the passing of Richard Moss and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones as they navigate this tremendous loss. When Mr. Moss joined the Board in 2001, he brought with him a wealth of expertise and an invaluable perspective that helped shape many of LDF's fundraising and advocacy efforts. Mr. Moss's generosity and kindness extended across the organization's initiatives as he worked to support the full range of LDF's litigation portfolio, which includes voting rights and education equity work.

"Mr. Moss was known as a high-powered and influential labor lawyer, best known for his litigation on behalf of professional baseball players in the Major League Baseball Players Association, ushering in free agency in the sports world. During this time, Mr. Moss remained deeply committed to civil rights. In his work, he became close friends with Curt Flood, the baseball player and activist, in his fight for labor rights within sports. Mr. Moss also seamlessly intertwined his commitment to equality in sports with his passion for civil rights. As a supportive and engaged member of LDF's Board, Mr. Moss helped bring to fruition many valuable institutional relationships within the sports and entertainment world.

"Mr. Moss will be greatly missed and his impact forever felt as we continue to advocate in pursuit of civil rights and racial justice."

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Legal Defense Fund (LDF) - Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation's first civil rights law organization. LDF's Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Please note that LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957-although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights.