The national legal community observed Law Day 2024 on May 1 but the Jacksonville Bar Association led multiple celebrations of this annual event during the months of April and May.
This year was the 66th anniversary of Law Day, which was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958.
The 2024 theme, “Voices of Democracy,” recognizes that the people rule in a democracy with the goal of encouraging Americans to gain a deeper understanding of and to participate in the electoral process.
This year, the U.S. will hold its 60th presidential election which requires Americans to consider important questions about democracy, the rule of law and moving the country forward after free and fair elections.
The objective of this year’s Law Week was to educate citizens about the electoral process and the importance of making all voices heard.
The JBA held the JBA Law Luncheon on May 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront.
Jacksonville City Council President Ron Salem discussed the “Voices of Democracy” theme and provided updates about recent issues that have come before the Council.
Jill Mullins, an art teacher at West Riverside Elementary School, received the JBA’s 2024 Liberty Bell Award.
The award was established more than 40 years ago to recognize outstanding community service provided by a nonlawyer who has contributed to the cause of justice and to the legal community.
Mullins is a passionate and dedicated educator who has served as the liaison for the Law Week Poster Contest for the past several years.
Law Week Committee members visited Ms. Mullins’ fourth-grade art classes in April to encourage learning about and respect for the role of law in our society through a discussion of this year’s democracy-focused theme.
Mullins assisted the students to create posters and members of the JBA voted for their favorites.
The 2024 Law Week Committee added a new event for local students. A speech contest, organized by Alexandria Hill and Kathryn Alkire, offered the opportunity for students at Jean Ribault High School to create and record original speeches on the topic “How Can Young Voices Shape the Future of our Democracy?”
Six students submitted presentations and three were recognized at the luncheon.
Mya Ingram was the first-place winner and received a $500 award. Ms. Ingram shared her speech with the attendees.
Jasmine Delphonse was the second-place winner and recipient of a $100 award and Zyonna Rolle was the third-place winner and recipient of a $50 award.
The JBA and local legal community also participated in several fundraising events to benefit Jacksonville residents.
An art supply and toiletries drive resulted in a great deal of donations going to West Riverside Elementary School and Downtown Ecumenical Services Council, an organization that helps families and individuals in need.
Many participants gave generously to this cause and both organizations were appreciative of the support.
The JBA Law Week Committee, along with the Jacksonville Beaches Bar Association, sponsored the annual Rendezvous on the Rooftop on April 30 at Casa Marina’s Penthouse Lounge.
The event benefits Dreams Come True, a Jacksonville nonprofit that grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.
This year’s event raised a total of $2,275 and about 60 people attended.
The JBA has raised more than $33,000 to help fund the dreams of 14 local children and this year’s event will provide a dream for another local child.
The JBA Law Week Committee thanks everyone who attended and supported this year’s events, and we are looking forward to making Law Day 2025 even better.
If you would like to join the Law Week Committee, contact Craig Shoup at [email protected].