Our country and world have suffered yet another loss. On Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, George Floyd was brutally killed by a police officer as three other officers stood by and did nothing to stop him. His death was then broadcasted for the entire world to see. On behalf of the Federal Bar Association’s Younger Lawyers Division, I write not only to send our deepest condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family and loved ones (may he continue to rest in peace). But also, I write to speak truth to power. As a division of the FBA, the YLD supports the equal and equitable administration of justice for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, socio-economic status, or any other unique attribute. We join our community and stand in solidarity with our sister affinity bar associations, especially the National Bar Association and Hispanic National Bar Association, to honor the lives of Mr. Floyd and the countless others taken too soon, to hold our government officials, law enforcement, police, and other institutions accountable, and to encourage those institutions to combat the systemic disparities and criminal injustice present in our respective states and nation.
While we grieve the losses, we witness communities in Minneapolis and around the world coming together to heal, support one another, and rebuild safer, stronger, better-connected communities. The YLD wants to be a part of this healing process and continued change for the better. To that end, for those of you who want to learn more about some of the systemic injustices that precipitated the current state of affairs, volunteer or donate to nonprofits who serve those who were already displaced and those who may have become displaced because of the recent riots, and most importantly, become proactive during this time to influence positive change, the YLD is providing a non-exhaustive list of resources that can be found on the FBA website to assist in this important work. Further, we are providing a list of resources to help attorneys and their families cope and grieve, because many of us are. Our hope is that the list of resources will be updated periodically.
In addition, given the increased urgency to address the necessary improvements needed to our criminal justice system and to remove systemic racial and socio-economic disparities, pro bono work is needed now more than ever. I am challenging our YLD members to complete at least 50 hours of pro bono related to these issues between May 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020, as part of our StepUp Challenge. The YLD will give special recognition on our webpage to members who complete the challenge. Of course, pro bono work should not begin and end with this challenge. It is our expectation that the pro bono work will be ongoing, as that is what is expected of us, and it is simply the right thing to do.
All individuals deserve to be treated equally and equitably. We look forward to a better tomorrow. With your help and the help of so many others, we are hopeful we will get there.
In continued partnership,
Adine S. Momoh, Esq.
2019-2020 Chair, FBA Younger Lawyers Division
The Younger Lawyers Division of the Federal Bar Association issued this statement on June 8, 2020 in its name only and not necessarily that of the national Federal Bar Association. The position does not necessarily reflect the views of members of the association who are judicial officers or occupy government positions whose identification with the position would conflict with their official responsibilities. Board members of the division affiliated with the judicial and other governmental positions did not participate in the issuance of this statement.