The legacy of the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association is our bedrock of achievement. None other can duplicate it, because none have traveled our journey. Our legacy incorporates our history, our heritage, and our commitment to improve the lives of our members and the community we serve. Equally important, our legacy provides a fertile ground from which to grow. With that in mind, our theme and focus for this 2011-2012 term is "Transforming a Rich Legacy into a Living Legacy."
The history of our esteemed organization, an affiliate of the National Bar Association, is rich and unique. When we look back on the great accomplishments of our members, the development and growth of our affiliate chapters, and the growing vision of our leadership, there is very little doubt our organization has grown from a great vision to a great resource.Our heritage is our substance; the pioneers and the people that have made this organization’s legacy rich and those that will keep the legacy alive. We recognize our work begins at the law school level, with the black law student associations, and young lawyers throughout the state. For them it just begins. The professional development of our membership is celebrated. The opportunity to mentor at every stage of the journey is a critical component by which each member shares responsibility and celebrates victory for each success.
Commitment is the fuel that moves us forward. The organization represents a voice of reason and justice in a situation otherwise silent. We are the people we serve. The length of the journey is unknown, but the work is undoubtedly evident. We roll up our sleeves, wipe our brow, and continue to take positive steps to make a difference.
The 2011-2012 term represents our history and our future. Our primary focus will include the following areas:
- We are focused on restoring our place our legal giants actively engaged in public policy, litigation, appellate advocacy on behalf of the people we serve;
- We are focused on the continued development of relationships with our community outreach, our affiliate chapters and black law student associations, and, because we cannot exist in a vacuum, the professional collaborations with the Florida Bar and other legal and lay organizations.
- We will actively engage young attorneys through improvements to our website and for the first time using social media as outreach tools to communicate the importance of professional development, community empowerment, and ;
- We are proud of our legacy with the National Bar Association and are dedicated to supporting the Parks Administration and all of the National Bar Association projects and programs;
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It is with honor, privilege, and humility that we move forward. This is an exciting time indeed!
Let the Transformation Begin,
C. Sha`Ron James
President
