The Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA) 39th Anniversary Gala was a night to remember!
Black excellence was illuminating inside the Chelsea Pier 60 NYC at this event that was hosted by WNBC anchor David Ushery. Live drummers and a young dance group made attendees feel like royalty as they were escorted in to the registration area.
The President of the MBBA NYC, Mr. Carl Forbes Jr. elaborated on his passion for starting this bar association chapter along with Chairman Nate Saint Victor, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. The MBBA consists of attorneys, jurists, public servants within the legal profession, and other entrepreneurs. The room was filled with people of excellence, colleagues, friends, family, and city officials.
Honorees for the night included:
Deborah N. Archer – Trailbrazer of the Year
The Honorable Tanya R. Kennedy – Jurist of the Year
Camille Chin-Kee-Fatt – Public Servant of the Year
Conway Ekpo – Corporate Counsel of the Year
Nexus U. Sea – Private Practitioner of the Year
Lola Waterman – Member of the Year
Jeremy A. Garcia – Presidential Awardee
All were presented awards for their hard work, consistency, and continued tenacity as the Honorable Tanya R. Kennedy stated in her speech, ” Yes, we are here celebrating tonight. But tommorrow is another day to keep fighting for our cause of making sure we are counted as African Americans knowing our rights and making a difference because we still have work to do!”
Other highlights of the evening included a message from the Honorable Mayor Eric Adams, New York City’s leader and warrior, as he spoke about improvements to the city’s policy on safety. He spoke of how he became Mayor in a divine encounter and of his constant fight for equality, unity, and the structure of a just legal system along with not giving up on the next generation. The Association welcomed Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and New York State Assembly Member Gregory Meeks.
The MBBA 39th Anniversary Gala featured an art auction and cocktail reception. The hors d’oeuvres were divine and the cocktails were unlimited. Dinner consisted of salads, entrees, and dessert. The feast ended with an after-party that had guests dancing to music by DJ Niara Sterling and live performances by Thurston O’Neal. This event was produced by Bee Season Events, and it was a success and enjoyable experience for all!