You have firsts, and you have firsts that make history.
Today, Taa Grays is being sworn in as the 129th president of the New York State Bar Association, becoming the first Black woman to lead the organization in its more than 145-year history. For Grays, a longtime attorney, advocate and leader, the milestone represents personal achievement and the continuation of lessons she learned long before she ever stepped into a courtroom.
Raised by two teachers, Grays grew up in a family where education mattered and standing up for others was expected. She is the oldest of six siblings and says her parents taught her to recognize and challenge injustice — a lesson that helped shape her decision to pursue law. In fact, she knew she wanted to become a lawyer while still in junior high school.
Those who know Grays professionally often see the accomplished attorney, mentor and leader. But beyond the legal world is someone who loves riding roller coasters with her family, treasures the bond she shared with her father and still smiles when talking about their shared birthday on July 10. As she likes to say, she was his birthday present.
Her interest in advocacy and storytelling also showed up early. In high school, Grays served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, honing skills that would later serve her well in the legal profession.
As she begins her term leading one of the nation’s largest voluntary state bar associations, Grays carries with her a lifetime of experiences that extend far beyond the law.
You can follow Grays, who is today’s 20 things, on LinkedIn.