Diversity Newsletter

MBLB is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Our Affinity Newsletter allows diverse voices and points of view to be shared, both within our firm and externally. While these articles provide valuable perspective, they are not intended to espouse a position by the firm.

RAISING AWARENESS: What is Unconscious Bias?

While most people in a professional setting strive to treat all co-workers, subordinates, and direct reports in an equitable manner, we do not always succeed. One of the biggest barriers? Unconscious bias. This month, we drill down on just what this is.

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY: Screen a Culturally Significant Film

In addition to being entertaining, movies are one way that we can educate ourselves on cultures that are not our own. These three significant films provide deeper insight into particular cultural themes.

SPOTLIGHT: Simone H. Yoder, MBLB’s First Woman Equity Member

After 25 years, MBLB has elected its first woman equity member of the firm, Simone Yoder. As the first woman equity member of the firm, Simone took some time to answer questions about her perspective on women in the legal field.

CELEBRATING: The History of Black Mardi Gras

During Black History Month and Mardi Gras, we share the story of how during times of slavery and segregation the city’s Black communities built a carnival culture that lives on in New Orleans today.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY: A Day of National Service

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only federal holiday that has been designated by Congress as a National Day of Service. Whichever way that you serve, one of the pillars of MLK Day is to provide meaningful change to the community.

RAISING AWARENESS: Impaired Driving Awareness Month

Historically, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve have been known as the most dangerous holidays to drive, making December the obvious choice for Impaired Driving Awareness month. Here's what you can do to celebrate responsibly.

RAISING AWARENESS: Men’s Health Awareness Month

The lack of conversations regarding men’s health is arguably one of the reasons the United States has such concerning statistics surrounding this issue. During Men's Health Awareness Month, we raise awareness about one campaign that has been particularly effective in combatting this issue: “Movember.”

RAISING AWARENESS: Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health struggles plague the legal profession at an alarming rate. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we share two essays by Councilman Joe Giarrusso that provide personal insight into mental health issues as well as several mental health resources.

CELEBRATING: Viva México! Viva la Independencia! Vivan los héroes!

On Mexican Independence Day, we share the inspiring story of how Mexico became an independent nation after more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. Viva México! Viva la Independencia!

PERSPECTIVE: The Struggles for Southpaws

International Left-Handers Day is held annually every August 13^th, having been created in 1992 and this year celebrating its 30^thanniversary. It is designed to celebrate the uniqueness of left-handers

COMMEMORATING: 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July marks the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The ADA is an equal opportunity law for people with disabilities signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990.

JUNETEENTH: A Continuing Story of Perseverance

Juneteenth is singularly one of the most pivotal holidays in African-American culture; however, it has largely remained unknown until recently.

REFLECTION: Everything is Earned

Only 2% of all active attorneys in the United States identify as Asian. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Associate Taylor L. Tran, a Vietnamese-American man and child of first-generation immigrants, shares the personal story of his family's journey.

SURVEY: Springtime Religious Traditions

Spring is a time of renewal: the days get longer, the weather gets warmer, and the foliage begins to bloom anew. In that regard, various world religious traditions celebrate renewal this time of year as well.

HOLY HIBERNIA! Celebrating the Irish in New Orleans

It is no surprise to anyone living in New Orleans that the Irish have a long and storied history in the Crescent City and Louisiana.

RECOGNIZING: Black History Month

After the Battle of Vicksburg, the Union Army created a concentration camp in Natchez for tens of thousands of Black slaves freed by the Emancipation Proclamation.

COMMEMORATING: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

We must pass along the history of the Holocaust to future generations so that history does not repeat itself and so we can keep the promise of #NeverForget.

A Japanese print ad for eating KFC for Christmas

CELEBRATING: A Brief History of Modern Holiday Food Traditions

The end-of-year holiday season is the time of year for togetherness and showing appreciation for those around you. The common thread uniting these festivities is food.

On September 8, 2021, Bryan Newland was sworn as Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs by Secretary of the U.S. Interior Deb Haaland

CELEBRATING: The Histories and Traditions of Our Native Founders

As we search for a pecan pie recipe and check the football schedule this Thanksgiving, we're also reminded to honor the Native culture and people that established the “reason for the season.”

That Little Girl Was Me: created by artist Bria Goeller, depicting the shadow of young Ruby Bridges behind Vice President Kamala Harris

PERSPECTIVE: Representation Matters

We’ve all heard the slogan, but do we really know what it means?

COMMEMORATING: The Military Contributions of Hispanic Soldiers

National Hispanic Heritage Month is also viewed as a time for the United States Military to honor both fallen and active-duty Hispanic Americans who served in the armed forces.

Bud Light’s oof-tastic and cringeworthy Pride marketing poster for 2021

CELEBRATING PRIDE: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Pride is certainly a celebration of the landmark cases that have affirmed the humanity of LGBT+ people, but there are still gains to be made at the local, state and national level.

PERSPECTIVE: The Achievements of Women in the Legal Field

In celebrating the achievements of women, we take this opportunity to recognize some of the female pioneers in the legal community.

REMEMBERING: Plessy v. Fergerson

125 year later, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the umbrella of the “separate, but equal” doctrine, is a reminder of how far reaching holdings in our courts can be and are.

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Diversity Newsletter