ADVOCACY
The National Bar Association (NBA) was founded in 1925 and is the nation’s oldest and largest national network of predominantly African-American attorneys and judges. It represents the interests of approximately 65,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students. The NBA is organized around 23 substantive law sections, 9 divisions, 12 regions and 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and around the world.
Under the leadership of the 81st President Dominique Calhoun, the NBA’s theme for the 2023-2024 bar year is “Empowerment Through Advocacy and Service: An Invitation to Join the Journey.” In the 118th Congress, the NBA will focus on legislative priorities related to the following issue areas: voting rights/election protection, criminal justice reform, the judiciary and equity. To make strides to protect the civil and political rights of our communities, the NBA will continue to collaborate with Congressional members, particularly the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) chaired by Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04). The CBC, which encompass a membership of 58 members, both in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, represents more than 82 million Americans including 18 million African-Americans.
During the 118th Congress, the CBC will focus on a variety of issues including but not limited to democracy and civic participation, education, environmental justice, future of work, healthcare, housing, and public safety.
OUR ISSUES
Key Legislative Priorities
Voting Rights/Election Protection
Overview: One of the most important basic rights of an American citizen is the right to vote. Our ancestors marched, protested, and died for us to have the sacred right to vote. Yet in the 21st century, we are overcoming obstacles and fighting new battles to protect the right to vote due to voter suppression laws. Since the Shelby v. Holder decision, we have seen increased attacks on voting rights. More than ever, the African-American legal community is needed to protect the right to vote, particularly with the results of 2022 redistricting, midterm elections and preparation for the 2024 Presidential elections.
Criminal Justice Reform
Overview: The American criminal justice system is often referred to as the “New Jim Crow,” a term that was defined by civil rights attorney and scholar Michelle Alexander. Systematic racism has been embedded in the criminal justice system to the point that our children are discriminated against and imprisoned at rates higher than their white counterparts. In the 21st century, with the injustices of the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor murders at the hands of law enforcement, the African-American lawyer’s voice and influence is needed now more than ever to reform our criminal justice system.
The Judiciary
Overview: In 2022, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn in becoming the first Black women to serve on the Supreme Court. The NBA will advocate for the needs of the judiciary, particularly the judicial nominations of NBA members and partners to diversify our federal benches by providing names to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. Additionally, the NBA will support legislation dedicated to the security protection of judges.
Equity within our Communities
Overview: The NBA is dedicated to improving the economic, social and political conditions for every individual to ensure equal access to opportunities and the rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. To establish equity within our communities, the NBA will collaborate with Congressional members to advance legislation to equal the playing field within education, healthcare, economics and other industries.
Paid for by the National Bar Association Political Action Committee
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