During the recent 2024 ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago, ABA President Mary Smith issued a powerful warning about the threats facing American democracy. Addressing the ABA House of Delegates, Smith emphasized the critical role of lawyers in protecting democracy during these challenging times.
As the first Native American woman to hold the position of ABA president, Smith has been dedicated to addressing the divisions within the country. She highlighted various threats to democracy, such as robocalls discouraging voting, the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, ongoing discrimination against Native Americans and African Americans, changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and even the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
Smith stressed the importance of the ABA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing that these values must remain strong and unwavering. She warned that diversity, often seen as a strength, is currently under attack, and the ABA must continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of society.
To address these challenges, Smith established the ABA Task Force for American Democracy and organized the ABA Democracy Summit to discuss the role lawyers can play in protecting elections. However, with the presidential election just three months away, Smith emphasized the ABA’s duty to defend justice and the freedom of the press.
In addition to her efforts to protect democracy, Smith highlighted the ABA’s new strategic plan, which includes initiatives to engage younger attorneys through social media platforms like TikTok. She also launched the ABA Presidential Speaker Series, featuring prominent guests like Martin Scorsese and Sen. Mazie Hirono, in an effort to reach a broader audience and plan strategically for the future.
As Smith’s term comes to an end, she urged delegates to use this defining moment to vote, support the judiciary, and defend the freedom of the press. She emphasized the importance of not letting their voices be silenced and urged them to continue fighting for democracy and justice.
As President-elect Bill Bay prepares to take office, Smith’s final warning serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the ABA and the country as a whole. It is a call to action for all members to stand up for democracy, protect the freedoms that define the nation, and ensure that equal opportunities are truly available to all.