fight or flight… and nowhere in between

“Oh Baltimore… Man, it’s hard just to live” – Nina Simone Every year that I lived in Baltimore, someone I knew got killed – yes, all seven years. Wrapped in my idealism, I concluded… Continue reading →

Courtroom Meltdown

Some may have noticed my meltdown the other day (on Twitter). If you care, here’s what happened… I had met with a client in the holding cell area and I was begging him… Continue reading →

lighten up. we’re all gonna die anyway

“lighten up. we’re all gonna die anyway.” I am tired of hearing this when I bring up someone else’s plight and oppression… This year, I tweeted while watching the Superbowl, enjoying commentary on the… Continue reading →

Steward me baby!

“…Being a good steward over my finances is responsible, fulfilling and calming…”

6 months later: Melancholy for the “Unscathed” Haitians

Greetings to whoever reads this. I’m typing this on my cellular phone, while on the train, heading to work, disappointed that I didn’t bring anything to read for the train ride. I just… Continue reading →

the 48 second Arraignment Interview

“Are you a legal aid, or a lawyer?” To which I respond… “I’m a lawyer with the Legal Aid society.” My client glares at me behind a cornucopia of perforated plexiglass and metal… Continue reading →

You Love Cops… Admit it

This past Monday, L’Heureux invited me to a book discussion led by one of his students (follow Dr. L’Heureux Lewis on Twitter). It was held at HueMan Bookstore on Frederick Douglass Blvd, not… Continue reading →

Leave the Black and Latino Boys in Jail *UPDATE*

Several weeks ago, I squabbled with the administrators at the group home where my client lived (See my previous blog post about it here). While my client sat in jail, I couldn’t get in touch… Continue reading →

Frustrated Practice

My mind is flooded with frustrations about my practice. While starting a post on the talented artists of Horizon Academy at Rikers Island, I suddenly started thinking about the parents who don’t bail… Continue reading →

Leave the Black & Latino Boys in Jail

Friday November 20, 2009 I worked night arraignments & of course represented several teenage boys (all black & latino) for varying petty offenses. One particular case involved three 16 yr old boys at… Continue reading →