NAPD & PDAP’s Unpacking Microaggressions Training Packs a Big Punch
An Event Review
Brittany Gail Thomas (BGT), Esq., DEIJ Coordinator
“What is a microaggression?”
“How do I avoid committing/causing microaggressions?”
“What can leaders of public defense offices to do promote inclusion and reduce microaggressions?”
“I mean no disrespect but [. . .] given our collective history (indigenous, captive, and captor/colonizer) how is it possible for a middle aged white male to avoid microagressing? It seems like my very breath will offend someone.”
On August 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. (est) / 12 p.m. (cst)/ 11 a.m. (mt)/ 10 a.m. (pst), Brittney M. Williams and Charles M. Fox, Jr. embarked on answering these common questions and so much more at the Unpacking the Impact of Microaggressions Within Public Defense: An Ethics and Policy-Driven Approach training hosted by NAPD and PDAP.
Using real-life examples, these trainers led a solution-based conversation around (1) how to recognize microaggressions and (2) ways to both ethically and effectively respond to them. For nearly two hours, Brittney and Charles focused on their training objectives while ensure that participants were informed and engaged in the topic at hand.
And engaged they were! Over 100 public defense practitioners from all over the nation joined this dynamic duo and focused on tackling the complex dynamics of microaggressions experienced in public defense offices. Beyond the definitions and all of the receipts provided about their impact, they collectively reaffirmed that microaggressions offer nothing to the betterment of our clients and the fight against injustice. They also embraced the importance of understanding that the fight against microaggressions must be a collective effort that starts with buy-in from leadership and the creation of policies that encompasses not just words but actions.
In reflection on this training –
Charles reminds us that “microaggressions, in general, are experiences
that are unfortunately part of so many of our lived experiences, but
there are very few fields that feel the impact of them quite like public
defense/the criminal legal system. We are in the business of advocacy
and protecting constitutional rights for the most vulnerable people. It
is imperative that we think critically about our own biases and how
they impact our ability to best represent our clients.”
Brittney notes that “[t]his training was an important reminder to
defenders from all professional backgrounds that we are not immune
from engaging in microaggressive behavior just because we do this
work. Too often, we focus on biases present on the “other side” of the
criminal legal system, but we all have biases that are worth examining
and interrupting.”
Filled with insightful information, enlightened with the vulnerable experiences of both the trainers, as well as the participants in the chat, and equipped with easy steps that they can each take right now, this training ensured that they had a starting point to improve both themselves, as individuals, and colleagues.
What final words of wisdom do the trainers have for us?
Brittney challenges us, “Don’t let this training be a “one and done” for you! Keep educating yourself, confronting your biases, and collaborating with your colleagues to improve how we engage with our clients and each other.”
Charles heartens us, “If you took the time to attend this session and consider some of the ideas that were presented, you’ve taken an important step in becoming, as my wonderful co-facilitator, Brittney Williams, encouraged, more culturally responsive and able to not just recognize microaggressions but to respond to them and build a climate within your organization that places fairness and equity at the top of your mission statement. I hope all in attendance will continue to have these important conversations in an inclusive way that gives everyone a seat at the table.”
While we can’t change the past, Brittney and Charles reminded us during the training that “when you know better, you do better.”
From this training, we were given the tools we need to launch an effective effort to combat microaggressions. Ultimately, it is up to us to do the work! Not to just perform and check a box but to dismantle all forms of oppression and injustice for our clients, colleagues, and ourselves.
The reviews are in (drum roll, please) and it was surely a success! A few participants shared –
“The training was excellent in every way. It was engaging, speakers
were fabulous, great information and made it relevant to public
defense.”
“I thought it was phenomenal. Public defenders really needed to hear
this.”
“This training was engaging, heartfelt, and focused on topics that can
be uncomfortable. I felt seen and called to do better. I’m very grateful
for your work and the opportunity to learn from you all.”
There are more testaments that also affirm the power and impact of this training. We look forward to more trainings, meetups, and other events for the betterment of our public defense community!
THANK YOU to Brittney, an amazing tag team partner; Charles, an exception co-presenter; their collaborators and thought partners Latoya Hampton, LMS-W and Brittany Gail Thomas, Esq.; both the NAPD and PDAP teams for their contributions to the success of this webinar; and each participant who came together in community to share, learn, and grow!