
Right to Serve
Twice, I’ve been called to jury duty. The first time, I was dismissed because my ex-law partners were trying the case. The next time, I refused to agree to convict someone if it meant an automatic life sentence without chance for parole. Both times, I was ready and grateful to be on the jury. I wanted to exercise the right to serve. A jury of your peers means a jury system where we all participate.
It was not always so.
If you are female like me, you can only serve on a jury and participate in the justice system thanks to an exceptional Black American.
Gardenia White, represented by Attorney Pauli Murray, won in 1966 a woman’s right to serve on juries.
Black History is American history, if only we would tell it.
Join me as I continue this month to explore how my life has been impacted by Black History.

Shining light on why I have the right to serve