In the Chase Fieldhouse with over 1500 guests in attendance, Bryan engrossed the audience with stories about his family, his legal work, and the human condition as it relates to the history of slavery in the United States. 

In discussing his family history, Bryan noted the following: his great-grandparents were enslaved; his parents and grandparents lived through Jim Crow Laws and were not given opportunities to pursue their education; and Bryan himself started his education in a colored school. Once self-conscious about his family’s history as a Harvard Law School student, Bryan talked about his shift in thinking as it pertains to his family’s legacy. Grateful for their immense strength and belief in younger generations, Bryan shares their stories because he believes that we cannot heal until we are honest about our past and acknowledge the root of the pain and trauma of one another. 

Through Bryan’s words, a belief that is core to Quaker education––there is that of God in everyone––rang true. Bryan, who has spent decades representing capital defendants and death row prisoners, believes that “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” He explained that, oftentimes, people who make mistakes are not seen and their humanity is not recognized. He warns us that this is not the answer; approaching others with fear and anger only robs them and ourselves of peaceful resolution and growth. Rather, he argues, we should see the humanity in everyone and recognize their stories. 

Bryan urged the WFS community to get proximate to help solve complex issues that various communities face every day. Policymakers often make decisions from distant places, leaving them unable to hear or see many of the troubling issues at hand. To serve the community and make a positive impact, getting close to the people that you care about and are trying to serve creates an understanding to be able to create real change.