“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to serve as President of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA), New York State’s largest predominantly-Black bar association. I welcome and congratulate our newly elected Officers and Directors, whom I and the returning Directors look forward to working closely with to serve our members and the community.
My administration looks forward to continuing the MBBA’s mission of advancing equality and excellence in the pursuit of justice. From Buffalo to Uvalde, and far too many places in between, hate has been allowed to fester and cause horrific tragedies. It is time that changes. While the federal government has been slow to act, we cannot be disheartened and must continue to push for change. Our roles as attorneys and leaders require that we advocate for social justice and the end of mass gun violence.
We must continue the fight for the rule of law and the search for justice. Our fight is fueled by the hope we are given each day when a monumental feat is accomplished: the historic confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court; the long-overdue passage of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act; the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday; the convictions of the three men who committed a racially motivated hate crime when they murdered Ahmaud Arbery; the conviction of the police officer who murdered George Floyd; and the appearance of three Black women justices, Associate Justice Wavny Toussaint, Associate Justice Chereé Antoinette Buggs, and Presiding Justice Michelle Weston, on a bench hearing cases together in the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Term, Second Judicial Department. Even so, Black Americans face a cruel reality rooted in systemic oppression: we remain the target of unjust policing and incarceration, are subject to racial health disparities, and have yet to realize the economic equity promised by the American Dream.
We know we have a long way to go in perfecting our Union. As an organization of Black lawyers and legal professionals, we are the social engineers who must be at the forefront of effecting change. I am excited about the opportunity to lead this prestigious organization as we approach 40 years of service to the Bar and community. My theme for this Bar Year is “Expanding our REACH,” which we will achieve by enhancing the Resources and Education we provide to our members, broadening our legislative and public policy Advocacy, deepening our service to the Community, and protecting our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical Health. These goals can only be accomplished through the collective support of our members and partners because many hands make light work. If you are not already a member, I encourage you to become one today.”
Carl Forbes Jr.,
President, 2022-2024
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