We See You. We Hear You. We Are Here For You.
June 3, 2020
Over the past few days, many of us have found it difficult to put together words that accurately and adequately express the flurry of emotions we are feeling. Even as we pen this letter, we are experiencing heartbreak, pain, rage, and sadness. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuing to struggle with tragedies that have become all too familiar in the news and on social media in the past decade.
The Capital City Lawyers Association (“CCLA”) stands in solidarity with the millions around the world protesting peacefully and demanding recognition of the evils that have plagued our nation for generations. We also join our allies in condemning the recent killings of Amaud Arbery, George Floyd, Tony McDade, Sean Reed, and Breonna Taylor.
We understand, however, that words of condemnation are not enough. Over the past several weeks, months, years, decades, and centuries, we, as a country, have all witnessed and experienced the impacts and pervasiveness of inequality in our legal system. As such, we are all called to do more to fight against inequality, inequity, injustice, racial oppression, and racism that disenfranchises and encourages violence against Black people and other people of color.
The mission of Capital City Lawyers Association is to improve the quality of life for the local citizenry, particularly those in underprivileged or underrepresented communities, through service, scholarship, and education. In an effort to effectuate our mission, CCLA encourages our community of members, partners, and supporters to do everything in their power to stand with communities directly impacted by oppressive systems.
Many of you, or the organizations you work for, are providing pro bono legal assistance to individuals affected by the protests in various capacities. If you or your organization would like to be included in a database of pro bono legal assistants, please fill out the form found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfq6zUu2f6N-Mfdn0jrN8JPU-lqt1OnQWSCZhEeOVOoRH4JMA/viewform.
“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
― Thurgood Marshall
We must continue to have faith, hope, and strength with each passing day.
Stay informed. Stay safe. Stay strong.
Capital City Lawyers Association Executive Committee
June 2020
*As an organization, CCLA does not provide legal assistance. If you need legal assistance, please contact an attorney.*
President – Evin L. Grant
Vice President – Dorian Woolaston
Secretary – Kandace Watkins
Treasurer – Kendria Lewis
Parliamentarian – RaShawnda Murphy
Committee Chairs – Ashley Payne Ratliff, Amaka Madu, Aviance Brown, Ayeshinaye Smith, Candice Morales, Erika Jones, Jenny Bobbitt, Jonnell Carpenter