An interview with Khaliah Ali Wertheimer highlighted the New Jersey Bar Association’s Diversity Luncheon, where members were recognized for their work in promoting inclusion for women and attorneys of color.
Ali, who spoke in a pre-recorded interview, ruminated on her father Muhammad Ali’s legacy as a social justice icon. He was an ambassador for diversity and inclusion, she said, and fought against injustice globally during a pivotal moment in history.
“My father used his core principles and beliefs as stepping stones, as a guide to understanding his life,” Ali said. “We can take those core principles that helped my father throughout his life and apply them to your own life and see if your heart can be a little better, and if you can make this world a little better.”
The NJSBA also honored former NJSBA President Evelyn Padin and the Garden State Bar Association with Narol Awards for spearheading inclusion. Mel Narol was a charter member of the NJSBA’s Task Force on Diversity, who worked tirelessly on making the diversity effort within the Association a permanent order of business. An award in his name is given out annually.
Diversity means strength, Padin said at the luncheon to applause. As the NJSBA’s first Latina president, Padin said it’s important for NJSBA members to create a pathway for other attorneys of color to succeed in the law.
“This state bar association has paved the way for people like me to be in front of this great audience,” Padin said. “I am deeply appreciative of the New Jersey State Bar Association because they have done great work supporting marginalized communities.”
In the past year, the GSBA awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to Black students. The organization also presented more than 30 CLE events to 1,000 attendees on topics ranging from implicit bias, voter education, police unions and racial justice.
“We look forward to doing more work to making sure that diversity remains an issue at the forefront as an initiative with the state bar,” GSBA President Husain A. Gatlin said upon receiving the award. “We are grateful and excited for this partnership to continue.”