National Bar Association

The National Bar Association is on Capitol Hill today for our annual Day on the Hill.

NBA members from across the country are engaging lawmakers on voting rights, judicial independence, civil rights protections, DEI, access to justice, and the future of constitutional rights.

For more than a century, Black lawyers have defended democracy and advanced equal justice under the law.

Today, we celebrate the mothers and mother figures whose love, sacrifice, wisdom, and strength shape generations and sustain our communities.

To every woman leading with grace, nurturing with purpose, and pouring into others even when no one is watching — thank you. Your impact is immeasurable, and your love leaves a legacy far beyond what words can express.

Wishing you a beautiful Mother’s Day and Mother Figures Day filled with love and appreciation. ❤️

With gratitude,
Ashley L. Upkins
President, National Bar Association

STATEMENT OF ACTION FROM NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT ASHLEY UPKINS ON THE U.S. SUPREME COURT’S DECISION IN LOUISIANA v. CALLAIS
Summary: We don’t fret. We don’t get complacent. We Organize. We Vote. We Demand. We Fight for Our Freedom!💪🏾✊🏾🗽⚖️

🎸AFTER TODAY, EARLY BIRD GOES AWAY! NBA 101st Annual Convention in Nashville. Register now: https://events.nationalbar.org/nashville/ - https://mailchi.mp/nationalbar/a-new-dawn-your-nba-updates-opportunities-invitations-13388605

40 of the brightest. 40 of the boldest. 40 who are not waiting their turn—they are defining what leadership looks like and they are just getting started.

The National Bar Association proudly presents the 2025–2026 40 Lawyers Under 40—a dynamic class of advocates, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of our profession and our communities.

This class reflects the brilliance and purpose that has always defined the NBA.

Join us in congratulating this extraordinary group at the 101st NBA Annual Convention in Nashville, TN on Monday, July 27, 2026.

We’re excited to continue the momentum today at the 46th Gertrude E. Rush Conference in San Diego!

Our sessions promise to be just as impactful as we engage in critical discussions on legal leadership, justice reform, and diversity in the legal profession.

Today is another day of collaboration, learning, and action to advance justice, equity, and Black legal leadership. Join us for another transformative day!

We’re excited to kick off the 46th Gertrude E. Rush Conference today in San Diego, CA!

This conference continues the legacy of legal excellence and civil rights advocacy.

Today’s agenda features dynamic sessions, inspiring speakers, and the opportunity to engage with leaders in law and justice reform.

👀 Have you peeped this Line up?? 🔥Keep Swiping to see our 2026 MVP line up. The sails of the 46th Annual Gertrude Rush Conference are catching wind and picking up speed on the beautiful San Diego Marina.

You may have heard that we are almost Sold out but the Good News is…. You … yes YOU ……still have a few hours to Register.

Send Us a DM or Visit the link in the bio to lock in as we gear up for Prime-time Panel Discussions with , Real Fireside Chats with the creative powerhouse , wrapping up our ride as we coast into the San Diego sunset with our Annual Gala taking place this Saturday 3/28/26. Now… don’t say we didn’t tell you…. you don’t want to miss seeing our Host take it up a few Knots! 🛥️

The views on the Marina are amazing but most importantly we want to hear from you!!!

Who are you most excited to hear from this week week? Comment below 👇🏽

👀 Have you peeped this Line up?? 🔥Keep Swiping to see our 2026 MVP line up. The sails of the 46th Annual Gertrude Rush Conference are catching wind and picking up speed on the beautiful San Diego Marina.

You may have heard that we are almost Sold out but the Good News is…. You … yes YOU ……still have a few hours to Register.

Send Us a DM or Visit the link in the bio to lock in as we gear up for Prime-time Panel Discussions with , Real Fireside Chats with the creative powerhouse , wrapping up our ride as we coast into the San Diego sunset with our Annual Gala taking place this Saturday 3/28/26. Now… don’t say we didn’t tell you…. you don’t want to miss seeing our Host take it up a few Knots! 🛥️

The views on the Marina are amazing but most importantly we want to hear from you!!!

Who are you most excited to hear from this week week? Comment below 👇🏽

WOMEN WHO LEAD: the 90s. From 1990 to 1999, four extraordinary women helped shape the trajectory of the National Bar Association through leadership defined by impact and excellence: Algenita Davis (1990–1991), the third woman President, drove transformative community development—helping build over 430 affordable homes as Chair of TIRZ 9 and supporting 350+ families into homeownership through Houston Habitat for Humanity, while also serving as General Counsel for the Port of Houston Authority and an executive at JPMorgan Chase; Sharon McPhail (1991–1992) brought fearless advocacy from the courtroom to public office, serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Detroit City Council member, and national voice on civil rights and policing reform; Paulette Brown (1993–1994) led globally—monitoring South Africa’s first democratic elections—and later made history as the first woman of color President of the American Bar Association, while advancing diversity and equity across the legal profession; and Beverly McQueary Smith (1998–1999) elevated scholarship and service, shaping generations of lawyers as a professor, serving in national and international leadership roles including with the United Nations, and advancing justice through environmental, consumer, and legal education advocacy.