A Message From Garden State Bar Association President
Greta Gooden Brown

October 2, 2008

I am honored to assume the presidency of the Garden State Bar Association (GSBA) for the 2008 to 2009 term. GSBA arose out of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's to enhance, improve and mainstream the status and the image of the African American attorney in the State of New Jersey. Today, the issues we tackle individually and collectively have evolved and the role of GSBA has adapted accordingly. The purpose of GSBA has broadened to encompass supporting other ethnic minorities and the core mission has expanded to advancing the science of jurisprudence, improving the administration of justice, supporting initiatives designed to improve economic conditions of all individuals, and working to eliminate discrimination and inequality based on racial, ethnic or sexual considerations.

The evolution of GSBA’s purpose and mission has further cemented the need for an organization like GSBA. While GSBA members have had a historical and practical impact on New Jersey’s legal landscape, we must continue to be vigilant on issues of accessibility, inclusion and diversity. While we recognize that GSBA leaders and luminaries should be applauded and commended for their individual and collective achievements, we must continue to address an unfinished agenda for social, professional and economic parity. And, while GSBA should take great pride in its past accomplishments, on the eve of this year’s historic presidential election, we must embrace the urgency of now and renew our commitment to concerted action for the benefit of our membership and our community at large.

With this mission in mind, my goals for GSBA for the 2008 to 2009 term are three fold: to empower GSBA membership; to serve the community at large; and to develop an organizational infrastructure that will enhance GSBA’s credibility and withstand the inevitable annual changes in the organization’s leadership. To this end, I am grateful for the sound leadership of our immediate Past President, Geraldine Reed Brown, who has provided GSBA with a blueprint for success.

I plan to follow Past President Brown’s lead by continuing to build bridges with the three branches of State government, the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch and the Judiciary, in order to support and promote initiatives, policies and practices beneficial to our membership and our community at large. I plan to explore effective strategies to support increased representation of African American attorneys in leadership positions in major law firms and corporations. I plan to continue collaborating and partnering with other bar associations in providing professional advancement and networking opportunities as well as informational and educational outreach programs.

Support of its membership is crucial to any organization’s success and strength. I would like to increase the membership of GSBA by engaging in an aggressive membership campaign and by professionalizing the operational infrastructure of GSBA so as to foster retention and responsiveness to members’ needs. This, in turn, will give the organization the type of power needed to be an effective advocate on behalf of its members.

I am looking forward to working with the Officers and the Board Members over the next several months. I welcome your ideas, your energy and your commitment. With your support, I accept this mantle of leadership with great humility and with great expectations for a successful year.