Pervasive and persistent institutional racism makes it necessary to even say out loud what should already be known and reflected in every aspect of our society and world, that Black Lives Matter. When egregious, gut-wrenching acts of violent anti-blackness are made broadly visible, many rush to repeat the “Black Lives Matter” phrase to show disgust over those acts and support for the movement.
But that is not enough. When words are not matched with action, they run the risk of being largely performative. At NEO Law Group, we know that we have much to learn, but we’re committed to taking action to help ensure this moment is a tipping point for pushing radical improvement in equity and inclusion in our societal institutions. We commit to:
Educating ourselves about racial justice and racism, and its impact on every aspect of our communities and society
Listening to (and truly hearing) and elevating black voices and perspectives, as well as voices and perspectives from other marginalized groups, including through our writings, interviews, and speaking engagements
Thinking critically about our own privilege, and how we can use our privilege and power to live these values
Advocating for substantive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and practices in all of society’s institutions, including with respect to the counsel we provide to our clients
Supporting, personally and professionally, more organizations that specifically advocate for racial justice and equity
Integrating a racial justice lens in our educational engagements (including the Columbia course that Gene and Erin teach) and in how we think about and advise nonprofit institutions
Revisiting and revising these commitments over time and as we learn and grow, and holding ourselves accountable to them as individuals and as a firm.
As a law firm that works exclusively with nonprofits and exempt organizations, we recognize our role as advisors and are committed to taking action towards reimagining, reforming, and restructuring institutions to reflect that Black Lives Matter.