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Paul C. Perkins Bar Association Launches Inaugural Hall of Fame at 40th Annual Gala

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(l-r) Hon. Theotis Bronson, Paul C. Perkins Jr. (on behalf of his father Paul C. Perkins Sr.), Hon. Emerson Thompson Jr., Hon. Belvin Perry Jr., and Jerry G. Magruder pose with their Paul C. Perkins Bar Association inaugural Hall of Fame awards during the Association's 40th Anniversary Gala at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel Saturday, November 13, 2021. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

ORLANDO, FL – The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) honored trailblazing black attorneys during its Inaugural Hall of Fame and Scholarship Gala in celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel Saturday.

During the gala, PCPBA honored the legacies of Orlando’s first African American lawyers, Paul C. Perkins, Sr. and James C. Collier, along with 12 other legal professionals who paved the way towards diversity in the Central Florida legal community. Each of the inaugural Hall of Fame inductees began their legal careers more than 40 years ago.

Additionally, scholarships were awarded to students attending Florida A&M University College of Law and Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law.

Attorney, author, and past president of PCPBA Gregorio A. Francis, Esq. (below, at podium) (Osborne & Francis, PLLC) delivered the night’s keynote speech.

 

 

The gala’s theme was “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Embracing the Future.” President Benjamin Garcia (below) said, “It is an honor to serve as president of this prestigious organization as it celebrates 40 years of service to the Central Florida community. The Board of Directors, Gala Committee, and I are honored to recognize the contributions of our Hall of Fame inductees and to reward the academic achievements of our future social engineers.”

 

Inaugural Paul C. Perkins Bar Association Hall of Fame Inductees

Ralph Armstead (below) is a founding member and past president of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association. He is a native of Orlando, FL, and received his law degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1972. He has served the Central Florida legal community for nearly 50 years and is one of the area’s longest practicing African American lawyers.

Attorney Ralph Armstead receives his award as he is inducted into the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association Hall of Fame during the Association's 40th Anniversary Gala at the Rosen Shingle Creek Saturday, November 13, 2021. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

Attorney Ralph Armstead receives his award as he is inducted into the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association Hall of Fame during the Association’s 40th Anniversary Gala at the Rosen Shingle Creek Saturday, November 13, 2021. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

 

Jeanelle G. Bronson (below) is a native of Winter Park, FL. She graduated with high honors from the University of Florida College of Law in 1978. Following a clerkship with U.S. District Court Judge John A. Reed, she secured a position with the law firm Swann & Haddock P.A. At that firm, she became the first African American woman in Orange County to become a partner in a majority firm. She later became a named partner at the law firm Grower, Ketcham, Rutherford, Bronson, Eide & Telan, P.A.

 

Theotis Bronson (below) is a native of Orlando, FL. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in 1978. Governor Bob Graham appointed him to the Orange County Court bench in 1986. He was subsequently appointed to the Circuit Court by Governor Lawton Chiles in 1993. He retired from active service in 2013.

 

James C. Collier (1920-2005) graduated from Howard University School of Law in 1949. Following admission to The Florida Bar later that year, he became the first African American to practice law in Central Florida. He served the community for nearly five decades as an advocate for civil rights and equality.

Clarence W. Counts, Jr. (below) served two terms (2008-2010) as president of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association. He graduated from Howard University School of Law in 1976. He served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps United States Navy, from 1976 to 1983, and he continued to serve in the United States Naval Reserve until his retirement in 2000 with the rank of Captain. Additionally, he served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Florida, from 1990 until his retirement in 2010.

 

Evelyn D. Golden (below) is a past president of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association. She received her law degree from University of Florida College of Law in 1976. In 1990, she was elected to the Orange County Court, becoming the first African American woman to serve as a judge in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Following her tenure on the bench, she served as an Attorney Advisor and Senior Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

Jerrie G. Magruder (below) is a past president of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association. She graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law at the age of 20, becoming the youngest documented graduate of the law school. Her more than 40-year legal career has been dedicated to public service, including positions with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association and Greater Orlando Area Legal Services. She presently serves as Director of the Mississippi Field Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

Joseph Morrell, Sr. (1951-2020) was a founding member and one of the first presidents of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association. He was a native of Winter Park, FL, and received his law degree from University of Florida in 1977. He was a distinguished member of the Central Florida legal community. He practiced in the areas of Municipal Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Probate, and Appellate Law. Additionally, he served as General Counsel for the Town of Eatonville, FL, for nearly 40 years.

Paul C. Perkins, Sr. (1918-1985) served the community of Central Florida as an advocate for civil rights and justice. He graduated from Howard University School of Law in 1949 and was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1950. When he moved to Orlando in 1951, he became the second African American attorney to serve the area. Early in his career, he served as co-counsel with Thurgood Marshall and Jack Greenberg of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in their defense of the “Groveland Four.” In 1965, he was appointed to serve as the first African American City Prosecutor by Orlando Mayor Robert S. Carr.

Belvin Perry, Jr. (below) is a native of Orlando, FL. He graduated from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1977. In December of that year, State Attorney Robert Eagan offered him a position at the Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. He was later elevated to the positions of Felony Division Chief, Chief of Criminal Intake, and Chief Assistant State Attorney. In 1989, he was elected to the Ninth Circuit Court bench, becoming the first African American to serve without first being appointed. Prior to his retirement in 2014, he served as Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit for nine terms (1995-1999, 2001-2014).

 

James E.C. Perry (below) received his law degree from Columbia Law School in 1972. During his years in private practice, his firm served as general counsel for the Florida Chapter Branches of the NAACP. In March 2000, Governor Jeb Bush appointed him to the Circuit Court bench of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. He became the first African American to serve in that capacity and was later elected to serve as chief judge. In March 2009, Governor Charlie Crist appointed him to the Florida Supreme Court, where he served until his retirement in 2016.

 

Judge Perry had a humorous response to realizing the Paul C. Perkins Bar was celebrating its 40th anniversary.

 

 

James M. Sowell, Jr. (1946-2020) was a native of Jasper, FL. He received his law degree from the University of Florida in 1974 and was among the first 20 African American graduates of the law school. He began his legal career at the Ninth Circuit Public Defender’s Office, where he was the first African American to serve as an assistant public defender in the office.

Emerson R. Thompson, Jr. (below) graduated from Florida State University College of Law in 1973. He was hired as an assistant state attorney with the Ninth Judicial Circuit, becoming the first African American to serve in that position. In 1976, he was appointed by Governor Reubin Askew to the Orange County Court bench, becoming the first African American to serve as a judge in the Ninth Circuit. He was subsequently appointed to the Circuit Court by Governor Bob Graham in 1980 and later served as the first African American Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit. In 1993, he was appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles to serve as the first African American jurist on the Fifth District Court of Appeals.

 

Norris D. Woolfork, III (1934-2005) received his law degree from Howard University School of Law. In 1961, he became legal counsel for the Orange County Chapter of the NAACP and successfully led the effort to desegregate Orange County public schools. He also successfully sued Orange Memorial Hospital for equal medical treatment and services for African American patients.

 

About the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association

The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association was founded in 1981. It is a professional organization devoted to actively promoting the advancement of African Americans in the legal profession and diversity within leadership roles in the Central Florida community. PCPBA also strives to educate the Central Florida African American community about the legal system and promote reform and improvements in the law to aid in the administration of justice.

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Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:

  • Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
  • Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
  • Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
  • Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).

“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”

As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”

In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.

“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”

In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.

“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”

As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.

Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”

The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.

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VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.

Hart’s Twitter Statement:

Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”

During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.

Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.

 

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Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House

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Former State Representative Bruce Antone respond to questions by CFABJ, NAACP, and the Florida Voters League panel during a candidates forum in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.

During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.

The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

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