Y L D P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E T r a c i K o s t e r – N e l s o n K o s t e r
Across Our Bridge : 10 Steps we Can Take for a Better Tomorrow
Like Congressman Lewis , may all of us look confidently towards the future and recognize the power that lay within our purposeful acts .
Since its inception in 1970 , Black History Month has served as a time of reflection and commemoration for all Americans . It is only fitting that during this year ’ s 41st annual Black History Month in February , amidst a time of great change and uncertainty , local lawyers and law students gathered for a weekly virtual book club inspiring thoughtful dialogue and acting as sounding board for continued progress . 1 With an Inclusion and Equality Grant from the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar , the HCBA YLD Professionalism & Ethics Committee , in partnership with GEBA , HAWL , and WMU Cooley Law School , distributed 80 complimentary copies of civil rights leader and bipartisanly-respected Congressman John Lewis ’ s book : Across That Bridge : A Vision for Change and the Future of America . 2
Congressman Lewis , dubbed the “ Conscience of Congress ,” outlined in his book a “ collection of truths ” that he believed were fundamental to inner transformation and supportive of enduring social change : faith , patience , study , truth , act , peace , love , and reconciliation . Each week , our book club discussed these truths with open and contemplative dialogue . What emerged was an empathetic understanding of commonalties that unite , differences that could divide , and struggles we must join forces to extinguish .
Congressman Lewis ’ s culminating call to continued civic action was “ Across That Bridge ” in Selma , Alabama . Accordingly , Congressman Lewis counseled that “[ f ] reedom is the continuous action we all must take , and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair , more just society ” and that such action may involve “ good and necessary trouble .” So , what is our culminating call to action “ Across Our Bridge ” here in Tampa Bay ?
With this question in mind , our book club formulated 10 meaningful steps , each with a guiding passage from Congressman Lewis ’ s book , that we can take across our bridge towards a more just society :
1 . Recognize commonalities & embrace differences . “ Let us appeal to our similarities .... What is the purpose of a nation if not to empower human beings to live better together …?”
2 . Develop & maintain faith . “ Faith will be the lifeblood of all your activism …”
3 . Read , listen & learn . “ It is only through [ studying ] … you become aware of where you stand within the continuum of change .”
4 . Recognize & rectify your bias . “ We [ can ] not waste time harboring bitterness or resentment .” 5 . Seek to understand , ask questions . “ You must search for truth , seek it out .” 6 . Join others to speak up . “ Build alliances … do not just jump out there on your own .” 7 . Commit to creating change . “ Take action that demonstrates the dignity and humanity of your cause …”
8 . Diversify your acquaintances . “[ It ] is only by recognizing our unity that we can prevail .”
9 . Be a friend , reach out . “ The love we are able to feel toward one another … across communities and cultures … cannot be easily shaken .”
10 . Hold others accountable . “ We can be wayshowers [ and ] light-bearers … who encourage others to … glow .”
With these steps as our guide , and the positive momentum gained from group discussions fueling our efforts , we can create a better tomorrow right here in Tampa Bay . Therefore , like Congressman Lewis , may all of us look confidently towards the future and recognize the power that lay within our purposeful acts . n
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We offer special thanks to the members of our Good Trouble planning committee , our judicial hosts , and our special guests for their time and dedication to this event ; as
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