Fifteen voluntary bar associations unite for the landmark Florida Black Lawyers Summit in Orlando
The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association (VHFCNBA), in collaboration with 14 other voluntary bars from across the state, are joining forces to host the first-ever Florida Black Lawyers Summit, a daylong event focused on unity, advocacy, and professional empowerment.
Set for Friday, November 21, at the Marriott Orlando Downtown and Florida A&M University College of Law, the summit, themed “Strengthening Our Power Through Unity,” is expected to draw attorneys, judges, and law students from across the state for a series of continuing legal education sessions, keynote addresses, and a formal judicial reception.
Brendalyn Edwards
“The Florida Black Lawyers Summit is more than a gathering; it is a declaration of who we are when we stand together,” said Brendalyn Edwards, president of the VHFCNBA. “For the first time, we are collaborating with 14 of our affiliate bar associations to create a movement that is rooted in excellence, advocacy, and unity. When we align our voices, we don’t just participate in change, we define it. Attendees can expect an experience that amplifies our collective mission and reaffirms our commitment to progress together.”
Each partner organization has played an active role in curating the summit’s CLE sessions, identifying speakers, and shaping a program that reflects their unique perspectives. Together, the VBAs have built a statewide initiative centered on community-building, education, and unity designed to empower and equip attorneys, law students, and their broader communities, according to the organizers.
Speaker Lineup
The Florida Black Lawyers Summit will feature a roster of speakers and leaders, including:
Benjamin L. Crump, nationally renowned civil rights and catastrophic personal injury attorney, delivering the keynote address.
Desmond Meade, president and executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, whose advocacy helped restore voting rights to over 1.4 million Floridians.
Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, and attorney advancing equity through law and policy.
Yolanda Cash Jackson, government law and lobbying shareholder at Becker.
Sue-Ann Robinson, founder of Front Line Firm and national legal analyst, featured on Court TV, Fox News, Black News Channel, The Young Turks, and Law and Crime, addressing issues ranging from police misconduct to newsworthy civil cases.
Daryl Parks and Greg Francis, nationally recognized trial attorneys.
Bacardi Jackson, executive director at the ACLU of Florida.
Judicial Reception
Following the Summit, a Judicial Reception will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Florida A&M University College of Law. Hosted in partnership with the Latimer-Hawkins Florida Judicial Council, the reception will celebrate Florida’s judiciary and recognize judges “whose leadership and service embodies excellence, integrity, fairness, and commitment to community.”
The summit is being co-hosted by the following voluntary bar associations:
Black Women Lawyers Association of Central Florida (Central Florida)
Caribbean Bar Association (South and Central Florida)
D.W. Perkins Bar Association (Jacksonville)
F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association (Palm Beach)
George Edgecomb Bar Association (Tampa)
Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association (Miami-Dade)
Haitian Lawyers Association (South Florida)
Josiah T. Walls Bar Association (Eighth, Fifth, and Third circuits of Florida)
National Black Prosecutors Association, Charles B. Morton, Jr., South Florida Chapter (South Florida)
Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (Central Florida)
Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association (Palm Beach)
T.J. Reddick Bar Association (Broward)
Treasure Coast Bar Association (Nineteenth Circuit of Florida)
Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association (Statewide)
Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr., Bar Association (Miami-Dade)
The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition serves as the title sponsor of the summit. The Bahamas Bar Association serves as the title sponsor of the Judicial Reception.
For registration information visit blacklawyerssummit.eventbrite.com/.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact Brendalyn Edwards at [email protected].