The Second Biennial Diversity and Inclusion Symposium

By Tawanda Artis and Niya Fonville

We are thrilled to announce the Minorities in the Profession (MIP) Committee’s second biennial Diversity and Inclusion Symposium. This free, virtual program will be held December 11, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. This Symposium is open to any attorney or legal professional interested in diversity and inclusion issues.

Reverend Jesse Jackson once said, “[i]nclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It’s the key to growth.” Regardless of one’s political leanings, or feelings toward Rev. Jackson for that matter, we cannot deny the truth of this statement. While MIP is dedicated to promoting an increase in the number of minority attorneys in the N.C. State Bar, it is also focused on creating an inclusive legal profession — an environment where all members feel heard and their experiences are valued and genuinely incorporated within a structure that may not have traditionally been so welcoming. Inclusivity impacts relationships between colleagues, attorney morale, and how effectively we serve our clients. We all have a part to play in creating and maintaining inclusive spaces. As a profession, as a nation, and as members of this global community, we have an obligation to educate ourselves and hold each other accountable when we fall short. The events of the past several months make this program timelier than ever and demonstrate why change is necessary and why the time is now. We are excited to build on the momentum in many firms and organizations across the nation who are auditing current programs and exploring new initiatives in this sphere.

This Symposium is designed to advance the conversation from diversity to full inclusion of minority attorneys and professionals in all aspects of the legal profession. While it has been created to give minority attorneys a space to share experiences and be energized with new ideas on how to thrive in legal environments, this event also seeks to create a new lens for all attorneys and legal professionals to better understand diversity and inclusion issues and offers tools and strategies they can take back to their respective law firm, corporation, or organization.

The day will begin with a keynote address from Ben Wilson, Chairman, Beveridge and Diamond on the business case for diversity and inclusion, followed by two value-added presentations on creating a diversity and inclusion program and examining mental health impacts related to diversity and inclusion. The afternoon will include thought-provoking panel discussions on resiliency, allyship, retaining diverse talent, and maximizing access with attorneys and leaders from across the state. Join us for a day of championing diversity and inclusion, so that collectively, we can ensure that this moment becomes a movement!

Register here.