In its 91-year history, the State Bar of Arizona never had a Black person leading the organization as president until last June.
That president was me.
With one-year terms, the president of the State Bar is tasked with overseeing Arizona attorneys and judges, implementing new initiatives and ensuring the judicial system is honest and fair for everyone.
In the last year, the top priority was to increase diversity in the State Bar.
When named the first Black president of the State Bar, it was pertinent for me to ensure that the organization has people of all races, identities, backgrounds, ages and genders contributing ideas and making the organization welcoming to all.
When first joining the Bar, there were very few people of color as members and in leadership positions. It felt like a daunting challenge to serve on the leadership team, especially as a Black........