The Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association, on Feb. 19, hosted a powerful celebration, honoring the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month.
The event at the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, captured the Then, Now, Next of the historic observance, which originated in Negro History Week, established in February 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
The presentation was a collaboration among the Queens County Bar Association, the Queens County Criminal Bar Association, the Queens County Women’s Bar, and the Latino Lawyers Association. The Dominican Bar Association and the Colombian Lawyers Association, as well as the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, the Brandeis Association, and the South Asian & Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens, joined in.
A quilt of unity and hope, designed by the organization’s members, stood majestically in the reception area. It depicted the black struggle, images of noted black leaders, and historic events. A new volume titled A Protest History of the United States, penned by Professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, made up the collection on display. An Art exhibition showcasing culture, music, and innovation was also included.
President of the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association, Jawan Finley, said the collaboration is crucial, given the current state of “this country and a glimpse of the past.”
“The civil rights movement was developed and flourished through shared ideas and joint efforts of essential leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rabbi Abraham Joshua Herschel, Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Manmatha Nath Chatterjee, Harry Belafonte, and freedom rider, John Mulholland,” adding.
“Today, more than ever, it is so important that we continue to come together, engage in collective sharing of information, and coordinate efforts to help move this country towards a more civil and just union,” said Finley.
The gathering was a pivotal moment for black legal minds whose determination and steadfast commitment to the legal system were heard in the riveting presentations of the past, present, and future.
Hon. Janice A. Taylor, Associate Justice, New York State Appellate Division, Second Supreme Court of the State of New York, chronicled the Then, – Memory Foundation, and Legacy, honoring the legal, cultural, and ancestral groundwork that laid the groundwork for BHM. She contended that all black history is American history, adding, “though the celebration started with Woodson in 1926, it was finally designated as a month at Kent State University, and officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976.
“The story of black history began long before 1976 in Queens through the work of those who would become members of the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association. The first black female attorney in Queens was Florence Lucas,” shared Taylor, chairperson emeritus, MGABBA, during an informative history note.
Reflecting on the Now -Stewardship, Responsibility, Becoming- Justice, Family and Voice in the present moment, Hon. Cassandra A. Johnson, Surrogate, Queens County – spoke of the structure of the Surrogates court, noting, “The surrogates court governor transition. It is where law meets one of the most destabilizing realities lost. What happens there determines whether a family’s legacy survives it.”
She explained that the Surrogates Court sits at the hinge between generations. Families enter the Surrogates Court at a moment of vulnerability, often grieving, uncertain, and fractured. How the court meets them in that moment matters, said Judge Johnson, during a detailed summary that showcased her excellence in action for the system she serves with distinction.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) student Rugens Jean Baptist captivated the audience with what is Next – inheriting the work, becoming the Promise – A voice that will shape tomorrow.
“I stand here representing the next generation of legal professionals. The future is in capable hands. Not because we are perfect, not because we have all the answers. But because we are prepared to learn, to listen, to work, to lead with integrity.
“Black history in the legal field is not about where we have been. It’s about where we are going. We are going forward: more informed, more intentional, and more inspired,” said Baptist, a first-generation college student, proud Haitian American, and law school aspirant.
The outstanding presentation included a cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed music from the Jordan Young Trio. There was spirited drumming by Shango of the Valley. Gifted harpist Megan Joie Coleman provided a musical interlude.
Samplings of Southern cuisine of chicken and waffles, gumbo, and corn cake, prepared by Chef Dexter “Premo” Sanders, themed: Commemoration Through Food, was also a highlight.
Closing & Vote of Thanks was delivered by emcee Jawan Finley, president of Guyanese American Judge Andrea S. Ogle, Supreme Court of the state of NY, prayed for those “who fought and continue to fight for our freedom and principles that our society is attempting to erase.”
“May we continue to March toward the light to a more united future as we come together in love and understanding. Celebrating our differences, true to our God and to our heritage, as we work towards ending racism and injustice and breaking down barriers that divide us. Let our communities become places where kindness is common and respect is shared freely.
“We pray for peace with justice, and opportunity for all,” said Judge Ogle during the benediction.
Those in attendance were Beverly George, Esq., Hon. Janice A. Taylor. Hon. Cassandra A. Johnson, Hon. Lourdes A. Ventura, Hon. Valerie Brathwaite Nelson, Regens Jean Baptiste (senior John Jay College), Hon. Nicole A. Mc Gregory Mundy, Jawan Finley, Esq., Hon. Melissa B. Deberry, Hon. Andrea S. Ogle, Hon. Fania Jean, Hon. Ulysses B. Leverett (ret.), and Hon. Marguerite A. Grays.
