Martin Luther King Jr. stated that we all have a “drum major instinct.” We
seek and thrive off of praise and attention. For some people this instinct
is driven by selfish pride and shallowness but for others it is fueled by
selflessness and the pursuit of justice. The Pennsylvania Legal Aid
Network, affectionately referred to as “PLAN”, is the birthplace of many
drum majors for justice. Specifically, Legal Aid of Southeastern
Pennsylvania is run by attorneys and staff who are empowered by the desire
to effectuate change. These social engineers have taken me under their
wings in an attempt to show me the ropes of becoming a drum major for
justice.
I originally wanted to start this essay with a sensational or funny anecdote
about the many clients that cross our threshold during intake hours. I have
even compiled a list of humorous titles to remind me of specific experiences
and clients that I have come across thus far at legal aid. Among my
favorite titles is “The Last Roll of Toilet Paper,” which reminds me of a
landlord and tenant case where the client’s wife left him without notice and
on her way out she took all of her belongings, including the last roll of
toilet paper in their bathroom. Unfortunately, the bigger issue for the
client was managing the living expenses on his own or finding a smaller
place to live. “The Menacing “C” Cups,” is a story about a client who filed
for a Protection From Abuse Order and while demonstrating the menacing
behavior of her ex-boyfriend, shoved her chest into the face of the attorney
listening to the story. Needless to say, the client was too close for
comfort. Finally, “The Jerry Springer and Maury Povich Celebrity Death
Match,” where a group of people used a Protection From Abuse Hearing as a
venue for a custody dispute that turned ugly when each party decided to
disclose intimate information about who was sexually involved with whom, who
was cheating on whom, and other shocking intimate details. The battle ended
in a dismissal and the stressed out, presiding judge decided to take a long,
well deserved recess.
Although these stories are humorous and depict the fun side of working at
legal aid, these stories do not show the dedication and determination of the
legal aid attorneys who strive to make a difference in low income
communities. The real stories are rarely told. Most people do not want to
hear about the senior citizen who is being ripped off by medical insurance
carriers when it is time to pay for premiums for necessary medical expenses.
People often walk by the disabled mother and child who are constantly being
denied disability benefits. What about the battered wife who does not know
how to protect herself and her children from an abusive husband? Most
people just turn their noses up at her and form their own opinions. Who
cares about the retail worker who is being treated unfairly at her job?
Finally, how many people actually consider the challenges a hearing
impaired person will encounter when attempting to obtain legal assistance?
These issues rarely cross anyone’s mind. In the short time that I’ve been
at legal aid, I have had the opportunity to listen to all of these stories
and many others. The attorneys here show a great deal of patience and
empathy as they try their best to reach positive results for their clients.
Too many of us live our lives never thinking about the problems and concerns
of others. Like Martin Luther King, Jr. said, most people have a drum major
instinct but are only seeking attention and praise for their own lives,
problems and accomplishments.
However, Martin Luther King, Jr. has shown us that not every drum major
instinct is a self serving one. I am proud to say that I too have a drum
major instinct along with the attorneys that have taken the time to concern
themselves with the problems of others. They have shown me the ropes, they
have opened my eyes and today, through the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network,
we have a Drum Major Instinct for Justice. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s
passion for social change and justice lives through us. I am lucky to have
been given the opportunity to learn from these talented, intelligent, and
dedicated attorneys.
