NBJC Applauds Alphonso David

13 Apr 07 12:00 AM CDT

 NBJC Applauds Alphonso David

 New Special Advisor to the Commissioner for the

New York State Division of Human Rights

Today Alphonso David begins a new chapter of his dynamic life of activism and service when he assumes the role of Special Advisor to the Commissioner for New York State Division of Human Rights.    The Division is a statewide agency created to ensure that every individual has an equal opportunity to participate fully in the economic, cultural and intellectual life of the State of New York.

"I am very excited to have Alphonso joining our team.  He comes to the Division with a strong reputation as an accomplished attorney and passionate advocate, and I have no doubt he will make a valuable contribution to my mission of transforming the New York State Division of Human Rights into the preeminent civil rights agency in the country" stated Kumiki Gibson, Commissioner of New York State Division of Human Rights.

 

Alphonso’s role although broad in nature will focus upon reviewing existing policy and proposing policy changes to ensure equal opportunity for all people. “I plan to assist Commissioner Kumiki Gibson in revitalizing the Division of Human Rights, educating New Yorkers about their legal rights and prosecuting discriminatory practices throughout the State” he added.

 

Prior to achieving this post, Alphonso worked for Lambda Legal as a staff attorney several years. In an exclusive with interview with NBJC, Alphonso opens up about his life, career, love, and his passions.

 

 

Understanding Alphonso………

 

So what exactly drives a person to live a life as a public servant?  Which guidelines must a person live to purse a life as an activist?  And finally what inspires a person to stay the course in social justice arenas despite the huge societal challenges that often lie before them?

 

Well for Alphonso David his motivation is very clear: “…My focus both personally and professionally has been to eradicate discrimination in our communities through litigation, public policy work and public education.  As we all know, oppression of any part of one's identity has a significant impact on the person.  In my case, it has motivated me to work for fairness, equality and justice.”   In fact this philosophy has driven him throughout his productive life. Born in Maryland and raised in West Africa, he has spent nearly his entire career working in some form or another through activism and social justice efforts and initiatives.

 

“In the late 1990's, I provided assistance to minority women infected with HIV as a volunteer of the Whitman Walker Clinic in Washington D.C.  As a lawyer, I continued to provide pro bono legal services to the community, first as a corporate attorney and then as an attorney at Lambda Legal.  An important goal of mine is to fight discrimination against the disenfranchised.  We should not tolerate discrimination in any form.”

 

 

Alphonso’s Advice…………

 

As an openly gay Black man, Alphonso’s life has also been impacted by discrimination based upon his race and sexual orientation. When asked what advice he would give to young Black gay men in their navigation through life, he responded with the following:   “I would advise young black gay men to report incidents of discrimination in school or the workplace.  It is unlawful to discriminate because of race in any school or workplace.  It is also unlawful to discriminate because of sexual orientation in at least 18 states around the country.

Public agencies and private organizations are available to provide assistance.  In New York, for example, the New York State Division of Human Rights prosecutes discriminatory practices in a variety of contexts including employment and places of public accommodations, which includes schools. 

 

Further, national non-profit organizations, such as the National Black Justice Coalition and Lambda Legal, provide invaluable resources.  Young black gay men should challenge discrimination by reporting it.”

 

  Alphonso's Life at a Glance…………

 Education:

 

Temple University School of Law, J.D., 2000
University of Maryland, B.A, 1992       

 

Professional Affiliations:

 

-New York City Bar Association, Member
-LeGal, Member
-Barrister’s Association, Member    

 

Career Experience (Reverse Chronological):

 

-Currently an adjunct professor of law at Fordham University

 

-Staff Attorney for Lambda Legal, the largest and oldest national legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV.

 

While at Lambda, Alphonso litigated precedent-setting cases in federal and state courts around the nation. He focused upon relationship rights for same-sex couples, which included obtaining the freedom to marry, as well as providing and safeguarding protections for same-sex couples outside of marriage.

 

In addition Alphonso litigated matters involving parents and children and youth and schools, as well as claims of discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV and gender identity

 

-Corporate counsel for Canyon at Peace Park, a corporation that provides addiction treatment, education and counseling services in Malibu, California.   He handled legal and regulatory matters including contract, employment, copyright, taxation, insurance and licensing.     

 

-Associate in the litigation and dispute resolution department of Blank Rome LLP, where he worked on a diverse array of legal issues involving complex contractual disputes, insurance coverage, and white-collar criminal defense.

 

-Clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Clifford Scott Green in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.    

           

                                         

The Lighter Side of Alphonso...........

 

It isn’t all legal talk for Alphonso.  Currently single, he spends most of his free time with friends and family.  His hobbies include films, books, writing, tennis, yoga and travel. NBJC applauds and appreciates work and accomplishment of Alphonso David!!