Strengthening Our Power
Through Unity

One year ago, I assumed the presidency of the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association humbled by the opportunity to serve and inspired by a simple theme: Strengthening Our Power Through Unity.

At the time, it was a vision.

Today, it is something I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand.

Over the past year, we strengthened relationships, expanded opportunities, invested in future leaders, amplified our collective voice, and continued building an organization that is stronger, more connected, and more representative of the communities we serve.

Together, we welcomed new affiliate organizations into the VHFCNBA family, launched the inaugural Summer Scholars Program, expanded statewide service initiatives, created spaces for professional growth and wellness, and advocated on issues impacting our communities, our profession, and our democracy.

We also concluded the year in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where members gathered not only to learn and fellowship, but to build bridges across jurisdictions, cultures, and communities—demonstrating that the spirit of VHFCNBA, and the power of unity, are not confined by geography.

The accomplishments highlighted below represent only a snapshot of what we achieved together.

From statewide service projects and innovative CLE programming, to advocacy initiatives, pipeline programs, and historic collaborations among affiliate bar organizations, this year demonstrated what is possible when we choose unity over division and collective action over complacency.

Perhaps no accomplishment better embodied our theme of Strengthening Our Power Through Unity than the inaugural Florida Black Lawyers Summit. In partnership with fourteen affiliate and partner bar organizations from across the state, VHFCNBA convened more than 350 lawyers, judges, law students, and legal professionals for what became one of the largest gatherings of Black legal professionals in Florida in recent memory. The Summit's reach extended beyond Florida, drawing attendees from across the country and welcoming the participation and support of the Bahamas Bar Association.

The Summit represented a choice: a choice to come together, a choice to be visible, and a choice to affirm that Black lawyers in Florida deserve spaces where we can connect, learn, mentor, and lead.

Some questioned whether it should be called the Florida Black Lawyers Summit at all. Some suggested a different name—something safer, something less specific, something more comfortable.

We respectfully declined.

That same spirit guided our work throughout this year. We spoke up and spoke out because advocacy is part of our DNA.

We are living in a moment when fear is often disguised as prudence. But the lawyers we most admire did not remain silent. Virgil Hawkins did not remain silent. The giants upon whose shoulders we stand did not remain silent. And neither can we.

None of what we accomplished this year would have been possible without the dedication of our Board of Directors, committee chairs, affiliate leaders, volunteers, sponsors, and members across the state. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your unwavering commitment to this organization.

Serving as your President has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life.

Thank you for allowing me to lead.