NBA news & updates 9.14.22 | Newsletter

Upcoming Events Wiley A. Branton Symposium  Labor and Employment Law Annual Conference  Oct. 27-29, 2022 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania More Information Conference Schedule Registration Making History NBA President Lonita Baker and ABA President Deborah Enix-Ross were recently recognized in Bloomberg Law, marking the first time Black women have led both organizations simultaneously. Read the full story ABA, NBA Presidents on Black Legal Leadership: Is There a Shift? A Consumate Trailblazer  NBA Past President (1984-85), College of Law alumna Arthenia Joyner, former Senate minority leader and the longest practicing Black female lawyer in the history of Florida, is honored as one of the 57 original law school graduates at FAMU. The unveiling of a special plaque set the stage. Read the full story FAMU Unveils Special Tribute to 57 Original Law School Graduates Philadelphia Deborah Enix-Ross and Lonita Baker “These rewards come courtesy of the law professors who encouraged me to utilize my legal training to continue my quest for justice and equality for Black people. As one of the six individuals in that last class to graduate from the original FAMU College of Law in 1968, I am forever grateful.” Arthenia Joyner

ABA Appoints NBA's Past President Juan Thomas Chair, Civil Rights and Social Justice Section As chair for the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice, NBA Past President Juan Thomas (2017-18) plans to focus on economic justice through education in financial literacy, systemic poverty, and federal tax reforms. Paraphrasing Wole Coaxum, Founder & CEO of Mobility Capital Finance, Inc., Thomas says, "A social justice agenda without an economic plan is like clapping with one hand." Thomas added, "I'm forever grateful to have the opportunity to serve and look forward to the upcoming bar year."

Walmart Awards $ 1 Million Grant to the National Judicial College and the National Bar Association The Walmart Foundation recently awarded a $1,000,000 grant to the National Judicial College in partnership with the National Bar Association. The grant will fund Non-Traditional Community-Based Diversion Programs designed to front-end the endless cycle of crime, systemic over-incarceration, and the subsequent collateral consequences facing marginalized communities. Focus is directed toward enhancing sensitivity to unique situations and, for youth and young adults with no or minimal criminal history, to avoid jail time by having a second chance. "We're excited and encouraged that this initiative paves the way for Walmart to continue to make an impact across the community of attorneys and judges, citizens, families, and communities," says Marvin Carr, Walmart's director of strategic initiatives and Center for Racial Justice. In large measure, the award consideration resulted from a second chance program launched in Clarksdale, Mississippi, by Immediate Past President Carlos Moore.

The NBA Rolls Up Its Sleeves in the Jackson Water Crisis: Calls on Mississippi Officials to Respond to Jackson's Disenfranchised Communities, Improve Service Immediately The National Bar Association has launched a campaign supporting residents impacted by Jackson, Mississippi's unprecedented water shortage crisis. "One of our legislative priorities this year is environmental justice, and the NBA is working on multiple fronts to address the exposure of marginalized communities to environmental inequities, including during the Jackson water crisis," said NBA President Lonita Baker. Campaign co-chairs are Ashley Upkins, NBA Vice President of Memberships, and Kimberly Ward, an at-large board member. More than 80% of Jackson's population is Black. The Water Crisis has gained national attention, and state and local officials have recently begun collaborating on potential remedies.

Centennial Planning Underway: 2025 Marks the NBA's 100th Anniversary A Message from Past President and Centennial Committee Co-Chair, Evett Simmons By Resolution of the membership, the NBA has launched the Centennial Celebration Commission, which is chaired by Past Presidents Arthenia Joyner, Paulette Brown, Keith Watters, and myself. The Commission will plan activities leading up to and including the 100th Anniversary Celebration, which will take place in 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. We will also lead the efforts to commemorate the National Bar Association and its members’ accomplishments throughout its 100-year existence. Stay tuned for more news from the Commission.

MEET THE TEAM NBA National Office

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU The NBA's National Office team is committed to developing creative and innovative ways to improve the NBA brand, increase membership, and enhance revenue and overall ROI. "We're examining and improving our systems, processes, and internal controls. And we are committed to enhancing member communications and services, ensuring that systems, including the new website, are user-friendly outreach and that responses are timely," says Executive Director Reanetta Hunt. The National Office staff is "at your service." Contact us regarding: Accounting Event Planning Creative Design Strategic Planning Memberships Partners and Sponsorships Marketing & Branding Communications & Social Media Requests Website Development & Management Contact us at 202.842.3900 info@nationalbar.org

NBA Covid Protocol for Attending Special Events All participants must show proof of being fully vaccinated and provide a negative test result. Masks are recommended unless actively eating or drinking. Sanitizing stations will be prominently placed throughout the venue. If you are experiencing any COVID symptoms or not feeling well, we ask that you do not put others in danger and remain at home. A waiver will need to be signed indicating that you acknowledge COVID protocols.

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