When Minnesota’s Black lawyers, judges, law students and others in the legal profession gather for a fundraiser on Nov 22, they are certain to hear an encouraging message from the man who was the nation’s first Black attorney general.
Eric Holder, who served in the Obama administration from February 2009 to April 2015, will be the keynote speaker at the 30th annual gala held by the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL).
Holder promises to deliver a speech that will remind Minnesota’s legal professionals that they are uniquely positioned to use the law and the courts to maintain and preserve civil rights and Constitutional protections.
“Every great social movement that has happened in this country happened because lawyers were at the forefront. It is through the courts that we have established so many of the rights that we enjoy,” Holder said in an interview. “We have got to make sure that we leave to the next generation an America that is better, more fair and more just.”
Today Holder is chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. He continues to hold a prominent public profile, working on gerrymandering reform and initiatives to advance democracy and the rule of law.
He said that he remains inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and the era’s determined leaders who created change. Holder draws parallels to contemporary struggles to preserve democracy.
“Think about those young Black men and women who decided to rip down a system of American apartheid. They must have had doubts but they pushed through and actually changed this country. That’s the kind of thing we have to be about now,” he said.
“The same thing that carried them through the struggle still animates us today. If we don’t do what they did, right now in 2025, we dishonor them and the sacrifices they made.”
With the theme “Let Justice Reign: 30 Years Crowned in Law,” the 2025 MABL gala will be held on the evening of Nov 22 at Royalston Square in Minneapolis. Broadcaster Sheletta Brundidge will be the emcee for the evening.
LISTEN: Hear Sheletta Brundidge's entire interview with former Attorney General Eric Holder here.
The special anniversary celebration will recognize legacy members and MABL founders for their trailblazing accomplishments and honor MABL’s track record of advancing the interests of Black law students, attorneys and judges through networking, mentorship and advocacy.
The evening will highlight MABL’s Endowed Scholarship Campaign that is expanding scholarships, elevating the Pathways Program in support of law students, and strengthening MABL’s Foundation.
The attendees are certain to take with them a message from Holder that will urge them to continue to use the law to protect rights that are under attack.
“Here’s the deal. There really are no saviors, the cavalry is not coming, there are no miracles. The people we are looking for is us. Are we up to it? I think we are,” he said. “Push through the doubts and the fatigue. What can you do in the space you occupy?”
For tickets or information about the MABL gala, go here.