Jayda Peets Justice Adolpho A. Birch Jr. Scholarship 07/10/2023 Black Lives Matter to me Watching the news is, simply, exhausting. Every day I turn on the news and watch another story of an innocent, Black life get taken and this action being protected under the law. Although I have never met these people, the similarity of our reflection through the T.V. screen dawns on me that through our skin and history, that is my brother, my sister, my community, my family. Protecting Black lives is what matters to me the most. As a future civil rights attorney, protecting Black lives through the law is an action that I have dedicated my life, time, money, and education towards. One day at a time, I will create a safer environment for the next generation to come. Protecting Black lives through the law is something that is important to me because every individual, regardless of their race, deserves equal treatment and protection under the law. Protecting Black lives is about upholding the fundamental human rights and dignity of all people. Through centuries of slavery, segregation, and institutionalized racism, the Black community has been stained with deep scars that continue to affect the people closest to me every day. Protecting Black lives is a step towards addressing the historical injustices and working towards reconciliation and healing. A just and equitable society can only be achieved when all individuals are treated with fairness and respect. Protecting Black lives is about creating a society where everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources. By addressing the unique challenges faced by Black communities, we can empower them to thrive and contribute positively to society. The Black Lives Matter movement has sparked conversations about racism and inequality globally. Protecting Black lives fosters solidarity and encourages everyone to work together to combat racism and discrimination. I found my passion for protecting Black lives in my small hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia. I grew up in a stagnant environment that lacked racial diversity. I felt like an outsider my entire life, and the inhumane killing of George Floyd only separated myself even further from the people I grew up around. I found myself having to argue for basic human rights for my community with my peers, teachers, and even the city council members. Although this experience was disheartening, it only fueled my drive to fight for the protection of Black lives on a higher scale- the law. If awarded the Justice Adolpho A. Birch Jr. Scholarship, I will use this funding to study the history of racial discrimination in law, alleviate the financial burden I carry as an independent student who will be the first in my family to go to law school, and engage in pro-bono clinics that uplift the Black community. It is essential to understand that advocating for the protection of Black lives does not diminish the value of other lives. Instead, it acknowledges the specific struggles faced by Black communities and the urgent need for change. By addressing racial disparities and systemic racism, we move towards building a more just, inclusive, and harmonious society for everyone. I hope to use this scholarship to amplify this message throughout the legal field and continue to do what matters to me the most- protecting Black lives.