2807 Connecticut Ave NW Apt #407A
Washington, DC, 20008
(202) 251-5275
September, 6th , 2011
Mr. Adam Lee
NAACP/Washington Bureau
1156 15th Street, NW Suite 915
Washington, DC, 20005
Dear Mr. Adam Lee:
Late Supreme Court Justice and founder of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational
Fund Thurgood Marshall once asked, “What is the quality of your intent? Certain people
have a way of saying things that shake us at the core. Even when the words do not seem
harsh or offensive, the impact is shattering. What we could be experiencing is the intent
behind the words. When we do good, we do. When we intend to do harm, it happens.
What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through. We cannot
sugarcoat the feelings in our hearts of hearts. The emotion is the energy that motivates.
We cannot ignore what we really want to create. We should be honest and do it the way
we feel it. What we owe to ourselves and everyone around is to examine the reasons of
our true intent. My intent will be evident in the results.” This is a quote that resounds in
my spirit. Justice Marshall’s question was made to challenge people to step forth and
become the change they want to see. The challenge to bring forward change without
being coldhearted and unable to take the critiques along the journey but, to have the
ability to overcome negativity and emerge victorious in getting your dedicated deed done.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has always
been an organization of great interest to me. For more than 100 years the NAACP has
ensured political, and socio-economical equality for all ethnic minorities. It is
organizations such as the NAACP that helps our next generation realize the importance
of education through its many outreach programs and scholarships.
My name is Jacquelyn D. Patterson and I am writing because I am interested in your
internship. I am junior at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and am participating in the
Washington Semester Justice & Law Domestic Exchange program at American
University. My ultimate goal is to become the first African American female Supreme
Court Justice. As a Political Science major with a concentration in Pre Law, and more
important, as an African American woman, I know laws are the guiding foundation of
America. I know the journey that my racial background and gender have faced on the
road to obtaining civil rights and liberties. I recognize the Civil Rights Amendments and
various Civil Rights Acts that are beneficial to affirming my rights to be considered a
citizen, to vote, and to obtain an education. In addition, I see laws within my own
community. A resident of Ward 8 Southeast, Washington, DC, a predominately African American ward plagued by poverty, crime, and unemployment in the nation’s capital, I
am often greeted with injustice at my door. Before starting my matriculation at Spelman
College, I attended Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School, DC’s
number one ranked law charter school. In my junior year I was selected to participate in a
pilot program within the District of Columbia Superior Courts. I started my first weeks in
the Family Division. I watched a case where a mother who was addicted to harmful
illegal substances fought for custody of her children. My magistrate judge used state laws
to hold the parent, eventually enroll her in a rehabilitation program, and to safely place
her children within a child protection program upon her completion and recovery. The
most interesting case I saw during my experience was under the judgment of my mentor
DC Superior Court Judge Gregory E. Jackson. The case had actually occurred within
blocks from my home where a man was slain by three other men. I watched daily as the
state attorney and defense attorney used judicial reasoning to aid their clients’ case. In the
end, one of the alleged men was convicted of the murder and the death of the man was
brought to peace and justice.
In my current matriculation, I am finding more and more the need and use of laws to
ensure rights are provided and the voices of the American citizens are heard. I am a
current member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity at Spelman and I am always
advocating for more of my peers to open their mouths and voice concerns within in the
economy or whether in the Spelman community. I feel the opportunity to internship with
the NAACP/Washington Bureau will allow me expound on the experiences I have had
previous and will further help my understanding of the judicial process, my passion about
laws, and decide how to further help others. .
Enclosed you will find my resume with references included. I would truly appreciate the
opportunity to work with the NAACP/Washington Bureau compiling, summarizing,
analyzing and distributing to appropriate units, information pertaining to pending
legislation. As well as monitoring legislation, attending congressional hearings, and
contacting local NAACP branches. This opportunity will allow me to possess the
heartfelt spirit and energy that Justice Thurgood Marshall personified in his quote about
the intent of a persons’ work. I will follow up with your office via email and phone. If
you have anymore questions feel free to contact me at jpatter7@scmail.spelman.edu or
(202) 251-5275. Within the American University Washington Semester Program for
Justice and Law, I would be available to work only Mondays and Tuesdays of each week.
I thank you advance for the consideration of my application and I look forward to hearing
from you in hopes that I will be able to assist you in your work within the NAACP.
Sincerely,
Jacquelyn D. Patterson
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