Page 5 - Delaware Lawyer - Winter 2021

EDITORS’ NOTE
As we begin a new year and look, optimistically, towards the unforeseeable future, dur- ing a tumultuous period for our countr y, it is imperative that we reflect and respond to some of the events that transpired in 2020. Over the past year, you have likely heard the names George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. You may have wit- nessed some peaceful protests, and some not-so-peaceful riots, on issues ranging from police brutality to the 2020 national election. You may have also experienced varying emotions in response to the displays of hatred and the blatant disregard for the lives of African Americans. The existence of race-based discrimination, police bru- tality and racial injustice in our society is not a new phenomenon, yet it has been ignored and suppressed for many years.
The recent events of police brutality have caused many of us to be brutally honest about how race and privilege disproportionately impacts many peo- ple of color in our country and state. These incidents have become the cata- lyst for uncomfortable, intense, impas- sioned conversations between friends, family, co-workers and businesses alike; whether in socially distanced gatherings or by virtual conferences. Either way, it became abundantly clear to many this past year that the conver- sation was no longer avoidable. The response from our legal community — i.e. bar associations, law firms, gov- ernment agencies, etc. — was timely, thoughtful and necessary, as we know representation matters.
Despite having our hands full with the pandemic of racism, another epi-
Candace E. Holmes, Esq. and the Honorable Natalie J. Haskins
demic continues to plague our coun- try and state in particular: COVID-19. Unsurprisingly, there has been a signif- icant overlap between racial tensions and the impact of COVID-19 in the State of Delaware. COVID-19 dealt, and is still dealing, a vicious blow to communities already struggling and those traditionally underser ved and underrepresented. Pre-existing racial inequities have certainly been com- pounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of this issue, which features many minority authors, is to highlight Delaware’s response to the racial tensions and worsening impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris Johnson, Esq., authors an inspiring article to encourage community en- gagement, while acknowledging the existing “energy on the ground” sparked by the recent incidents of racial injustice. Cleon Cauley, Esq., discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Delaware State Univer- sity and the university’s remarkable ability to adapt, as a result of its exist- ing culture and devoted leadership. In the wake of Breonna Taylor’s death, Tasha Stevens, Esq., dissects Dela- ware’s grand jury process and draws compelling comparisons between Del- aware’s practice and that implement- ed by Kentucky’s Attorney General. Ms. Stevens challenges Delaware courts to routinely record grand jury proceedings in order to preserve the record. Judge Arlene Minus Coppadge and Judge Natalie Haskins accept the call to rally judicial officers, court administration and employees of the Family Court of Delaware to combat systemic and institutional racism by forming the Family Court’s Council
on Racial Equity (CORE). Tabatha Castro, Esq., discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the often forgotten immigrant community in Delaware, and how issues of racial discrimina- tion and implicit bias exacerbate COVID-19’s impact on a people who already face significant barriers. Gilberte Pierre, Esq., and Jacqueline Chacona, Esq., address two major issues plaguing many residents in Delaware during the COVID-19 crisis: food insecurity and housing instability. The authors highlight how COVID-19 has intensified these issues and revealed the need for additional resources to mitigate the devastating impact in our community.
Ultimately, it is our hope that you too will take this opportunity to reflect, respond, and become engaged in the movement, because time has proven that representation matters.
Candace E. Holmes, Esq.
The Honorable Natalie J. Haskins
WINTER 2021 DELAWARE LAWYER 3