CELEBRATE / FIGHT / REST / LOVE

A Q&A WITH AJA

Have you met Aja Brooks yet? You should. She’s president of the New Mexico Black Lawyers Association and is a UNM School of Law grad just named Executive Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. She’s married to lawyer John Osborn and they have a 3-year-old named Emerson. When she’s stressed, her family lifts her spirits with impromptu dance parties. Aja’s on a meteoric trajectory, so we wanted to catch up with all her goings-on.

Who’s inspired you recently?

Barbara Brown Simmons, the first Black woman to graduate from [UNM Law]. I’m reminded of the great strides she made to ensure that others followed in her footsteps. I am indebted to her and others like her for being able to pursue higher education in my home state.

What do you do in the US Attorney’s office?

I assist with hiring, training, recruitment, programs, DEIA measures, and community outreach and engagement. I am lucky to be doing the things that I love.

What’s up with the NMBLA?

Last year, we celebrated our 40th anniversary, holding events in honor of our founding by retired Judge Tommy Jewell [and others]. We help provide opportunities for Black students entering the legal profession.

What’s on your mind this Black History Month?

My heart is broken as the list of those taken from us [like Tyre Nichols] keeps growing; there’s so much work to do. At the same time, my 40th birthday [happened] and I’m celebrating just being alive and breathing. Going into Black History Month, I hope to continue to fight, but also to take time to rest and love myself as well.