Whether we call it a job or a career, work is more than just something we do. It is a part of who we are.
I think, though, as African-American women, we are always trained to value our community even at the expense of ourselves, and so we attempt to protect the African-American community.
We have a history of gender and racial bias on our court that continues to undermine the system. Excluding individuals based on race is antagonistic to the pursuit of justice.
Certainly my life will not ever be as private and discreet, and perhaps I should even use the word insulated, as it was before.
I resent the idea that people would blame the messenger for the message, rather than looking at the content of the message itself.
I became the messenger who had to be killed.
The real problem is that the way that power is given out in our society pits us against each other.
But the issue of sexual harassment is not the end of it. There are other issues - political issues, gender issues - that people need to be educated about.
My parents are older, and they lead a somewhat sheltered life. It was difficult to talk with them about things that were embarrassing to me, and that I had never spoken to them about.
For my undergraduate work, I went to Oklahoma State University and graduated from there in 1977.
I thought that by saying no and explaining my reasons my employer would abandon his social suggestions. However, to my regret, in the following few weeks, he continued to ask me out on several occasions.
I have no personal vendetta against Clarence Thomas. I seek only to provide the committee with information which it may regard as relevant.
In July of 1983, I left Washington, DC area and have had minimal contact with Judge Clarence Thomas since.
