September 24, 2020
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a hero in every sense of the word. Her recent loss is devastating to us all.
Justice Ginsburg led a truly remarkable life. Appointed by President Clinton in 1993, she became the second woman ever to be sworn in as a justice for the country’s highest court.
She devoted her life to lifting up others and breaking down barriers for all people. There was no obstacle too large and no setback too great in the fight for equality and justice. She was an advocate for progress with an unwavering commitment to the Constitution and her pursuit of equality and justice for all Americans.
I came to know about Justice Ginsburg’s legacy when I was pursuing my Masters in Law degree in the United States. As I reflect on my professional journey, starting as a young female attorney working in the private and public sectors, and later through my career in nonprofit management, I am grateful for the opportunities Justice Ginsburg forged for women and for instilling the call for living a meaningful life.
Justice Ginsburg spent her career protecting marginalized communities and lifting others up. “If you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself, something to repair tears in your community, something to make life a little better for people less fortunate than you.”
As a working mom, I follow her guidance when seeking balance, finding parenting not to be an obstacle to success but rather a relief and inspiration “Each part of my life gave me respite from the other.”
If Justice Ginsburg taught us anything, it is to keep up the fight. She showed us why we must never give up. The best way to honor such a remarkable legacy is to remain vigilant in our shared struggle for justice and equality through education and advocacy.
Paula Boland
National Council Chair, UN Association of the USA
President, UN Association of the National Capital Area
UNA-NCA is compiling an advocacy resource centered on how Justice Ginsburg’s life and legacy can continue to guide and inspire for years to come. Below are excerpts of some testimonials from UNA-NCA leaders and more to come next week!
Stephen Moseley, UNA-NCA Chairman of the Board
"Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's lifelong devotion to equitable justice and human rights for all, especially for Women and Girls and for LGBTQ rights has changed the judicial landscape and culture in America and around the world during the past four decades, since her appointment to the Supreme Court by President Clinton. More than anyone perhaps she mirrored in her life a resounding commitment to many of the principles set forth in the US constitution, but also the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is as essential today as it was when adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948..."
Sultana Ali, UNA-NCA Vice Chair of Communications
"How do you measure a loss as wide as a nation, as deep as our collective hearts, as high as the mountain of accomplishments you have battled for, and won for us all? One person may never fill your shoes, but together, we will keep moving America down the path toward a better future that includes us all—the mighty and the weak; the rich and the poor; women, men, non-binary, nonconforming, and all the children, whomever they choose to be or love. For you showed us that there are no limits to the human heart, and no barrier is high enough to keep us from our destiny..."
Richard Seifman, UNA-NCA Board at large member
"Notorious RBG’s tireless efforts to expand the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to cover women, men, and every sexual orientation, and her defending of the Affordable Care Act from legal attack, are of immeasurable value for all Americans. As we globally face new challenges to equal opportunity to health, housing, and employment, as well as equitable access to a vaccine in this Covid-19 pandemic period, her constant strong voice for a just society will be profoundly missed worldwide."
Karen Mulhauser, UNA-NCA Past President
"I will mourn the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg for the remaining days of my life. In my view, the best way to celebrate her amazing legacy is with action! Action includes education and advocacy for the values that she advanced throughout her life – but it also means what I call extreme advocacy, which is supporting the candidates, the policy-makers, who support the policies that are important to me. RBG understood that if we do not use our democracy we can lose it..."
