Why did you become involved with the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association (MBLA)?
I joined the MBLA seven years ago and to date, have been in every position except Treasurer! It was really important to join an organization that was both committed to advancing, highlighting and retaining Black attorneys in Massachusetts and ensuring that our legal community reflects a cross-section of talented individuals from all walks of life, racial and cultural backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation and ideologies. And while I’m full of Boston pride, I did not know any Black lawyers growing up. I wanted to make sure no other child would be able to say that and use my platform through MBLA to host tons of community service events with school aged children.
What are the primary goals the MBLA will be focused on in 2021?
We are focusing on maintaining and creating strong networks throughout this pandemic, holding engaging virtual panel discussions and online events, and keeping the spotlight on addressing social justice issues that were raised in 2020, we are working towards systemic change.
Have there been any unexpected benefits from being president of the MBLA?
The weight of your words have so much more power as MBLA President. I have made two on-air TV interviews at home during a pandemic, which was both exciting and challenging. I was contacted on the same day of the interviews and had very little time to prepare, let alone make sure that I looked presentable! One of the interviews were in connection to MBLA’s endorsement of Kimberly Budd who the governor nominated as the first Black woman lawyer to be chief justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. It was an opportunity to quickly learn about broadcast media.