Nationwide — Meet Attorney LeTonya F. Moore, who recently made history after she organized and hosted the first-ever online video conference with 100 African American female lawyers. It was called the Order in the Court Forum (Watch it on Facebook), and it provided a safe space for female lawyers of color to have crucial conversations about injustice, racism, discrimination, and other unique challenges they face as women in the legal field.
During the forum, there were facilitated discussions around the perception that “Black women can’t work together”, being mistaken for the court reporter or the defendant, asking to take notes during mediation sessions or take lunch orders, to having to be self-conscious about whether to wear their natural hair, and whether their “curvy figure” will be “too much for the courtroom”, were among a few of the topics.
The main objective of the forum is to commemorate the true essence of the Black woman attorney: intelligent, powerful, wise, nurturing, and strong. The goal is to change the narrative by an exhibition of solidarity and dispel harmful stereotypes. “The scrutiny for women, in general, is already high and it is even more scathing for Black women. We are characterized as ‘angry,’ ‘domineering,’ ‘ghetto,’ ‘loud,’ ‘hard to work with,’ ’emasculating,’ ‘competitive,’ or ‘pushy,’” says Moore.
Black female lawyers have been historically disadvantaged, ostracized, and received little support and mentorship in almost all sectors of the legal industry. “Understanding the true value of having an environment where we can experience real support, guidance, an opportunity for self-expression, and a judgment-free zone is crucial,” says Moore. “I am passionate about making sure that we and other professionals have access to mentorship and a supportive network that will lead to economic empowerment.”
Moore shares, “The biggest outcome from the forum was that this conversation was a long time coming and viewers enjoyed seeing women, especially Black women come together. This is a clear indication that more is needed to be done.”
To join the Order in the Court Forum Network, go to:
https://bit.ly/OrderintheCourtForum
To connect with LeTonya for Mentorship, go to:
https://bit.ly/MentorMeLeTonya
Source: blacknews.com
