The Legacy of RBG and Her Impact on Womxn of Color

On Friday, September 18, 2020, the legal community and our entire nation were shaken as news that Associate Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG), died after a long fight against pancreatic cancer and its complications.   Known as the “notorious RBG,” she was a fearless advocate whose career focused on fighting against gender discrimination and for womxn’s rights.   As the second womxn to be nominated and seated in the Supreme Court of the United States, RBG was known for her legendary dissents and made an incredible mark upon this nation’s laws. 

As a young lawyer, RBG faced criticisms and challenges that most womxn face in their careers.  Yet she persisted.  Her persistence resulted in 27 valiant years of service on the Supreme Court (1993 - 2020).  Her life’s work made an impact on the lives of womxn in ways that many couldn’t even imagine.  RBG made it clear that the rights of womxn were not something that could or should be ignored.  She famously said, womxn “belong in all places where decisions are being made.”  She unapologetically stated, womxn “should not be an exception.”  When asked when she believed there would be enough womxn on the Supreme Court, she boldly proclaimed “[a]nd my answer is when there are nine.”  That is the fearlessness of RBG. 

As we reflect on her legacy and impact, we must remember what RBG advised: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."  We, at the National Womxn of Color Collective, strive to educate the public, foster support for womxn of color in the legal profession, and facilitate greater diversity within the profession.  We will continue to fight for womxn of color who are severely underrepresented in the legal profession, especially in positions of leadership.  We ask fellow womxn of color to join us in our mission to create a safe space for womxn of color to grow, thrive, and connect.  Join us and be the change we want to see. (hyperlink join - https://nationalwocc.org/become-a-member/).

THANK YOU, RBG!  Thank you for being a champion for change and the type of womxn we all strive to be.  May your fearless legacy continue to inspire us all.   We stand with her family and the many voices around this nation and ask that her final wish be honored - “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.'”

Rest in power, notorious RBG.

 

For more information about the National Womxn of Color Collective, visit https://nationalwocc.org.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Brittany Gail Thomas, Director of Communications, by email at bgt@nationalwocc.org.

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