Message from the President, March 2024

Hello GBA Members!

February was a fantastic month for the GBA. We had several remarkable events, including the recognition of Jonathan Parisi as our inaugural Outstanding Young Lawyer, the successful hosting of a highly informative 6-hour virtual CLE seminar, and an enriching tour and member meeting at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. As for the museum tour, I have personally heard from so many of our members who thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated that experience, especially during Black History Month. It was also very heartening to learn that nearly a third of our attendees were first-time visitors to this historic museum. The GBA hopes to continue providing similar opportunities for our members in the future. 

As we transition into March, which is celebrated as Women’s History Month, we’re thrilled to honor the amazing achievements of women in the law. Historic women lawyers in the United States shattered barriers, marking significant strides towards equality in a traditionally male-dominated field. For example, Arabella Mansfield became the first female lawyer in 1869, pioneering opportunities for future generations. Belva Lockwood, admitted to the bar in 1873, was the first woman to argue before the United States Supreme Court and run for president. Clara Shortridge Foltz was the founder of the public defender movement in the 1890s. Florence Allen was the first woman in the United States to serve as a prosecutor and be elected as a trial court judge in 1920, breaking the judicial glass ceiling. The resilience and determination of these women and so many others, paved the way for women’s inclusion and success in the law. 

Additionally, I want to acknowledge the remarkable women who have served as President of the GBA, starting with Doris Bray in 1990. Since then, eight other women have led this association. I eagerly anticipate the leadership of our tenth female president, Manisha Patel, once my term concludes.

Please plan to join us for our March Member meeting where we’ll hear from four amazing women in the judiciary, the Sisters Who Rule. This meeting will also be a departure from our typical member meetings in that it will be virtual. However, lunch will be provided by the GBA courtesy of Chez Genese which is a woman-owned restaurant in Downtown Greensboro.

Finally, similar to February, there are several events planned in March to foster fellowship among our members. I encourage you to attend as many as possible… we’d love to see you.

Happy Women’s History Month!

Gerald L. Walden, Jr.

GBA President, 2023-2024