International law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP is pleased to announce that Partners Erin Bryan and Beth Forsythe, have earned Twin Cities Diversity in Practice’s (TCDIP) Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge Certification. They were part of 47 Minnesota in-house and law firm attorneys that recently earned the 2021 Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge Certification.

Over 80 people from more than 20 member organizations participated in the Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge, a six-month, in-depth course co-designed by TCDIP’s Professional Development Committee and Dr. SooJin Pate, the course facilitator. The Challenge offered a unique opportunity for participants to take a dive into the history and origins of racial inequalities that currently exist in Minnesota and what we can do to eliminate racism. Congratulations to the 47 participants who earned the 2021 Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge Certification.

“As Minnesotans and legal professionals, we share a responsibility to gain a deeper understanding of the history and issues that have led to deep racial disparities in our state,” said Dorsey Partner Beth Forsythe. “I wanted to learn and understand the root causes, so that I can take more meaningful actions to create equitable communities.”

“TCDIP brings together leaders from different parts of the legal community to share ideas, to discuss differences, and to address the challenges attorneys of color face, a mission I'm excited to be a part of,” said Dorsey Partner Erin Bryan. “As a member of the LGBT community, I participated in the Challenge as a way to take action and to help create equitable communities.”

The Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge is a six-month, in-depth course to learn more about the people who live in Minnesota, the history of racism in this state, the racial inequities that currently exist in Minnesota and their origins, and what we can do to eliminate these racial inequities. During the course, participants explore readings, podcasts, and other materials and gather twice a month for a guided discussion to process the readings and materials. After completing the course, participants are recognized publicly by TCDIP with the Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge Certification. View the 2021 syllabus here.