Moore & Van Allen is an extraordinary community of diverse individuals. What makes us a community is not only the work we do for MVA and our clients, but also the way in which we care for and protect one another. Both recent and past tragedies, however, call upon us to do more, individually and collectively, to show our solidarity with and support for our Black colleagues and neighbors.

I write today sharing in the sorrow and frustration that many are experiencing as a result of the senseless deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd . These deaths have again demonstrated the unequal application of justice that has disproportionately impacted the Black community for far too long. As members of the legal profession, we bear a special responsibility to justice and equality; racism of every type is an anathema to those principles. Moore & Van Allen stands against the racism we continue to see and united with those seeking a more just and equitable world. 

I endeavor to find ways to try to make a personal and meaningful impact in the wake of these devastating events, and I encourage you all to do the same. This week, Moore & Van Allen pledged $10,000 to one of our long-standing diversity partners, Community Building Initiative. CBI is an organization that works to give people and organizations the knowledge, skills, and courage to fight bias, remove barriers to opportunity and to build a more equitable and just Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. MVA Litigation and Management Committee Member Valecia McDowell is the past chair of the CBI Board of Directors, a leadership team which Litigation Member Josh Lanning will soon join. Those of you who would like to contribute to CBI on an individual level, you may do so directly through the CBI website.

Finally, our words and donations will not be enough to achieve the progress needed. We must also show our commitment to justice and equity with deeds. In the coming months, the Firm will work with our Diversity Committee Chairs, Valecia McDowell and Amy Johnson, our Lawyers of Color affinity group, and engaged lawyers and staff. Together we will strive to answer that call to action. On an individual level, I encourage everyone to continue to show respect, empathy and understanding to one another and extend a listening ear to our diverse voices. In doing so, we will continue to come together as an extraordinary community united by our common purpose and principles.

Thanks,
Tom Mitchell