January 25, 2022
Associate Rebecca Amoah has written an editorial about the challenges of being Black in the legal community while addressing the current realities of anti-Black racism, “Our ancestors did not dream about us burning out”, for The Lawyer’s Daily. We invite readers to read Rebecca’s full article on The Lawyer’s Daily, as she shares an account of lived personal and professional difficulties at a time when issues of social justice and anti-Black racism have been in the spotlight.
Rebecca’s editorial is an important reminder that Black members of the legal community are confronting the stress, pressure and fear associated with experiencing and fighting anti-Black racism on top of the everyday pressures of their profession. Rebecca offers words of compassion, community and solidarity for other Black legal professionals facing these challenges. Below is an excerpt of the article.
Black employees tend to be tasked with solving the racial inequities and disparities that contribute to our marginalization. You do not need to shoulder these burdens over and above your workload. Say no when you need and want to, seek and accept help from within and outside your community, draw boundaries and take rest.
I understand why you, like me, may feel like you have a singular responsibility to use your legal training to advance your community’s liberation at all nonworking hours. You may struggle with viewing hard work and rest as compatible. I understand. Racial injustice, generally, and anti-Black racism, specifically, must be eradicated. I share the urgency and desperation. But you do not have to and cannot be everywhere doing everything at all times. You will burn out. And we cannot get to freedom together without you.
You can read the full piece on The Lawyer’s Daily website here.
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