The Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts stands in solidarity with the Black community against racism and police brutality. We mourn the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless others.

We demand change.

AALAM’s mission is to improve and facilitate the fair and impartial administration of law. As lawyers, it is our responsibility to ensure equal rights under the law and advocate for justice. The systemic racism and state-sanctioned violence towards Black people is unlawful and unjust, and we are committed to addressing these issues head on.

Now, more than ever, we must use our voices to stand up for what we know to be just and right. We rededicate ourselves to engaging in this important discourse and encourage our members and friends to join us as we take action together. As always, we stand in unity with NAPABA and our affinity bar associations in speaking out against racism in all forms.

AALAM understands that we must confront the racism that is present in our own Asian American community, and that we must meaningfully engage and conduct the difficult conversations necessary to bridge divides and move towards progress. This will be reflected in our future programming. AALAM will work to be a more effective ally to the Black community and we welcome your involvement.

Anti-racism starts with each of us, and below are a few things that you can do over the next few days as we work together to make a difference:

• Vote;
• Volunteer your legal skills;
• Donate money to organizations taking action to combat racial injustice and/or improving the livelihood of Black people via continued investment and financial support;
• Participate in a protest if you are able;
• Talk with your family, including children, about race and racism;
• Listen to a podcast on race relations;
• Read a book about the history of oppression in America;
• Sign a petition for change and equity;
• Call your local official to advocate for social justice; and
• Support local Black-owned businesses and restaurants.

A list of civil rights and anti-racism resources can be found here.