November 2nd marks the anniversary of The Color of Excellence (COE)® officially launching. What started as idea on the heels of being a Black law student, morphed into a mid-level attorney deciding to leap and follow the vision that rested in her heart and mind for years. Sometimes, you have to step out on faith despite the odds and trust the process. It was not easy but it was, and still is, a risk worth taking.
In six years, people have come and gone. Support has ebbed and flowed. But the vision and mission of COE® has remained consistent and unwavering in its stance. COE® educates, enhances, and empowers both current and future attorneys of color to embrace their authenticity, advocate zealously, and overcome adversity both in and out of the courtroom. COE® continues to provide curated training and programming for both current and future attorneys of color to combat systematic oppression. We will continue, in step with our mission and vision, to ensure that our membership and community of support feels that impact.
At COE® no member is greater than the program (our mission and vision). Each of us is dedicated to learning from, growing with, and supporting one another. There is no room for ego in this space because it is from our shared humility and open-mindedness that we propel ourselves to be better and greater advocates and human beings than we can ever imagine. It’s how we strive for our own version of excellence, not one cloaked in white dominance and colonial ideology. It’s how we are clear that there is no oppression or busy Olympics amongst us. Each of us choose this community because we understand that “none of us are free until we are all free” (Fannie Lou Hamer). We understand that each of us, in our individual roles and various parts of the country, are collectively fighting oppression, advocating for the oppressed, and affecting change. We are invested in our collective liberation and success as THE COLOR OF EXCELLENCE®.
A few members reflect -
Many congratulations to COE on 6 ground-breaking years of educating, enhancing and empowering attorneys and future attorneys of color! Visionary Brittany Gail Thomas has created a complete powerhouse organization for the ages!” - Susanna (Sr. Advocate), Inaugural Member
COE is rooted in the belief that meaningful social change starts with community, grows through education, and thrives through empowerment. By creating brave spaces for connection, learning, and open dialogue, we are equipped with the knowledge and tools to challenge injustice and build a more inclusive, just society. Together, we are fostering a future where every voice is valued, every community is uplifted, and everyone has the power to create lasting change together. Happy Anniversary, COE! - Kayla (Scholar)
“COE is celebrating 6 years of community, fellowship, education and empowerment. I am proud to be part of an organization that fosters excellence among attorneys of color!” - Sadé (Jr. Advocate)
“In six years, BGT has led the way in cultivating this amazing organization, this dynamic community that nurtures attorneys of color. During that time as the world experienced a global pandemic, social unrest, racial injustice and more. . . COE has been here standing firm as a bedrock of the culture and beacon for those who are fortunate enough to be a part of it. It is by far the professional association I am most proud of...but more than that...it's a safe haven and space in which historically marginalized people can step into their own power and be empowered. COE is the culture. COE is us.” - Charles (Advisor), Member of the Board of Directors
There’s so much more work to be done but we do it together. We work against the racialized complexities of the legal system and so much more. We advocate authentically and ensure that the communities we serve are seen. We use who we are and what we’ve been through to bring a fresh perspective and real understanding beyond the monolith. We care for and support each other as we face the challenges of life, while dedicating ourselves to doing the hard work. We celebrate each other as we achieve great feats not only for ourselves but for the culture. We stand on the shoulders of the great ancestors before us and keep fighting with the support of those who stand with us. We are honored and grateful.
Cheers to you, COE®! To many more . . . .
- BGT, Esq., Founder& CEO ©
