Should we be doing something?

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As black attorneys that feel like the verdict in the Zimmerman case was absurd should we be doing something to bring about change?  Yes, I believe so but in all honesty I don’t know what.

Perhaps in a small way we can all do something to break down this racial divide that is in my opinion getting worse although we think we have come so far.  Not sure why people are in denial about it being a race issue.  Perhaps the first step is recognizing that there is a racial divide and that people sometimes do get away with murder based on their skin color. Let’s be honest and call it what it is. 

In my own way I will do my part to bring about social change not because its fashionable but because like Charles Hamilton Houston, Ruth Whitehead Whaley, Charlotte E. Ray, Thurgood Marshall, Julian Bond, First Lady Michelle Obama, President Obama and the countless other attorneys that have worked to bring about social change for me to be an attorney, I too should do it for the Trayvon’s and others that have suffered an injustice.

~Danalee Francesca

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Attorney of The Week Inspired By Nelson Mandela

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Jose BRightI love to learn about what others are doing to help people throughout the world.  I read about Jose Bright, an attorney, that was inspired by Nelson Mandela.  He went to South Africa 18 years ago and never turned back.  He started a school called Teboho Trust School that has helped numerous kids “the freedom generation” become doctors, attorneys and teachers.  What an inspiration!  They call him a gift from God.  Check out the video below to hear the whole story, perhaps you will be inspired to take on a new venture or do something meaningful for another person.  Only one man can do so much, but imagine not doing anything at all.

L.A. Lawyer Brings Hope, Learning to Soweto AIDS Orphans | Video – ABC News.

~Danalee Francesca

Rachel Jeantel and society’s views of black women

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George ZimmermanI guess it’s the human nature that some people want to mock others. I watched this young ladies testimony and honestly the one person I found myself annoyed with constantly was the defense attorney Mr. West. I feel that she responded to his irritation in actually a very calm manner. Depending on how and where you grew up your speech patterns may be different. I don’t understand why people don’t understand that everyone is different and grows up differently, both black and white. She did not present herself as ignorant and not understanding, she actually is very matter of fact. I see her as a smart young lady that is doing a very hard thing under stressful circumstances. How many of you have had to testify in a murder case involving your friend? Yes, that’s what I thought. All of you negative people can kick rocks especially the defense team!

Yours truly,

Danalee Francesca

Gideon’s Army Brought Me To Tears

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Melissa Harris-Perry’s Interview with the director of the documentary Gideon’s Army and the Public Defenders that were profiled.

Gideon vs. Wainwright

I watched this documentary last night and it brought me to tears.  That is probably why I decided early on not to practice criminal law.  At one point, I did consider it, but honestly when I did an externship and saw who was constantly coming in to the courtroom I could not deal with defending or prosecuting what is a high percentage of African-American males.  That is just how I felt, because it hurt my heart.   Public Defenders normally do get a bad rap and are accused of representing the bad guy.  But, that is not the case.  This documentary by Dawn Porter shows you the passion these lawyers have for their clients, the battle they have in their own lives in representing these clients and how poorly paid they are.  The scene in the documentary where Brandy is putting three dollars gas in her car to get to work while looking through a pile of student loan bills is so real.  I cried when her client was accused of armed robbery and the shop owner could not recall vital details about the defendant that would prove he was the assailant.

Watch this movie and if your passion lies in being a public defender, don’t let anyone stop you from your calling.

Seeking Deferred Action

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Seeking Deferred Action, Blemished Records Give Young Immigrants Pause – WNYC.

Some aspects of life are very much taken for granted.  Like the fact that I am American and have no issues where citizenship is concerned.  I have no idea what it’s like to live in fear.  Perhaps fear of creditors, but not fear of being deported.  However, I certainly am not far removed from knowing what people go through, not having their “papers” as we say in the Caribbean community. I do think that the Deferred Action bill gives people an opportunity, for the moment, to not live in fear.  The ability to obtain a work permit, perhaps money for school and definitely free from living in the shadows of society.

Of course many are reluctant about filling out the papers because they feel that they put their family in harm’s way.  Some don’t know if pass transgressions like the use of  fake Social Security numbers will be deemed as fraud preventing them from obtaining deferred action status.   As reported in the story from NPR/WNYC, many people and attorneys are not sure what action the USCIS will take in those instances.  So, some are choosing to wait and stay in a holding pattern to see if they can get more information about that issue in the coming months.

In an interview two weeks ago the New York Secretary of State was discussing some of the issues surrounding the fears the Dreamers have, mainly putting their family at risk.  He reassured applicant’s that none of the information provided will be used for deportation proceedings.  But, eligible applicants still have the fear that at the end of two years, depending on who wins the Presidency, that temporary status will end.   If  the Romney administration is in office they can then say these individuals are out of status.  Many argue that this would not look good and would be an extreme measure to reverse status of those given status under a proper law.

So, what do you do?  Examine your individual situation and make sure you fit the requirements.  Definitely make sure you have no felony, or two or more misdemeanors, this bars you and you can be subject to deportation.  There are plenty of places to get free information and assistance.  You can also contact an attorney if you feel your circumstances are unique and need to sit down with someone to hash out your dilemma.  New York has provided a hotline for your questions:  1-800-566-7636 or www.nysdeferredaction.ny.gov

~DLee

American Cancer Society’s Pink & Black Tie Gala

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This will be my 3rd year serving on this committee and I am so grateful to have met Tamara Ehlin.  She has worked for the ACS Brooklyn Office for several years and has led the Pink & Black Tie Gala to great success.  Sad to see her leave, but the foundation she established for this event will forever be remembered and the fight will continue.

I have been touched by Cancer in several ways.  My Aunt passed four years ago, my dear friend died last year, and I have friends effected by this disease in their own lives.    Knowing that I can be part of an organization that is dedicated to the awareness and cure of this disease helps me honor those I have lost.  That is why I have volunteered my time and will continue to do so.  I implore you to volunteer however you can in support of this cause.  It would be great to attend this event, but if there is another way you would like to participate then those opportunities are also available.  You can be a sponsor, be part of the Auction by donating an item or service from your business, and/or volunteer. 

We have a great line-up for this year’s Gala.  The Honorees are phenomenal in bringing awareness to and supporting those effected by cancer.

Health Care Leadership Honoree

Kathi-Ann Joseph, MD, MPH

Volunteer of the Year

Kangol Kid

Business Leadership Honorees

The Daily News

NU Hotel Brooklyn

Please go to the Pink & Black Tie Gala page and read more about our amazing Honorees!  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks again to Tamara!  I wish you all the best!

DLee

@pinkandblacktie

#BKGalaFightsCancer

Gucci vs. Guess…The Battle of the G’s

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Who is going to prove who’s more gangsta.  Fashion companies seem to always be at war where trademarks are concerned.  So, who will prevail as the biggest G?  I predict Guess.  If you look at some of the patterns of these cases, the underdog always wins.  The one that is accused of the infringing seems to come out as the victor when major Fashion companies are involved.  This suit was filed three years ago and has only recently went to trial.  Gucci accuses Guess of using their famous logo and designs causing confusion among consumers and of course dilution of the brand.

Former shareholder fashions bid for Avon | Crain’s New York Business

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Former shareholder fashions bid for Avon | Crain’s New York Business.  Coty’s bid was recently rejected.  Will this bid be accepted?

Reports: Victoria’s Secret Garments Made by ‘Undernourished Children Who Were Beaten With Branches’

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Reports: Victoria’s Secret Garments Made by ‘Undernourished Children Who Were Beaten With Branches’.

Child Labor issues have come in to play when companies such as Victoria Secret manufacture goods overseas.  A notable case was the Kathie Lee Gifford brand sold at Wal-Mart.  The National Labor Committee directed a campaign against the brand in 1996.  Since then many companies have developed compliance/monitoring programs to prevent the exploitation of children and prevent unfair labor.

Companies take several steps to ensure transparency about the conditions and the standards of labor in these factories.  Some have collaborated with NGO’s (non-governmental organizations) to ensure transparency of their compliance programs and assist in implementing these programs.  U.S. Organizations such as Fair Labor Association, Social Accountability International , Business for Social Responsibility, and Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production offer assistance in developing compliance programs, collaborating with members within these organizations as well as accrediting the programs.

In this instance it seems that a 2008 report was produced by the National Federation of Burkina Cotton Producers stating that thousands of children were made to work at these Cotton Farms used by VS.  VS claims they never knew about this.  If this is true, then VS needs to take a deeper look at their auditing/monitoring and enforcement programs.      I’m going to go out on a limb and say that VS probably does have a code of conduct compliance department, most likely headed by legal.  However, perhaps protocols weren’t set in place or executed properly ie working with internal and external monitors to get the proper information about what was going on at these farms.

Work this out Vicky!  Perhaps read the reports assembled by your collaborators.