Season’s Greetings WBA Members and Friends,
During this holiday season, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to lead the Washington Bar Association, an icon of history and a beacon of tradition within the legal and local communities that we proudly serve. We should all be thankful to be a part of the WBA’s legacy of Black legal excellence.
Especially during this season of giving, gratefulness, and goodwill, it is important that I honor those who give so selflessly of their time, effort and resources to support the WBA’s continued success. This includes many members of the WBA’s Board of Directors, particularly our amazing Officers and Executive Committee members, as well as our outstanding Committee Chairs who are critical to the organization’s success. I am also extremely thankful for the WBA’s dedicated members who support our events, initiatives, and programs, all of which promote the WBA’s mission of supporting the professional development and related needs of Black lawyers and demonstrating a commitment to social justice and advocacy on behalf of the Black community.
Most recently, many WBA members and friends showed their tremendous generosity by collectively donating nearly 100 toys for a Christmas Toy Giveaway in Southeast Washington, D.C. I would like to personally thank Brandes Ash and Terrell Matthews, Samara Gomez, Philip Hampton, the Silas Family, Jay Stewart, Wiley Rein LLP, and all the many anonymous donors for giving back to the community that gives so much to us as lawyers and legal professionals in the District of Columbia. It was truly inspiring (and exciting!) to watch all the Amazon boxes pile up in advance of the giveaway. Many thanks to Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and WBA Associate Member Tyrell Holcomb for extending this wonderful service opportunity to the WBA, and for sharing the event photos below. As you can see, our efforts helped lots of children have a very happy holiday.
I would also like to thank Past President and WBA Historian Robert Bell for leading the Select Committee of Past Presidents, including Past Presidents Felicia Chambers and Ronald Jessamy, that produced a beautiful WBA Commemorative Calendar for 2022. The first of its kind, this limited edition, keepsake calendar showcases the iconic names and faces that have contributed to the WBA’s rich 96-year history. The idea of developing a commemorative calendar was a seed planted in my mind many months ago. To watch that seed take root and bear fruit in the form of this publication is truly fulfilling. I owe the Select Committee a huge debt of gratitude for all their hard work in bringing this vision into reality.
Through this commemorative calendar, the WBA honors our forebearers in the legal profession and recognizes frontrunners in the fight for racial and social justice. The 12 monthly calendar pages are dedicated to the WBA’s esteemed founders, historic honorees, distinguished judges, trailblazing women leaders, preeminent legal scholars, and contemporary legal warriors who are all part of the WBA’s heritage. It also highlights significant dates in the WBA’s history, as well as key milestones in our continued pursuit of equal justice under law. This collector’s item is available for a limited time only for a donation of $20 per calendar. You can make donations and order calendars here. As a reminder, there will be no additional printings of the calendar, so be sure to get yours now, before 2022 arrives, and while supplies last!
As the coronavirus pandemic wears on, the WBA remains resilient. Unfortunately, the ongoing Delta variant, combined with the onset of Omicron, ultimately required us to forego the large-scale WBA Holiday Gala that has been the highlight of the season for so many of us over the past few years. Nevertheless, it was my distinct honor and pleasure to instead host a more intimate President’s Holiday Reception for all currently registered WBA members, as well as our generous sponsors and other special guests. Many thanks to all who came out to toast the season with the WBA. Here are a few photos from this festive occasion.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to personally congratulate former WBA Judicial Council Chair and Life Member, Judge Errol R. Arthur and Judge Leslie A. Meek, also formerly a part of the Judicial Council’s leadership, on their recent nominations by President Biden for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. I would also like to congratulate the WBA’s current Judicial Council Chair, Judge J.P. Howard, for being reported favorably out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and being placed on the Senate Executive Calendar for a final confirmation vote as a nominee for Associate Judge for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. The WBA is extremely proud of these outstanding accomplishments by the members of our esteemed Judicial Council. Well deserved, and well done!
For me, the holidays are a time for celebration as well as reflection. As 2021 draws to a close, I look back with gratitude on the past six months that I have had the great honor to serve as 52nd President of the WBA. We have already made significant strides and accomplished much. Looking forward to 2022, I envision many more successes to come.
My sincere thanks and appreciation to all the ardent supporters of our beloved WBA. And best wishes to all for a happy, healthy holiday season and a prosperous new year.
Onward and upward!
Kendra Perkins Norwood
PRESIDENT
Washington Bar Association
MAKE A DIFFERENCE. DONATE NOW!
Every donation – no matter the amount – is extremely valuable to the Washington Bar Association. Your contribution will help the WBA support professional development and address the related needs of Black lawyers in the District of Columbia, while furthering our commitment to social justice and advocacy efforts on behalf of the Black community.
