September 2022 welcomed the inaugural class of REI-DEI Fellows, 25 people from across the legal spectrum and NLADA community, including civil legal aid attorneys, public defenders, private attorneys, community advocates, and social workers. This fellowship aims to foster a balanced, collaborative learning experience that breaks down the silos between the various communities so that these groups can accelerate racial equity within the law.
“Participating in the REI-DEI Fellowship required me to reflect on how I conducted myself in my work and personal life in the past and now. I realize that I need to improve. The REI-DEI Fellowship gives me hope and direction to be a better advocate and community member moving forward,” Liza Merrill, REI-DEI Fellow.
“You Don’t Have to be One of to Stand With”
By LaShung Willis, REI-DEI Fellow
The NLADA Racial Equity & Inclusion REI-DEI Fellowship program provides an opportunity for me to build relationships with a diverse team of individuals, including some I may not have known about. Collaborating with members of the defender, civil, client/community advocate, and private sector allows me to gain deeper insight into DEI issues from more excellent dimensions. This matches my value, “You don’t have to be one of to stand with.” It is essential to continue supporting or helping someone/anyone different from you who is in a difficult DEI situation.
My name is Talib Shakir; I am a native Washingtonian and proud to be part of this fellowship. I chose to partake in this course because the dynamics of Washington, DC, are ever-changing. In my work at a DC government office, it is essential that I approach my work using an REI/DEI lens. What I have learned thus far is the importance of language. I am learning how my language stems from my belief system and race relations. I was doing the work by calling out obvious racial insensitivities. I was not focused on what inclusion and diversity looked like to others who may not look like me. So, while I was championing the call for black and brown people, I could not identify and see those who may come from other minority groups.
We are America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. There is no other legal organization that touches on all the access points of poverty as does NLADA.
We are America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. There is no other legal organization that touches on all the access points of poverty as does NLADA.
