Habari | August 2024, Vol. 1

August 22, 2024

Director’s Corner

Friends! I’ve missed you! Happy New Bar Year and thanks for taking the time to check out Habari. I hope that you will learn something new or reflect on lessons that you have previously learned. Since the last issue of Habari so much has happened in this state, this country, and the world. It seems that every day, we are confronted with new reasons why we must double down on recognizing and celebrating the power of difference – different backgrounds, different opinions, different cultures, etc. What would this world be if we all looked, thought, dressed, and behaved alike? How would we grow? How would we learn? How would we expand our horizons? It would be pretty darn hard!

Did you know that August is “Don’t Be a Bully” month? According to DEI Hub, it aims to raise awareness for the dangers and impacts of bullying. Bullying at any level can be stressful and challenging to someone’s mental health. This awareness month was created as a reminder to always be kind and compassionate to others, promote acceptance, and boost inclusivity.

As you read through Habari this month, it is truly my hope that you will think about the way you interact with others. Do you use your privilege and power (because we all have both in some aspect of our identity) in a way that stands up with courage for someone else? If not, I challenge you to check yourself and do something different!

“Don’t be a pepper on the eyes of people; rather be the salt on their tongue and make a difference that influences their sense of belonging to the earth.” – Israelmore Ayivor, writer

Diversity Dictionary, Tips, Guides

DEI Dictionary

Learn and expand your vocabulary with new inclusive words each month.

Allyship Tips

Tips to focus on actions and behaviors that make an impact as an ally.

DEI Committees

Tips on how to start, plan and engage DEI Committees.

Law School Issues

Having been in law school admissions for many years, I know the importance and power of access. Many students do not have lawyers in their families or a clear understanding of what it even means to be a lawyer. This is why pipeline programs are so important to offering not only opportunities, but information to a broader student population. For this reason, the Open Door Fellowship has stirred my heart! I’ve been honored to spend time with both our inaugural 2023 fellows, Tavaria Smith and Zi Zhou and our 2024 fellows, April Franklin and Darius Alexander and they are all amazing!

The Open Door Fellowship is a unique, competitive opportunity for first-year North Carolina law students. Open Door Fellows gain valuable, hands-on legal experience while widening their professional networks to “open doors” and prepare them for the next steps in their legal careers.

The Fellowship is supported by the Open Door Fund, which has a $1 million dollar goal. 32 of our NCBA & NCBF presidents have issued a challenge gift that will match, dollar for dollar, $100,000 in NEW Open Door Fund gifts and pledges. Please consider making a gift or making a pledge! Your gift will have an impact! If you have questions or want to become a donor, please email Michael Lowery, NCBF Director of Development at [email protected].

Resources

There is great power in information! Check out this multimedia list of resources about the awareness celebrations this month – Don’t Be a Bully, Fat Liberation, & National Black Business Awareness. Just a reminder, if you aren’t interested in a topic… eat the meat and spit out the bone!

Don’t Be A Bully

• StopBullying.gov – The US Department of Education’s comprehensive website with resources on identifying, responding and combating bullying and cyberbullying. The site also offers statistics, research and practical help.
• Stop Hate Action Kits – These guides provide effective steps that can help communities face hate and bigotry, and work toward a more inclusive future.
• Workplace Bullying Podcast – This podcast showcases the reality of workplace bullying and abusive conduct and related phenomena from the dark side of the world of work and society.

Fat Liberation

• Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings
• Queering Fat Embodiment by Jackie Wykes, Samantha Murray, and Cat Pausé
• What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon

Black Owned Business Month

• Black Businesses Matter by Vicki Lee Parker-High NC Sustainable Business Council
• Black Owned Businesses in Asheville, NC
• Black Owned Businesses in Charlotte
• Some of Triangle’s Best Black Owned Businesses
• Winston Salem Black Chamber of Commerce

Technology Tip

This month’s technology highlights inclusive technology that can assist those with ADHD. Here are two!

Microsoft To Do App – Microsoft To Do is a task management app to help you stay organized and manage your day-to-day tasks.

Smart Daily Planner: Set yourself up for success with My Day, intelligent and personalised suggestions to update your daily or weekly to do list.

Manage your to do list online: Access your task list and stay organised.

Sharing made easy: Sharing an online to do list can help keep you connected with friends, family and colleagues.

Make managing tasks easier: Break tasks down into simple steps, add due dates, and set reminders for your daily checklist to keep you on track.

Dragon Anywhere – A product designed for dictating notes and thoughts so providing a mobile means of voice dictation. They also have a specialized version of legal terminology.

Month-Long August Celebrations

Don’t Be a Bully Awareness
Fat Liberation Awareness
National Black Business Awareness

April Observances and Holidays