As the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21st, the Alameda County Bar Association’s Racial Justice Taskforce stands united in its commitment to combating systemic racism and promoting equity and inclusion within the legal profession and the broader community.

About the Racial Justice Taskforce

Founded in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, the Racial Justice Taskforce has been at the forefront of addressing racial disparities and advocating for meaningful change. The Taskforce aims to dismantle systemic barriers and foster a more just and equitable society for all through its initiatives, educational programs, and advocacy efforts.

One of the critical priorities of the Racial Justice Taskforce is to raise awareness about the pervasive nature of racial discrimination and its impact on marginalized communities. From disparities in the criminal justice system to inequities in access to education and healthcare, systemic racism continues to perpetuate inequality and injustice.

In response to these challenges, the Racial Justice Taskforce has spearheaded initiatives such as implicit bias training for legal professionals, community forums on racial equity, and advocacy campaigns for policy reforms. By engaging in dialogue, education, and advocacy, the Taskforce seeks to address the root causes of racial discrimination and advance policies that promote fairness and equality.

As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, let us recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Let us stand in solidarity with those who have been marginalized and oppressed, and let us work together to build a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can eliminate racial discrimination once and for all.

Action Items for Attorneys on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

1. Participate in Implicit Bias Training: Participate in implicit bias training programs to address unconscious biases within your practice. These sessions provide valuable insights into how biases may impact decision-making processes and equip attorneys with strategies to mitigate their effects. You can search our on-demand programs by specialty credit (free for ACBA members).
2. Support Policy Reform Efforts: Actively engage in advocacy efforts to promote policy reforms to combat racial discrimination and advance social justice. This may include participating in legislative hearings, drafting policy proposals, and supporting grassroots organizations advocating for change—details on the National Lawyers Guild Legal Observer® program here.
3. Volunteer for Pro Bono Legal Clinics: Contribute your expertise to pro bono legal clinics serving underserved communities disproportionately affected by racial discrimination. By offering free legal assistance on housing, employment, and civil rights issues, you can help address systemic inequalities and empower individuals to assert their rights. Contact Amarilis, the Volunteer Coordinator for Legal Access Alameda, for help connecting to the pro bono activity that suits your expertise at amarilis@acbanet.org. 
4. Support Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Advocate for diversity and inclusion within your own workplaces and professional networks by supporting initiatives to increase representation and promote equitable opportunities for all. This may include advocating for diverse hiring practices, mentoring aspiring attorneys from underrepresented backgrounds, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
5. Join the Racial Justice Taskforce: Actively contribute to the efforts of the Racial Justice Taskforce by becoming a member and participating in its initiatives and working groups. By lending your expertise and support to the taskforce’s activities, you can amplify their impact in the fight against racial discrimination and contribute to meaningful change within the legal profession and the broader community—contact Alice Cheng at alice@candelarialawoffices.com. 
6. Hold Institutions Accountable: Advocate for accountability within institutions that perpetuate or tolerate racial discrimination, including government agencies, corporations, and educational institutions. This may involve filing legal complaints, supporting whistleblower actions, and leveraging legal mechanisms to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
7. Amplify Marginalized Voices: Use your platforms and influence to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and elevate their perspectives on racial justice issues. This may involve writing op-eds, speaking at public events, and using social media to raise awareness about systemic inequalities and advocate for change.

By taking concrete action steps on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and beyond, you can contribute to the collective effort to combat racial discrimination, promote equity and inclusion, and create a more just and equitable society for all.