Metropolitan Black Bar NYC

This week, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association proudly recognizes the 10th Anniversary of the Black Maternal Health Movement, led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance .

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice and Joy,” reflects a truth we cannot ignore. Maternal health is not only a healthcare issue, it is a matter of justice, equity, and human rights. For the past decade, this movement has worked to shift the narrative around Black maternal health and to ensure that every birthing person is heard, respected, and cared for with dignity.

We stand alongside BMMA and the many organizations advancing this work and uplifting the call for: Maternal Justice: Closing gaps in care and outcomes Healthcare Equity: Expanding access to quality resources Joyful Birth: Honoring the beauty of life without fear As legal professionals and advocates, we recognize the role the law plays in shaping systems, protecting rights, and advancing accountability. Follow along with us this week as we share resources from to educate, advocate, and support Black mothers and families.

Together, we are rooted in justice. Together, we choose joy.






ENDMaternalMortality

THURSDAY: Join the Naacp, Mid-Manhattan Branch; the NAACP, New York Branch; the Metropolitan Black Bar NYC; and amny Law for a special event to discuss addressing the need for more Black male representation on NYC's bench.

Featuring:

•New York State Attorney General Letitia James
•Congress Member Gregory Meeks
•Council Member Gale A. Brewer

With special guest panelists:

•Attorney Arthur Greig
•Judge Guy Mitchell
•Consultant & Columnist Michael Oliva
•Judge J., Machelle Sweeting

We hope to see you here in Adler Hall!

On Friday, March 27, 2026, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA) will host the 2026 Hon. Theodore T. Jones Jr. Trial Advocacy Academy, sponsored by Steno. The program will be held in person at New York Law School, 185 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception.

This interactive CLE program brings together respected members of the bar and bench to equip trial attorneys with sophisticated, practical strategies for navigating every phase of trial practice. The Academy is designed for litigators who want to sharpen their skills and engage in thoughtful conversation about the craft of trial advocacy.

This year’s sessions include:

Own the First Impression: Voir Dire, Case Theory, and Openings That Land

Build the Record: Direct Examination, Exhibits, Experts, and Strategic Objections

Cross with Command: Control, Credibility, and Case Theory in Action

Close with Conviction: Turning Proof into Persuasion

The program includes lunch and is free for MBBA members and $25 for non-members. RSVP at mbbanyc.org.

At the Metropolitan Black Bar Association’s Annual Celebration of Black Judges, we celebrated brilliant jurists whose leadership reflects courage, character, and conviction.

In this year of A Century of Black History Commemorations, we honor those who carry the legacy forward through their service on the bench.

Diversity strengthens our courts. The rule of law sustains our democracy. Grateful to celebrate both.

Honoring Excellence. Amplifying Legacy.

Join us for the Metropolitan Black Bar Association’s 42nd Anniversary Awards Gala celebration!

Early Bird Tickets are on sale now until Feb 28th!

Sponsorships are available now—secure a table for your firm, organization, or your group of friends by emailing:
Monique Brizz-Walker at [email protected].

Honoring Excellence. Amplifying Legacy.

Join us for the Metropolitan Black Bar Association’s 42nd Anniversary Awards Gala celebration of our 2026 Honorees:

Public Servant of the Year:
Janai Nelson, President & Director Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.

Corporate Counsel of the Year:
Kermitt J. B., Chief Legal Officer, Guardian Life

Private Practitioner of the Year:
Deborah Enix-Ross, Senior Advisor, Global Engagement, Debevoise & Plimpton

Jurist of the Year:
Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Presiding Justice, Appellate Divsion, First Department

Trailblazers of the Year:
Robert Grey, President, LCLD
LCLD Leadership Council on Legal Diversity

Early Bird Tickets are on sale now until Feb 28th - https://lnkd.in/eC566WBd

Sponsorships are available now—secure a table for your firm, organization, or your group of friends by emailing:
Monique Brizz-Walker at [email protected].

Last week, MBBA members traveled to Selma and Montgomery for our Civil Rights Journey, engaging directly with the legal history that shaped voting rights, constitutional accountability, and equal justice under law.

Understanding the past remains essential to carrying out our responsibilities as lawyers today.

🎲 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the MBBA Young Lawyers Division Game Night!

We had a great time connecting, laughing, and enjoying some friendly competition.

Special shoutout to our amazing YLD leadership team for putting together another successful event:
Co-Chairs: Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau & Alexis Stanley
Vice Co-Chairs: Khadeya Penson & Nate Lancaster
Corresponding Secretary: Shelbi Molin

As we wrap up our events for the season, we’re grateful to everyone who supported and participated.

Stay tuned, we’re just getting started!

Join Us for a Dynamic Evening of Learning, Networking, & Action!

MBBA Membership Meeting
March 18, 2025
NYC Bar Association
42 W 44th St., New York, NY 10036
6:30pm EST

Part I: Be Your Own Boss: Move into Solo Practice!

Panel Discussion: Gain insights from experienced attorneys who have successfully transitioned into solo practice. Learn strategies, best practices, and key considerations for building a thriving law firm. Light refreshments will be served.

Part II: NBA Listening & Engagement Tour
A Call to Action with NBA Past President Joe Drayton

In celebration of the National Bar Association’s 100th Anniversary, this nationwide Listening and Engagement Tour is mobilizing Black lawyers and judges to fortify our collective strength in the fight for justice. Engage in powerful discussions, connect with fellow legal professionals, and help shape the future of the NBA’s Power in Numbers Movement.

In person attendees will have an opportunity to win 2 VIP tickets to the MBBA GALA

This is more than just a meeting, it’s a movement.
Be part of the change!

RSVP at mbbanyc.org/events

🚴🏾‍♂️ MBBA YLD x Peloton Ride with Alex Toussaint 🚴🏾‍♂️

On February 22, 2025, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (MBBA YLD) took over Peloton Studios for an unforgettable ride with the one and only Alex Toussaint!

A very special thank you to the YLD Leadership:

✨ Co-Chair Alexis Stanley
✨ Co-Chair Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau
✨ Corresponding Secretary Shelbi Motin
✨ Vice Chair Nate Lancaster
✨ Vice Chair Khadeya Penson

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP and Long Ridge Partners for making this ride possible. Your support helped bring our community together for a powerful, high-energy experience!

After the ride, we kept the momentum going at our networking reception, made possible by Steno. We appreciate your support in fostering connections and building relationships beyond the bike!

Stay tuned for more YLD events—we’re just getting started! 🔥💪🏾

🌟 This Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor a visionary leader whose legacy inspires justice, equality, and service. As we “Amplify Our Legacy,” we’re proud to announce our 41st Anniversary Gala honorees—trailblazers who drive progress forward. 🎉

📅 Celebrate with us! RSVP today.