We did not have a normal year; thus, I cannot find words to express a normal greeting.  So, I will share what’s in my heart on this late evening around midnight. 

This 2020 Holiday Season finds the world steeped in a pandemic that has lingered for nine months.  We witnessed epic changes that have affected every sector throughout the world.

I could list the countless challenges that we have confronted and wax poetic that for us, 2020 “ain’t been no crystal stair.”  It had shutdowns, unspeakable loss, and so much pain.

I feel the need to pay homage to the great poet Langston Hughes because, like the mother in the famous poem, we cannot ignore the challenges we confront in our personal lives and even in ABWL to remain relevant and vibrant during this pandemic.  Nor can we deny the amazing women who have remained committed to supporting, promoting and sacrificing for ABWL’s mission.  In the poet’s vernacular, ABWL has “been a-climbin’ on, and reachin’ landins’, and turnin’ corners.”  

Throughout this difficult time, ABWL’s lawyers worked at their demanding jobs, tutored their children, supported the elders in their family, digested many horrors including watching those sworn to protect us commit murder in public, advocated for ill family members, and continued to serve in churches, sororities, and legal and civic organizations. Most importantly, we donated, educated, and strolled to the polls for our children and grandchildren.

So ABWL members, we have reasons to be joyful. Not because of the fake trees, bright lights and gaudily decorated stores luring us to spend money.  Rather, our joy comes from the depths of our soul because we kept on serving, teaching, sharing Lysol and tissue, checking on our friends and loved ones, sending cards and gifts, praying fervently for the recovery of the ill and the safety of those on the front lines.

Let us take this month to reflect on the true meaning of the season. 

The birth of the baby Jesus was a sign of hope and sacrifice – even though that birth brought on the countless murders of other babies by a ruler attempting to destroy that beacon of hope. Hope is the light leading us through doubt, prosecution and struggle.  ABWL-NJ has been and will continue to be that beacon of light for young girls and boys who aspire to be lawyers, judges, professors, politicians, and corporate leaders.

Finally, let each of us take this season to rest, meditate, smile, laugh, speak life to darkness, reflect, pray and love.  Because in 2021, we must not “sit down on the steps –’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard. Don’t you fall now—For I’se still goin’, honey, I’se still climbin’.”

With Sisterly Affection, ML