I have never been prouder to be a lawyer than I am today. The legal profession remains among the most noble and honorable callings in a world of uncertainty, division, and rapid change. I chose this profession because it is where my purpose and passion meet. From an early age, I was drawn to the idea that the law could be a powerful force for equity, a tool to right historical wrongs, and a path to open doors that had long been closed. Every day, I strive to use my training and platform not simply to navigate legal systems but to do my part to transform them, to challenge inequity, and to give voice to those who are too often overlooked.
I found my way to the ABA because I sought other like-minded individuals. The ABA is more than a membership; it’s a community of boldly committed advocates who ensure everyone gets an equal chance at justice. I am even more thrilled to serve under the leadership of ABA President Bill Bay, who has made it clear that “the American Bar Association will not shrink from the things we believe in, reaffirming that the ABA will stand tomorrow for what we stand for today and what we stood for yesterday: the rule of law, the importance of our judicial system, the essential role of lawyers, [and] an inclusive profession. These are our north stars. We will hold fast to our core principles in the face of shifting winds.” In a loud call to action, President Bay powerfully stated, “We cannot afford to remain silent. We must stand up for the values we hold dear. The ABA will do its part and act to protect the rule of law.”
The Section echoes this sentiment and answers the call to action. When we lean in, we amplify the impact of our collective efforts. Our greatest strength lies in our members’ dedication to advancing the principles of civil rights and social justice for all. That’s each of you. Thank you for your solidarity as guardians of democracy, defenders of justice, and truth-tellers in a time of rising uncertainty. In a moment when the legal system is under relentless attack, hard-won freedoms are under siege, and the rule of law is being steadily undermined, you have not turned away. You have acted purposefully – demanding equity, protecting the vulnerable, and standing firm despite efforts to silence truth and dismantle justice. You have spoken up, shown up, and leaned into the hard work of protecting what matters most. While the threats persist, we have found our collective rhythm and sharpened our focus. Our commitment is unwavering, and our voices will not be silenced. Our resolve is stronger than ever, and let it be known we are not backing down. The fight for justice continues, but together, we press forward, undaunted and unbowed.
How do I know this? I’m glad you asked, because CRSJ is doing what we have always done and relentlessly carried out our mission. We launched the inaugural Civil Rights Boot Camp, a multi-year training program to educate and equip aspiring civil rights and social justice advocates with practical insight and tools needed to advance their advocacy. The goal is to demystify the work of civil rights lawyers, facilitate networking and the exchange of knowledge among advocates, and infuse the legal profession with the next generation of impassioned and empowered civil rights lawyers. Chaired by Michael Bergmann and Dr. Daiquiri Steele, the two-day virtual event drew nearly 1,800 registrants. Eight distinct topics ranged from Taking on Civil Rights Cases as an Attorney Volunteer: Demystifying the Journey to The Basics of Policy Development & Advocacy and much more. The engagement from legal professionals, lay people, and community activists was awe-inspiring. The most highly attended session was The Many Faces of Civil Rights & Social Justice Lawyer, which drew 817 participants, generated 243 chat messages, and received 315 survey responses is a testament to CRSJ meeting the people in the moment. You can view the sessions on the Civil Rights Boot Camp initiative page.
We doubled down on our commitment through our Rapid Response initiative – How Things Work: The Legal Edition – by sharing videos, resources, and other information breaking down key legal developments by explaining specific actions the government is taking, the legality of these actions, its impact on civil rights and daily life, and steps attorneys and advocates can take to protect our communities. Learn more at www.ambar.org/howthingswork. Find resources that explain what’s happening concerning F-1 Student Visa Revocations or the impact of the Administration’s efforts to roll back progress on equity and diverse representation by dismantling DEI initiatives, or the legal and civil rights implications of Executive Order 14160, which targets birthright citizenship, and its impact on Native Americans. There are resources covering various pressing issues.
We won’t stop raising awareness, educating, and advocating. I encourage you to check out the latest issue of the Human Rights Magazine Volume 50 Issue 5, a brilliant publication featuring various matters related to being Marginalized within Marginalized Communities. The issue tackles various subgroups that face compounded challenges and discrimination due to intersectional identities, even within broader marginalized populations. It explores the unique barriers often overlooked by laws and policies designed to address single-axis civil rights and social justice issues. Explore to see the meaningful impact we’re making.
I could go on with more ways the Section is standing firm and tell you about the riveting webinars and CLE’s that our communities host monthly or our Chair Chats that continue to highlight relevant issues, but I will simply say THANK YOU! Thank you for being a valued Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice member. Your contributions, presence, voice, and your unwavering commitment give strength to our shared mission. Together, we are still standing. With every unspoken truth we carry and every hope we hold, we turn quiet courage into collective power. Shoulder to shoulder, we lift each other up. We are still standing.
With purpose,
Lacy L. Durham
