Age: 69
Family: Wife — Lee; Children — Dara, Kemba and Reese
Pets: None
Education: Morgan State University; B.A., History; Howard University School of Law, J.D.
Admitted to Bar: 1967
Employed: Private practice — personal injury, probate, family law, etc.
Professional organizations: National Bar Association, The Jacksonville Bar Association and D.W. Perkins Bar Association.
Community involvement: Past president, Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association; past chairman of the board, Florida Human Relations Commission; board member of the Jacksonville Urban League; past member of the Downtown Development Authority; Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity; and volunteer pro bono attorney for Probate Matters for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
How did you get involved?
At a very early age, I dreamed of being an attorney. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of persons who, by their choice or someone else’s, was involved in our legal system. As I prepared to become an attorney, many people, family, instructors, friends and others provided me with help and assistance. Without the time and support that I received from many in critical times, my life could have easily taken a different direction. The one promise I made to myself was never forget these lessons I have learned from others and to always give back by paying it forward. Access to the legal system should never be denied to anyone particularly, because of circumstances or finances. I became involved because of the help and the lessons learned from those who were a part of my life.
How can someone else get involved?
There are many charitable organizations in Jacksonville who need volunteers for their survival. A person simply needs to identify a concern or cause where they would like to help and place the call.
What have you learned through the experience?
I learned from my experience that your efforts can make someone else’s life a little easier. Also, I learned that there are many more people who could use a shoulder.
What is the last book you read or are reading?
“Giving: How Each of us Can Change the World,” by Bill Clinton. “Supreme Discomfort: The Divided Soul of Clarence Thomas,” by Kevin Merida and Michael Fletcher.