It is an honor to be a Co-Founder and serve as the Third President of the Palm Beach County Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association (SDCBWLA). The theme for the 2023-24 year is Let’s Raise Each Other Up! We will focus on partnerships with Black women and minority-owned businesses, bar associations, organizations, the state-wide legal, and broader community. We will collaborate, mentor, and empower. I am encouraged by the tremendous support our organization has received from the legal community and our allies and I am greatly looking forward to the year ahead, raising each other up!
Together We Cultivate Resilience and Perseverance.
Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm eloquently stated, "I want history to remember me ... not as the first Black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a Black woman who lived in the 20th century and who dared to be herself. I want to be remembered as a catalyst for change in America." SDCBWLA is a catalyst for change, founded in response to the American Bar Associations' call to action, in their 2020 article, “Majority of minority female lawyers consider leaving law; ABA study explains why.” SDCBWLA was founded in February of 2021 to help the next generation of lawyers navigate a difficult, road less traveled. In less than two years, SDCBWLA has rapidly grown to over 125 members comprised of lawyers and jurists, of diverse backgrounds and practice areas, working together in furtherance of the organization's mission to help Black women lawyers navigate the unique challenges we face in the practice of law. We rely upon our collective American history, to cultivate an atmosphere of resilience and perseverance to overcome any adversity we may face.
Together We Promote Inspirational Role Models.
SDCBWLA was named in honor of the Honorable Sheree Davis Cunningham, the first Black woman to become a Judge in Palm Beach County, who is beloved in our legal community for her mentorship and philanthropic efforts. Our membership includes very well accomplished lawyers and jurists, who have shattered glass ceilings, such as first-generation immigrants, lawyers or owners of successful businesses. Our membership includes the first Black women in Palm Beach County to practice law, become Magistrates, Judges, elected officials, Presidents of Colleges, and Partners in Major Law Firms. The accomplishments of our members are an inspiration. Their stories serve as beacons of hope and motivation for others to follow in their footsteps.
Together We Cultivate Mentorship and Guidance.
Empowering through continuous development, we encourage our members to pursue admission to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States by participating in our Second Annual United States Supreme Court Swearing-In Ceremony, scheduled on February 20, 2024. Admission to practice before the highest Court enables Black women lawyers to break barriers and reach new heights in their personal and professional lives.
Cultivating mentorship and guidance, our mentorship program pairs mentees with hand-selected mentors, that address the specific needs of the mentee throughout a mentorship program that spans the entire fiscal year.
Through collaborative networking, our signature Cocktails & Conversation events provide one-on-one conversations with industry leaders, in a relaxed atmosphere. Our unique approach builds a strong network of women who collaborate, share resources, and create opportunities together. By fostering a sense of camaraderie, Black women lawyers can enhance our collective impact and create positive change.
Together We Empower Through Education.
I am thrilled to announce that SDCBWLA will kick-off our “Purple Table Talks” Podcast that will allow our organization to reach our members as well as a global audience, inspiring Black women lawyers and young girls all over the world. Our Podcast will tackle current topics while providing our members CLE credits. In addition, it will provide our members with the tools to further their career goals such as how to start a business, pursue elected office, join the State or Federal Judiciary, or pursue a non-traditional career with your law degree.
Education plays a crucial role in empowering the next generation of Black women lawyers. SDCBWLA will continue to partner with the Palm Beach Lakes High Schools Law Academy students to provide mentorship and guidance. This community outreach effort, supports young Black women from underserved backgrounds, providing resources, education, and mentorship to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Together We Celebrate the Success of Black Women Lawyers.
I am also thrilled to announce that SDCBWLA will host our Inaugural “Purple Reign” Gala. We hope this event energizes you to join us and get involved! Dance the night away and raise your glass to celebrate the accomplishments of Black women lawyers.
We are very proud to be the first Bar Association in our area to host a Juneteenth Celebration. Our Juneteenth Celebration partners with almost every Bar Association in the tri-county area (Palm Beach, Broward & Dade County) to celebrate this historic occasion. We also host an Annual Holiday Party, which is a great way for members to fellowship and celebrate the season.
Together We Succeed!
Together, We Raise Each other up!
Thank you again both personally and on behalf of our organization for your commitment and support!
"The success of every woman should