LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Metropolitan Black Bar Association
upon the occasion of celebrating its 27th Anniversary Gala

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those professional associations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Metropolitan Black Bar Association upon the occasion of celebrating its
27th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at Steiner Studios,
Stage 6, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The theme of the Gala was "Answering the Call to Lead"; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this fine event recognized several distinguished
honorees, including: Michele Coleman Mayes, Executive Vice President and
General Counsel of Allstate Insurance Company, Trailblazer of the Year
Award; Michelle C. Ifill, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of
Verizon Business, Corporate Counsel of the Year Award; David A.
Crichlow, Partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw and Pittman LLP, Private
Practitioner of the Year Award; Taa Grays, Associate General Counsel and
Chief of Staff to the General Counsel of MetLife, Inc., Bar Leader of
the Year Award; The Honorable Tandra L. Dawson, Acting Justice, Supreme
Court, New York County, Integrated Domestic Violence Court Jurist of the
Year Award; The Honorable Gayle P. Roberts, Family Court of the City of
New York, Bronx County, Jurist of the Year Award; and Mylan L. Dener-
stein, Counsel to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Public Servant of the Year;
and
WHEREAS, The purpose of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA),
a unified citywide association of African-American and other minority
lawyers, is to advance equality and excellence in the pursuit of
justice, aid the progress of Blacks and other minorities in the profes-
sion, address legal issues affecting the citywide community, and foster
the study of law by encouraging the personal and professional develop-
ment of young lawyers and law students; and
WHEREAS, Founded on July 5, 1984, the Metropolitan Black Bar Associ-
ation was created from the merger of the Harlem Lawyers Association,
founded in 1921 and the Bedford Stuyvesant Lawyers Association, founded
in 1933; as one of the largest organizations of Black attorneys in New
York State, the MBBA continues the rich legacy of its two predecessor
organizations by providing a voice for Black legal professionals in the
communities it serves; and
WHEREAS, Today, the MBBA is comprised of mostly minority attorneys in
large and small law firms, solo practitioners, all levels of government,
academia, corporations, financial institutions, not-for-profit organiza-
tions and the judiciary; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its 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 Association and the population it serves;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals and organizations that devote their energy, resources
and thoughtful care to improving the quality and character of life in
their communities, and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the
maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Metropolitan Black Bar Association upon the occasion of
celebrating its 27th Anniversary, fully confident, in its future, it
will enjoy the same success which has so characterized its past; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and to the aforemen-
tioned honorees.