Senate Resolution No. 1138
BY: Senator GAUGHRAN
COMMEMORATING the 25th Anniversary of the Amistad
Long Island Black Bar Association
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Amistad Long Island Black Bar
Association, to be celebrated at a Cocktail Party on Thursday, July 29,
2021, at the Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association, formerly
known as the Amistad Suffolk Black Bar Association before it expanded to
both the Nassau and Suffolk regions, was created to foster community,
professional development, and growth among attorneys of color in the
Long Island area; and
WHEREAS, The Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association actively
provides supportive environments for law students, judges, and attorneys
of color in all walks of the profession; and
WHEREAS, In the early spring of 1996, Robert B. Cox, Jr., J. Stewart
Moore and Victoria Gumbs met with the only black judges in Suffolk
County, the Honorable Marquette L. Floyd, New York State Supreme Court
Justice, and the Honorable Peter J. Newman, Suffolk County District
Court Judge to discuss the formation of a bar association of African
American attorneys; and
WHEREAS, The three lawyers decided that advocating for political
participation and parity needed to extend to the courts, since there
were too few African Americans either as court officers, clerks, and
judges; and
WHEREAS, Henceforth, the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association
was formed, and since then, there has been an increase in diversity of
court personnel in both Suffolk and Nassau Counties; Victoria Gumbs
Moore was elected to the Suffolk County Family Court as the first
African American and the first African American woman; Valerie M.
Cartright was elected as the first African American and person of
Haitian descent to be elected to the State Supreme Court; the Honorable
Derrick Robinson, District Court Judge was elected to the State Supreme
Court; Michelle M. Woodard became the first African American woman
elected to the New York State Supreme Court in the 10th Judicial
District; and Alonzo Jacobs of Islip was elected as a Suffolk County
District Court Judge; in addition, there are numerous African Americans
working throughout the law department; and
WHEREAS, For 25 years, the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association
has held social functions with a theme and a purpose to celebrate
African American attorneys and leaders who impact the lives of the
African American community; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the organization has remained
steadfast in its mission in the development of African American lawyers
and being committed to legal issues of and concerning the African
American community; Amistad holds an annual Day of Service Program on
MLK, Jr. Day, sponsor a Constitution Day program at local schools in
underserved communities, offers mentorship and internship opportunities
to students, and prepares and mentors high school students who
participate in a national oratory competition sponsored by the National
Bar Association; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Amistad stands steadfast with other organizations
in the furtherance of voter registration and election protection
programs, advocating for legal and social reform which is free from
racism and unequal treatment; and
WHEREAS, Since 2020, much of Amistad's attention has focused on the
impact of COVID-19, the New York State Criminal Justice Reform
legislation and social protest following the unjustifiable murders of
Breona Taylor and George Floyd; recently, Newsday recognized several
Amistad members among the 2020 Long Island Power 100, the leaders of
Nassau and Suffolk; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association
consists of jurist, attorneys in a wide range of practice and law
clerks; this vital organization will surely enjoy the same success which
has so characterized its past; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Amistad Long Island Black Bar
Association is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated
members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization
and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association is the result of
a changing America, a changing Long Island, and was borne out of the
Civil Rights movement of the 1960s which was the precursor to the Black
political movement of the 1980s; and
WHEREAS, There is a strong connection between the increased
political activity within the black community and the present increase
in the diversity of the courts, private law firms, various governmental
and non-governmental entities on Long Island; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Amistad Long Island Black Bar
Association; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association.
