STATEMENT OF THE COLORADO LAWYERS COMMITTEE

RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IS INTOLERABLE

We have watched with deep sadness, pain, and anger at the events of the last few weeks and the blatant racial injustice. We mourn the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and all those who are victims of the violence of a racist system.  We condemn all acts of police brutality against Black men and women and stand with the Black community and our colleagues at the Sam Cary Bar Association (see their statement) to denounce police brutality, the dismissal of Black lives, and the denial of justice.

The Colorado Lawyers Committee has a long history of working to eliminate systemic injustices.  Our Hate Crimes Education program for more than 25 years has educated communities and students about overcoming racial and ethnic hatred.  Many other projects have challenged economic inequities; our new Small Business Program offers legal assistance to small businesses struggling with the impact of COVID-19, particularly minority-owned businesses that have long suffered from economic discrimination.  Our work pivots on the fundamental value that all people deserve equal access to both opportunity and justice. Our Black community has been denied this access for far too long, and it is unacceptable.

However, in this moment it is not enough to focus on the work we have accomplished. We must remind ourselves that there is much work to be done. We must take this opportunity to join the voices of the Black community, heed their message and answer their charge.  Today, we recommit to stand in solidarity with the Black community and with all individuals who have suffered unacceptable discrimination, to educate ourselves and to continue the fight in the on-going battle against systemic oppression, racism, and hate. We commit to continue to reexamine who we are and to seek to ensure that all our actions and projects support the goal of a healthy, strong, and diverse community.

We thank all of our partnering firms and lawyers who have already dedicated their time and who will continue to dedicate their time to address these complex issues. With you by our side, and with other colleagues and friends who are committed to equality, we will fight for a healthier, safer, and more just world. A world that recognizes that Black Lives Matter.