On March 17, 2017, at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama, lawyers, judges, lawmakers and citizens gathered to answer the question “Do Lawyers Have a Role Promoting Peace in Our Community?”
Helping to answer the question were our scholar speakers, including Father Doug Vu, rector at St. Stephen the Martyr Chapel on the UAB campus; Rabbi Jonathan Miller of Temple Emanu-el Birmingham; former U.S. Attorney, Northern District Joyce Vance; the Honorable Houston Brown, former presiding judge of Jefferson County, Alabama; Dr. Sameh Asal, Imam Sameh, Birmingham Islamic Society; Rev. Dr. Kip Laxson with Asbury United Methodist, Birmingham; and Judge Joseph Boohaker, presiding judge of Jefferson County, Alabama.
Serving as program moderators were attorneys Larry King of King Simmons PC, our own Bernard Nomberg, and Khaula Hadeed, Executive Director of the Alabama Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations.
Speakers and moderators, from L to R: Khaula Hadeed, Rev. Dr. Kip Laxson, Judge Brown, Dr. Sameh Asal, Judge Boohaker, Larry King, Father Doug Vu and Bernard Nomberg (not pictured: Rabbi Jonathan Miller and Joyce Vance)
Rabbi Miller answered the question posed by stating “All people are responsible for promoting peace in our community.” Rabbi reminded us that “None of us stand alone today.” Mrs. Vance said, “Lawyers should illuminate the rule of law.” Judge Brown, a witness to history, told the audience “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Dr. Asal told us “Lawyers are a link from the people to the judges. Lawyers role in society is crucial.” Rev. Laxon discussed moving fences to be more inclusive; a point well made.
Representative David Faulkner attended and presented a resolution from representatives of the Alabama State House condemning recent acts of hate in Birmingham.
While he is quick to deflect and praise others, Larry King is to be commended for not only having the idea to put this program together, but making it exceptional. We want to thank our scholar speakers and moderators for their time and valuable incite. Thank you to those that attended in person and via live streaming. All that participated and attended unanimously agree the program was educational and inspiring.
And finally, a special thank you to Paige Byrd and Sandy Bain of Bain and Associates (bainandassociates.com) for recording the program. Enjoy: