New Year and New Goals for the Minorities in the Profession Committee

Jasmine McGhee

LaToya Powell

By Jasmine McGhee and LaToya Powell

The Minorities in the Profession Committee (MIP) is gearing up for another exciting year as one of the most active committees in the North Carolina Bar Association. This year will bring unique challenges for our members. Many of us are still adjusting to the “new normal” of living, working, and educating our children in a digital world due to a global pandemic. We’re also experiencing one of the largest social justice movements in modern history, which has deeply impacted attorneys of color and our allies. Recognizing these challenges, MIP remains more committed than ever to providing a safe, supportive space for our members.

2020-2021 MIP Committee Goals

For more than 30 years, MIP has worked to eliminate discrimination and institutional racism in the legal profession, as well as to promote increased diversity and inclusion. This year will be no different, except that we will use a virtual platform to achieve these goals. With that in mind, we have identified the following goals for MIP this year:

  • Continue to advance diversity and inclusion and racial equity efforts, including supporting a new diversity initiative established by NCBA President Mark Holt, as well as collaborating with other sections and committees;
  • Adapt to a new digital environment to ensure that MIP events remain engaging and impactful;
  • Continue to promote speaking opportunities and recognition for attorneys of color;
  • Maintain a consistent presence on the NCBA blog, highlighting MIP events and members each month;
  • Participate in pro bono events that impact communities of color; and
  • Expand outreach to lawyers and other professionals of color, beyond law students.

We are confident that MIP’s dedicated and talented group of attorneys, legal professionals, and law students will meet and exceed these goals.

Upcoming Fall 2020 MIP Committee Events

MIP already has an exciting lineup of Fall programs that we hope you will attend. More details are forthcoming, but for now, please Save the Date for these Fall MIP events:

  • 10/28/2020 – Virtual Fall Attorney & Student Networking Event | 5:30 pm
  • 12/11/2020 – Virtual Diversity and Inclusion Symposium | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • TBD – Virtual ¡Adelante! Moving Forward

We look forward to seeing you soon and working with you this year!