Michael John Westerman

Black Lawyers Matter Michael John Westerman

Blue-on-Black crime refers to the use of excessive force on behalf of law enforcement officers against Black Americans, an alarmingly prevalent phenomenon in the United States during the 10s of the 21st century. Despite clear and convincing evidence demonstrating the violation of policy and procedure inherent in employing lethal force against unarmed persons, few officers involved in the Blue-on-Black violence during this era were ever charged, as explored herein. Social advocacy has emerged to draw attention to and vehemently oppose Blue-on-Black violence through organizations such as Black Lives Matter, with the importance of the legal representation of diverse interests also being increasingly vocalized. This work presents a thorough analysis of ethnic diversity in the practice of law and amongst attorneys and law students, providing the foundation to the discourse. The history of Blue-on-Black violence, the modern issues associated with the phenomenon, in addition to organizations engaging in related proactive advocacy underscore the immediacy of the issue. Including an original interview with Black Lives Matter organizer Mr. Martin Henson, legal diversity during the Blue-on-Black crime wave is explored from a variety of perspectives. As we shall see, yes, "Black" lawyers representing diverse interests, and ethnically Black lawyers, do in fact matter and significantly so in the support of social justice.