Originally posted on 2/18/2021 (reformatted).

“Taxation without representation” a political slogan that gained notoriety in the early period of American History that expressed the grievances of citizens required to pay taxes without any say in the government. For people of color, that right to vote and have a say did not come until 1965 and the 15^th amendment. However, to this day, minorities in the United States are still faced with grievances and challenges they cannot handle on their own and require counsel. When it comes to legal issues and challenges their voices are still unheard or improperly translated because of the lack of minority representation in the practice of law. Lawyers of color are truly underrepresented representatives in the legal field and the onus has fell on our shoulders to cover as much ground as possible. This responsibility can become very taxing.

  On January 25, 2021, the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyer Section held a Michigan Town Hall. The Town Hall wanted to cover the responsibility that young lawyers of color have when representing issues directly relevant to minorities. The program was inspired by the American Bar Association: Men of Color Project. The ABA Men of Color Project originated in June 2016. A vision of then ABA-Young Lawyer Division Chair, Tommy Preston, the initial aim of the project was geared toward men of color in their first five years of practice. I, along with Jerome Crawford, who would later on serve a term as chair of the Men of Color Project, were a part of the inaugural team for the project. The project wanted to ensure the success and retention of male lawyers of color in the practice of law. Since its inception, the Men of Color Project has expanded the conversation while keeping its roots. The Men of Color Project has provided programming on imposter syndrome, the lack of representation, and mental health in the legal profession.

 The Michigan Town Hall consisted of an esteemed panel of Michi
gan attorneys that included ABA President Elect, Reggie Turner, Judge Edward Ewell, Judge David Perkins, and Former Mayor of Detroit, Dennis Archer. The program covered a vast number of topics. Panelists touched on topics such as police brutality, the impact of the pandemic, and young lawyers impacting the legal guild outside of their respective practice. Speaking for myself, the biggest take away from the program was the responsibility to help others and pay forward the help we all received on the way. Each panelist provided jewels of wisdom reflective of their collective success in the legal guild. The program was well attended by not only young lawyers, but Judges and member of the general public and community.

Colemon Potts

Detroit Legal Group PLLC

Detroit

detroitlegalgroup.com