In this essay, Sidley’s Chanse Barnes connects to his family roots, writes about some of his personal struggles as a Black lawyer in modern society and reflects on how the work of those in the present day impacts future generations.
“You may be the only person that looks like you in that room, but remember that people fought and died so you could be right where you are,” Barnes writes. “Sit up straight and take pride in that. Continue the work so that more people that look like you can be sitting shoulder to shoulder in the same room.”
Pictured: Barnes’ paternal grandparents, Isaiah and Hermenes Barnes.