featuring: OFFICERS
President – Carl Forbes Jr., Esq.
President-Elect – Nicole Lester Arrindell, Esq.
VIce President, Communications – Justina K. Rivera, Esq.
Vice President, Finance – Eric A. Love, Esq.
Vice President, Membership – Lauren Brown, Esq.
Vice President, Programs – Evette C. Ennis, Esq.
Treasurer – Anta Cissé-Green, Esq.
General Counsel – Jennifer V. Abelaj, Esq.
Image via Jay McClinton/DosOjosMedia
By Marc W. Polite
The Metropolitan Black Bar Association has plans to expand its service to its members, and the community in general. On October 10th, the MBBA held an event for the purpose of installing its new leadership. This event was held at Proskauer Rose LLP, and president-elect Carl Forbes Jr. and the rest of the 2022-23 MBBA board were sworn in by the Honorable Patria Frias-Colon.
In a conversation via phone with Mr. Forbes Jr, he discusses his intention to expand and enhance the reach of the MBBA. Through the pro-bono committee, MBBA has recently hosted workshops around issues such as immigration rights, and deed theft. The purpose of these workshops is to inform those who are typically underserved and to advocate for these communities from a legal perspective.
Not stopping there, the MBBA will also highlight the importance of mental health to its members and those it serves. In talking about the need to push for public policy on behalf of mental health concerns, the organization embraces the servant-leader model. “We can’t serve if we are worn down”- said Mr. Forbes Jr.
Supporters of the MBBA should take notice of the offerings of the organization, including the forthcoming Black History Month 2023 program. People who are not lawyers, who wish to support the mission of the MBBA can look to the organization to provide programming. Whether it’s a “Know Your Rights” forum at a local church or a workshop for homeowners to beware of unscrupulous developers out to buy their homes below market value, the MBBA is poised to advocate for those who need it.
To find out more about the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, visit its official website.