In 1977, The Black Lawyers Association was founded by a group of lawyers who realized that barriers to full inclusion into the legal community in Miami-Dade County could only be overcome through a collective effort. Lawyers such as Harold Fields, George Knox, Harold Long, Jesse McCrary, Ralph Person, Clinton Pitts and H.T. Smith were the visionaries who brought this dream to life. H.T. Smith served as the first President of The Black Lawyers Association for three (3) years and was succeeded by our first woman President, Joyce Knox.
Since that time, 34 other Black lawyers have served as the Association’s President, and The Black Lawyers Association has had a significant impact on the legal, civic and political landscape of Miami-Dade County. In addition, The Black Lawyers Association has provided financial assistance and mentoring to a large number of law and undergraduate students. It has implemented mentoring programs with elementary and junior high school students and oratorical contests for high school students.
In September 2003, The Black Lawyers Association formally changed its name to The Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association. The name change was in recognition of the outstanding contributions Judge Ferguson made to our community. Today, the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association remains committed to the ideal of equal access, equal opportunity and equal justice in the legal system.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Harold Fields
George Knox
Harold Long
Jesse McCrary
Ralph Person
Clinton Pitts
H.T. Smith
PAST PRESIDENTS
H.T. Smith 1977-1980 |
Kenneth E. Walton, II 2003-2004 |
Joyce Knox 1980-1981 |
Walter J. Harvey 2004-2005 |
Eddie Fields 1981-1982 |
Muslima Lewis 2005-2006 |
Charles C. Mays 1982-1983 |
Roderick D. Vereen 2006-2007 |
Marilynn Koonce Lindsey 1983-1984 |
Christina A. McKinnon 2007-2008 |
Vincent P. McGhee 1984-1985 |
Michele Samaroo 2008-2009 |
David C. Self 1985-1986 |
Christopher E. Benjamin 2009-2010 |
Larry R. Handfield 1986-1989 |
Jennifer D. Ellis 2010-2011 |
William C. Robinson 1989-1990 |
Nicole M. Ellis 2011-2012 |
Deborah S. Rose 1990-1991 |
Noel F. Johnson 2012-2013 |
Gregory A. Samms 1991-1993 |
Yolanda P. Strader 2013-2014 |
Harry C. Wallace, Jr. 1993-1995 |
Leigh-Ann Buchanan 2014-2015 |
Richard O. Dansoh 1995-1996 |
Joycelyn Brown 2015-2016 |
Rayfield M. McGhee 1996-1997 |
Ian G. Ward, II 2016-2017 |
Reginald J. Clyne 1997-1999 |
Trelvis D. Randolph 2017-2018 |
Cynthia A. Everett 1999-2000 |
Monique D. Hayes 2018-2019 |
Jason M. Murray 2000-2001 |
Loreal Arscott 2019-2020 |
Marc A. Douthit 2001-2002 |
Trelvis D. Randolph 2020-2022 |
Veronica Harrell-James 2002-2003 | Christopher Lomax 2022-2023 |
Hon. Shirlyon McWhorter 2003 | TerryAnn S. Howell 2023-2024 |
The purpose and mission of the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association is to: