“We've got to be judged by how we do in times of crisis.”
Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.
The Cochran Firm DC respects, honors, and acknowledges that Black lives matter. Equality is our mandate. We proudly stand in solidarity with the voices now demanding meaningful changes to undo systemic and institutional racism and seeking to make a positive change in the lives of people whose rights have been denied. In so doing, we work to honor Johnnie L. Cochran's legacy -- he fought for justice because he loved humanity. He challenged the wrongs that hurt African American communities. His rallying cry was, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," unforgettable words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from a Birmingham Jail.
As legal community members, we are committed to being the voices of the voiceless and taking action to fight injustice, inequality, and discrimination. Police misconduct, brutality, and abuse of power cannot be tolerated. Inequality in health care, housing, environmental protection, and employment cannot be tolerated. We are here to speak the truth, to listen with open hearts and minds, and to take action. Further in his Letter, Dr. King implores action, stating, "…injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured."
It is our sincere hope that the pain we are feeling now will lead, through committed action and persistence, to healing and true change. For now, we must embrace this pain as a catalyst for change and a reminder of the lives that injustice and racism have cost us.
For those looking for ways to take action and find resources for engagement and education, we offer the following suggestions and welcome your recommendations:
Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re Okay—Chances are They’re Not
www.justice.org/news/aaj-launches-voter-protection-action-campaign-protect-right-vote
www.justice.org/membership/sections
minnesotafreedomfund.org/
www.page-ed.org/
bailproject.org/
MartinisJackson@JLegalServices.com
https://electionprotection.wetheaction.org/
