JLTLAF Gala Booklet 2022

Paul Stafford

In 1952, Black lawyers in Dallas faced discrimination within the legal profession and throughout the Dallas community. Keenly aware of the threat to their safety, their livelihood, and their lives, a group of these courageous lawyers formed the ‘Barristers Club’ to address some of the challenges of the times. The ‘Barristers Club’ eventually became the J.L. Turner Legal Society, and ultimately the J.L. Turner Legal Association. In the 70 years since its inception, the JLTLA has continuously provided professional development and networking to its members, as well as service and pro bono legal resources to the community.

Continuing that commitment, in 1996 the JLTLA formed the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation as the 501(c)(3) non-profit of the JLTLA. Through your support in the years since, the JLTLA Foundation has been diligently promoting legal education and the provision of legal services. In addition, each year, the JLTLA Foundation raises thousands of dollars in scholarships for deserving law student, with the recognition of these students at the annual JLTLA Foundation Gala. This year is no exception.

As 2022 JLTLA Foundation Chair, it is an honor to serve the JLTLA and its Foundation, and a privilege to welcome you to the 2022 J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala, aptly themed: “Renaissance: Celebrating 70 Years of Black Excellence!”, commemorating the JLTLA’s 70th Anniversary and honoring the pioneers who made this anniversary possible. Tonight, we also recognize our law student scholarship recipients – each of whom has displayed the diligence and commitment necessary to become excellent lawyers, while promoting diversity in the legal profession through their presence and service. Recipients of the Hon. L.A. Bedford Awards will also be recognized at tonight’s Gala. These awards are among the highest bestowed by JLTLA and its Foundation, and this year’s recipients are among the most deserving.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, contributors, and attendees who made tonight’s JLTLA Foundation Gala possible, including the JLTLA, the JLTLA Foundation Board of Directors, the Gala Committee (especially Gala Chair Koi Spurlock and Co-Chair Nakisha Williams), and the Scholarship Committee (especially Chair Greg Franklin). This Gala and your commitment are testament that, although many of the challenges facing those courageous founders 70 years ago remain today, the commitment to address those challenges remains as well. Onward.

2022

2022 J.L.

KoiEles Lomas Spurlock

Greetings!

On behalf of the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation (“JLTLAF”), it is my honor to welcome you to our annual Scholarships & Awards Gala, aptly titled “Renaissance: Celebrating 70 Years of Black Excellence!” I am thrilled to serve as the 2022 Foundation Gala Chair.

For the last 70 years, the J.L. Turner Legal Association (“JLTLA”) leaders and members have worked tirelessly to provide educational support, programming, mentorship, and fellowship for Black and other minority attorneys, law students, and members of the community. We also celebrate 40 years of the annual awards banquet, which has grown from a small ceremony awarding a single scholarship, to tonight’s gala where we have raised thousands of dollars in support of deserving law students.

As Black attorneys, we enjoy civil liberties hard fought by the pioneers of our illustrious organization. We have a responsibility to ensure we continue to elevate our standing in the legal profession and create opportunities for the next generation of lawyers as they navigate their law school journeys. It is with this notion in mind that I am committed to showing up, speaking up, and working alongside my fellow JLTLA & JLTLAF members to push forward our mission of increasing diversity in the legal profession, mentoring, and supporting pipeline initiatives and continuing legal education.

Thank you to my Gala Co-Chair Nakisha Williams and 2021 Gala Chair Tatiana Alexander for your guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the planning process. Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for continuing to make this event a success. Finally, a heartfelt congratulations to our scholarship recipients on their accomplishments. We wish you continued success.

As always, I remain humble and grateful to serve. May God allow me to continue being a vessel for progress as a reflection of the grace that has been poured into me.

GALA CHAIR

Ashlei Gradney

Dearest Members, Sponsors, Awardees and Guests:

Welcome to the Renaissance! Oh, what a timely theme! Reflecting on the past few years, many are still adjusting to what has become the new normal of today. Many members and attendees have encountered uncertainties at home, in business, and undoubtedly within our community. On behalf of the J.L. Turner Legal Association (“JLTLA”), I greet you to the second in person, post COVID-19, JLTLA Foundation Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala.

When one accepts the call to serve in leadership, the first order of business is to build a team dedicated to the mission of the organization for which you serve. I am so proud of the 2022 JLTLA Board of Directors! This dynamic group of women and men selflessly dedicated their time and resources to the advancement of the Association’s mission. This board gave of themselves freely, many sacrificing their rest and personal time with family to guarantee the Association was timely to respond to the many current events that directly impacted the African American community.

Tonight, we celebrate the excellence of Black education and culture within the legal profession; and we do so in 1970’s flare. When I think of the ‘70’s, many things come to mind. Of course, there is the jargon and fashion of the decade; but what is most impactful is the proximity to the landmark civil rights and labor laws based in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Understanding that the J.L. Turner Legal Association (formerly the Barrister’s Club) was established 70 years ago in 1952 because race denied Black attorneys membership to the Dallas Bar Association, the resilience of Attorney J.L. Turner and other founding members inspired him to create a membership organization where Black members of the Bar practicing in Dallas, Texas could commune and cultivate their craft.

The necessity for organizations like JLTLA and its Foundation remain paramount to combat conscious and unconscious racial biases still rampant today. Left unchecked, these predispositions will continue to create barriers to the economic advancement and educational achievement of minorities everywhere. However, no group has been more disproportionately impacted than the African American community. Participation in this evening’s gala signifies unity during a time of division and demonstrates a commitment to the success of future Black lawyers.

Thank you to the Gala Committee, Chair Koi Lomas and Co-Chair Nakisha Williams for organizing an out of sight shindig! To the sponsors, thank you for supporting the mission. I pray you have a groovy evening

2022 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT-ELECT MESSAGE

Amber Hamilton Gregg

It is my esteemed pleasure to serve as the 2023 President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association. I have had the honor of serving on the board and/or on a committee for the past 10 years and I look forward to continuing to carry the torch of the past Presidents who served before me.

As we continue on this historical journey, I am encouraged by the trailblazing members who have paved the way for me and my fellow colleagues. I understand the importance of our visibility in our community as we continue the fight for social justice and fairness in civil rights. JL Turner was a pioneer who had the courage to fight the status quo. He was a beacon to those who in his time could not practice law without being treated differently and being discriminated against because of the color of their skin. Because of the vision and determination of our organization’s founders to create an organization in 1952, The Barristers’ Club, we could become what we are today, the JL Turner Legal Association. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our community through education, service and scholarship. It is a mission that guides me as the leader of this organization.

JL Turner Legal Association welcomes all members to get involved by serving on the board and/or a committee. We welcome new attorneys as well as seasoned attorneys to serve, we will always have a place for you. To all of the law students, it is our pleasure to provide mentors for you. Our relationship with SWBLSA and our local BLSA chapters has become very close in the past year, mostly in part to our outstanding Mentoring committee. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our bond and to grow our aligned missions.

Thank you to all of our sister bar organizations who continue to partner with us in connecting our judiciary, attorneys and law students in our legal community. Many of the Dallas minority bar organizations share the same mission of providing resources for our members to be successful. We have accomplished so many great things in our collaborations and I look forward to working with you next year. Special thanks to the Dallas Black Criminal Bar Association for working with our Criminal Law committee in continuing to push our reach into the criminal area. Because of our partnership, we have been able to successfully provide more education and service to our criminal attorney membership.

Last but not least, congratulations to all of tonight’s scholarship winners and to the LA Bedford Award recipients! You are all so deserving and I look forward to seeing you continue to do amazing things as attorneys and in our legal community.

My charge to everyone is to serve our legal community with passion and purpose, but also while exhibiting kindness, respect and professionalism to each other inside and outside of the courtroom. Our community, our members, the law students, need each other, especially in the worrisome world we currently live in. Let’s always give each other grace and lead with love, positivity, open mindedness and understanding.

Thank you for allowing me to serve.

Dear J. L. Turner Members and Supporters,

Good evening and welcome to the 2022 Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala sponsored by the J. L. Turner Legal Association Foundation. A sincere debt of thanks to you for your contributions that will assist in the addition of yet another set of stars to the constellation of our best and brightest legal minds.

Those familiar with me know that I am a staunch and fierce advocate for ed ucation and fight equally hard for the opportunities that allow our young people to reach for the stars and all that this great nation of ours has to offer. Know also that educational attainment is the engine, the propellant and vehicle by which many have travelled the road to success. But while many have travelled this path, and there remains ample room aboard, our mission tonight helps to ensure that those seeking passage have on hand the necessary fare.

There was a day in this city, state and country wherein it took more than desire, aptitude and finances to join the ranks of the legal profession. And once admitted, still more obstacles to success too often presented themselves.

It was these challenges that forged the proud history of the J. L. Turner Legal Association and its forbearer. It is a legacy that I too am proud to be a part of. It is a legacy for which I am willing to share, and I thank you for choosing to do the same. "To whom much is given, much is required." Please enjoy yourselv es this evening and thanks again.

Helping to pave the way for others,

Royce West State Senator District

2022 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE

Dear Gala Attendees and Award Recipients,

It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to a night of celebration and service For over 70 years, the J. L. Turner Legal Association, in conjunction with the National Bar Association, has celebrat ed, promoted, and pursed Black Excellence within the legal profession. And tonight, is no exception.

Since 1952, the J. L. Turner Legal Association has endeavored to address the varying issues impacting opportunities for our community within the Dallas area. Attorneys, past and present - from J. L. Turner, Jr. to Ashlei Gradney - have fought against injustice throughout the region, created opportunities when none existed and protected the interest of Black lawyers and law students alike.

This evening, in keeping with its 70 year tradition, the Association will honor the success es and achievements of many attorneys and judges who have pioneered advancements within our jurisprudence, preserved the integrity of the legal profession, and improved the administration of justice. Moreover, tens of thousands of dollars will be awarded to deserving law students to aide their scholastic journey.

It is because of the continued support of the sponsors of this annual event and those dedicated leaders who give their time, talent, and treasure towards this occasion that the collective reach of our common good and progress can be achieved

I applaud each of the trailblazers who will be recognized tonight for your profound work and contributions to our society. Equally, I commend the law students who have been awarded a scholarship for your outstanding scholastic achievements.

I hope as you gather tonight that a renewed focus is placed on our collective Black Excellence and that this Renaissance is continued for another 70 years to come.

Congratulations again to the awardees!

Sincerely, Dominique D. Calhoun National Bar Association, President Elect

November 5, 2022

Greetings J. L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Gala Attendees:

It is with great honor that I offer my sincere warmest regards to the members and attendees of the J. L. Turner Legal Association Foundation 70th Anniversary Scholarship Gala. The Foundation’s diligent efforts funds numerous initiatives to provide scholarships to a myriad of students. Your admirable works to enrich the lives within our community have made a profound and far-reaching impact. Thank you for your continuing contributions to the legal profession

The award recipients tonight have earned this recognition through not just what they have achieved, but through their demonstrated commitment to service in their respective communities. The scholarship recipients are to be congratulated for their hard work and dedication to academic and civic excellence. I look forward to hearing about their achievements.

It is imperative to the success of our community and nation to achieve and maintain further levels of racial and ethnic representation in the legal field. Both the J. L. Turner Legal Association and J. L. Turner Legal Association Foundation have worked determinedly to provide resources to the diverse students seeking to join the legal profession. You have taken on this admirable initiative with ingenuity and conviction and have the fruits of your labor to prove it.

Again, congratulations on your 70th Anniversary and best wishes for an even greater future!

Best regards, Carl O. Sherman

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We are pleased to support J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala “Renaissance: Celebrating 70 Years of Black Excellence” and the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in our community through education, service and scholarship. Congratulations to the 2022 Scholarship and Award recipients.

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KIRA IDOKO Partner, Corporate New York

NICHOLAS MURPHY II

Of Counsel, Litigation Washington, DC

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SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

Jecica Brown-Mitchell

Jecica Brown-Mitchell is a determined future lawyer, a mother of three sons, a wife, and a full-time business professional. She grew up in a suburb of Dallas, Texas called DeSoto, and had dreams of becoming an attorney since she was a little girl. Although her dream of becoming a lawyer was deferred a bit, she never gave up and seized the opportunity to study law in the part-time program at UNT Dallas College of Law. During the day, she is a full-time Senior Claims Adjuster for Liberty Mutual Insurance, handling litigated cases related to bodily injury claims and working closely with staff counsel. She plans to use her law degree to give a voice to those in underprivileged and under-served communities. She is extremely passionate about police reform and is interested in practicing criminal law once she graduates next year. When she is not reading law books, she is spending time with her family or out trying new restaurants.

Kale Ridge

After high school, Kale Ridge attended Trinity University in San Antonio where he received his bachelor’s degree in history. While there he played outside linebacker for the University’s football team and served as a member of the Black Student Union. Kale has since begun pursuing his law degree at Texas Tech University School of Law. After graduation, he hopes to return to Dallas and help serve his community.

FRED FINCH SCHOLARSHIP

BARBARA JORDAN SCHOLARSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

Jessica L. Paige

Jessica L. Paige is a wife and mother of three beautiful children. She is a Dallas, TX native who graduated from Cedar Hill High School and received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Music from Midwestern State University. Jessica has spent her lifetime serving the Dallas community in many capacities. She is a Licensed Mastered Social Worker and has practiced social work for over 12 years. She is in a gamete of groups, organizations, and associations that are dedicated to advancement of disenfranchised and disadvantaged persons. Jessica is a 4E at the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law where she can embrace her love for justice in a new and greater capacity. Jessica believes that empowerment is the key to breaking barriers. She is at her best when she makes the people around her better.

Sarah Subramanian

Sarah Subramanian is 3L at Texas A&M University School of Law. She is an articles editor for the Journal of Property Law, a board member for her school’s Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, and a student ambassador. During her time at A&M she has interned at the Texas Workforce Commission and the Southern Poverty Law Center. She hopes to work in immigration law doing pro-bono work after law school. She has been in the DFW area since her undergrad years at SMU and believes she can truly call it home having gone to schools in both Dallas and Fort Worth.

HON. PHYLLIS LISTER BROWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

MARIE TRAHAN/ SUSMAN GODFREY SCHOLARSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

Taylor Nkollo

Taylor Nkollo, a Nigerian-American and 3L at SMU Dedman School of Law, graduated Cum Laude from The University of Oklahoma with aspirations to become an attorney and has never stopped since. As a young girl, she always had a desire to join the fight against inequality and the never-ending fight for justice. She is the current reigning Miss Twin Rivers 2022 in the Miss Texas Scholarship Organization, Inc.

After graduating college, Taylor served for two years on Capitol Hill in the Office of Congressman John Lewis. His investment and trust in the next generation inspired Taylor to fully invest and trust in herself. Taylor is currently the CoPresident of the Black Law Students Association at SMU, a student attorney in the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Child Advocacy Clinic, a member of the National Civil Rights Off-Campus Mock Trial team at SMU, a Texas State Bar Senior Student Representative, and a member of the Dallas Women Lawyers Association 2022 Leadership Class.

TEEGAN HILL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Jaylon Wesley

Jaylon Wesley is a Dallas, Texas native. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Rice University in Houston, Texas and graduates from Texas A&M School of Law in May 2023. As an A&M Law student, Jaylon is also a member of the mock trial team and serves as the President of the Women of Color Collective Law Student Association. She is also the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers liaison for Texas A&M. This summer, Jaylon had the incredible opportunity to clerk for The Honorable Justice Cory L. Carlyle at the Fifth District Court of Appeals and The Honorable Judge Renée Toliver at the United States Northern District of Texas. Jaylon is pursuing a career in litigation and hopes to use her platform to educate and empower members of her community.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

Ayanna Brown

Ayanna Brown is currently a third-year law student at Texas A&M University School of Law. She was raised in Dallas, TX and received her undergraduate degree in New Orleans, LA from HBCU, Xavier University of Louisiana. After completing her second summer at BakerHostetler as a Summer Associate, she accepted an offer to begin working at BakerHostetler as a First-Year Associate upon graduation and bar completion. In the meantime, Ayanna plans to stay engaged with her local legal community as a member of the Sarah T. Hughes Federal Criminal Inn of Court. Currently, Ayanna serves as the Vice President of both the Women of Color Collective and Employment and Labor Law Association at A&M Law. She is the Youth Outreach Coordinator of the Black Law Students Association, an Appointed Student Member of the Diversity Council, a Student Ambassador in the Office of Admissions, and an All-Star Bracket Competitor on A&M’s Mock Trial Team. Additionally, she occupies roles as a Research Assistant for Professor Michael Green, and a Legal Extern at the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.

Alexandra Corrales

Alexandra Corrales cares deeply about the pursuit of justice for children. She hopes to use her law degree to promote safety for vulnerable people and educate others on how to spot abuse. She thanks God for giving her an opportunity to pursue earthly justice for people who need it. Alee is very thankful for the men and women in her life who taught her the value of a human life and how each life deserves to be protected, no matter how young, quiet or small. She also thanks you for taking the time to read her short biography.

CAPTAIN RICHARD STEWART JAG CORP. U.S. NAVY (RET.) LEGAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

KAREN D. MCCLOUD

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

Benjamin Adeeso

Benjamin Adeeso is a 2L at Texas Tech University School of Law. Benjamin is the son of Caroline and Johnson Adeeso who immigrated to America from Nigeria in the 1990s. Benjamin was born in Richardson, Texas, and grew up in McKinney, Texas. Benjamin attended Baylor University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Natural Science. At Texas Tech Law, Benjamin is very involved. Among other activities, Benjamin is the Communications Director for the Black Law Student Association. After he graduates, Benjamin hopes to do work in Toxic Torts as well as Environmental Justice.

Christopher Edwards

Christopher Edwards is a second-year law student at SMU Dedman School of Law. Born in Tyler, Texas, Christopher has lived and attended school in the DFW metroplex for well over a decade. Christopher has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Philosophy with a minor in Human Rights from Southern Methodist University. As a first-generation college student and the son of a single mother, Christopher has experienced a number of financial challenges navigating college and law school. Despite the obstacles, Christopher takes deep pride in participating in his school’s Black Law Students Association, performing community service projects, and paying it forward for those who come after him.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

Haley Polk

Haley Polk is a third-year law student at Texas A&M School of law. She is expected to graduate this May. While at Texas A&M she has been a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) team. Through, ADR she has found a passion for negotiation, property law, and business law. She is hoping to practice in these areas upon graduation. In her free time, she enjoys fitness, cooking, spending time with loved ones, and training her German Shepard puppy named Nala.

Ideisha Shanklin

Ideisha Shanklin is a third-year law student who attends UNT Dallas College of Law in Downtown Dallas. During her time at UNT, she served as the Black Law Student Association President, Graduate Assistant, Mock Trial Team member, and assisted with the Pass Her the Gavel campaign which supported Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic nomination. She is currently the Director of Membership for the Southwest Black Law Students Association and a law clerk at Goranson Bain and Ausley. Ideisha recently accepted an offer to continue working at Goranson Bain Ausley as an incoming associate following graduation. Ideisha enjoys traveling, shopping, and being involved in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After graduation, she plans to continue increasing the pipeline for more minority attorneys.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

Maydrian is a child of the South and currently based in Texas. He is a second year Law student at Texas Tech University School of Law. A staunch Civil Rights advocate, Maydrian worked for hand in hand with students to protest voting disenfranchisement at his Alma Mater, Prairie View A&M University. Subsequently, he worked as an organizer for the Texas Democratic Party and a staffer for State Rep. Ron Reynolds, the Chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. Maydrian is currently a member of the NAACP LDF’s Marshall-Motley Scholarship Cohort, focused on honing my skills to practice Civil Rights Law after graduation.

Rosemary Williams

Rosemary Williams is a Dallas, Texas native and a secondyear law student at UNT Dallas College of Law. She graduated from Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy. She earned both her bachelor and master degrees from Texas A&M University Commerce. She is a proud first generation American born Haitian and first-generation college graduate/ law student. She has a passion for advocating for others. In her spare time, Rosemary enjoys participating in community service outreach efforts and constructing wigs for women battling with alopecia.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Maydrian Strozier-Lowe

SCHOLARSHIP

Thanks

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LEGAL ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK

WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE

OF THE JUDICIARY FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE

PHYLLIS LISTER BROWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:

Jennifer Bennett

District Court

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County

District Court

Rhonda Hunter

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Dale Tillery

Civil District Court

LORD, LLP FOR SUPPORTING THE INAUGURAL HON. L.A. BEDFORD SCHOLARSHIP.

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Greenberg Traurig is proud to support J.L. Turner Legal Association in celebrating 70 years of Black Excellence. From the start, we’ve believed that diverse viewpoints produce smarter ideas for our clients. That’s why we’ve made diversity, equity, and inclusion integral to our legal services and community investments. Because a more diverse world happens only by design.

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TRAILBLAZER AWARD RECIPIENT

Randy Bowman

Committed to attacking intergenerational poverty by improving urban educational outcomes, Randy Bowman founded AT LAST!—The Urban Boarding Experience, and serves as its CEO. AT LAST! began delivering program services to its first Scholars-In-Residence on March 7, 2021, and has achieved strong results since that date. It helps impoverished elementary school-aged children perform better during the 7 hours they are in school by focusing on the educational resources and tools they receive during the 17 hours they are not in school.

He is also an accomplished entrepreneur, leader and businessperson. His track record is one of creating value while addressing complex business and civic problems with pragmatic and innovative solutions by creating new business models and strategies, and then standing up new organizations and driving execution to the successful attainment of the objectives. He has accomplished this in both the for-profit and nonprofit worlds.

He co-founded, co-owned, and was President of a successful and innovative logistics company that primarily served the North American continent needs of Fortune 500 companies from 2001 until selling his interest in early 2017. This 16-year run included 49 consecutive quarters of operating profit.

Prior to launching the logistics company, Bowman enjoyed 12 years practicing law. He was a corporate finance lawyer, and loved doing deals and learning how to create commerce. He represented publicly-held and privately-owned clients in transactions ranging from initial capitalizations through ultimate liquidity events (and all transactions in between). He also established a considerable entertainment practice, negotiating deals to finance or create entertainment content, provide services in the entertainment or sports industries, and exploit and/or acquire rights in entertainment or sports content.

He now invests for his own account (alone and with others), primarily in under-invested portions of urban areas (including Reimagine Red Bird and MarLo1 of Dallas) to address the challenges he experienced as one of four children raised by an impoverished—but great—mother in the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas. She remains his hero and motivation.

He also serves on select boards, including the board of a publicly-traded financial advisory services and investment management firm, Westwood Holdings Group (WHG), where he serves as Chair of the Governance/Nominating Committee. He continues to Chair the board for Impact Dallas Capital (a mezzanine fund supporting Mayor Rawlings’ effort to increase economic development in Southern Dallas) and has served on that board seven years. He also served five years as a Chair and board member for the City of Dallas Employee Retirement Fund (the $3.7B pension fund for all City employees who are not police and fire). He was also Chair of the Parkland Foundation Board during the last five years of its successful campaign to raise the final $150,000,000 necessary to build the new $1.3B Parkland Hospital.

He holds a BA from the University of Texas, is a member of the Friar Society (UT’s oldest and most prestigious honor society), received the Heman Sweatt Legacy Award (for UT students and alums who embody the legacy of Heman Sweatt by breaking down barriers and challenging the status quo), is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity or “Boule” (the oldest Greek-letter society for African-Americans, founded in 1904), and graduated magna cum laude from Whittier College School of Law, where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review.

2022 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION HON L.A. BEDFORD AWARD RECIPIENTS

Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes III

Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, is a prophetic pastor, passionate leader, social activist, eloquent orator, and educator engaged in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and fighting against racial injustice. Dr. Haynes is also committed to and has devoted his life to economic justice and empowerment in under-served communities and touching and transforming the lives of the disenfranchised. For the past 39 years, Dr. Haynes has served as the visionary and innovative senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Under his servant leadership, the ministry and membership of the church has grown from less than 100 members in 1983 to over 13,000.

On November 10, 1960, Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III was born in Dallas, TX to the late Rev. Frederick D. Haynes, Jr. and Lynetta HaynesOliver. After experiencing racism in the segregated south Dr. Haynes’ father decided it was best to move his family to San Francisco where his father, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes Sr., pastored the historic Third Baptist Church. At the age of 14, Dr. Haynes’ life took a drastic turn when his father passed away on his first day of high school. Following his father’s death, Haynes encountered many difficulties but with the help of mentors, his family, and God, he was able to overcome every obstacle. Despite being discouraged by a negative assessment of his academic ability, he was one of three valedictory speakers when he graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco. Dr. Haynes continued his education at Bishop College in Dallas, TX and graduated, with honors in 1982 with a B.A. degree in Religion and English. While a student at Bishop College, he also became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In 1996, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2005, Dr. Haynes received his Doctorate in Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation where he was afforded the opportunity to study at Christ Church, Oxford University in Oxford, England. His dissertation, “To Turn the World Upside Down: Church Growth in a Church Committed to Social Justice” reflects his commitment to faith based social activism.

A committed community activist, Dr. Haynes has formed alliances and partnerships with local, national and global leaders and Dallas city officials to fight social injustice, domestic violence, and poverty. He worked with the Center for Responsible Lending in order to fight economic predators in Texas and across the nation that engage in predatory lending. Under the Barack Obama presidential administration, Dr. Haynes was frequently invited to the White House in order to address issues ranging from the state of the economy to voting and civil rights. He was publicly applauded by President Barack Obama for developing the THR!VE Intern and Leadership Program which employed nearly 100 young black males between the ages of 16-19. Since its inception, the program has expanded and now employs both young men and women with local businesses and at the church at a pay rate above minimum wage.

A life-long learner, Dr. Haynes is committed to education and has led Friendship-West to donate over three million dollars to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and students who are members of the church and the greater Dallas community.

As a reflection of his commitment to community transformation and social consciousness, Dr. Haynes serves in various leadership capacities in organizations that champion social change and education. Among them the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, the Conference of National Black Churches, the National Action Network, and IC3 Church Conference and Development Conference. In 2022, Dr. Haynes was awarded by the 46th President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden Jr., the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Leadership Award in Community Service.

Dr. Haynes is married to entrepreneur Debra Peek-Haynes. They have one adult daughter, Abeni Jewel Haynes.

HON L.A. BEDFORD AWARD RECIPIENTS

Larry Taylor, Jr.

Larry F. Taylor, Jr., the Co-Managing Partner of The Cochran Law Firm, oversees the Mass Torts, Criminal, Employment, and Civil Rights practices of the Firm. Larry currently serves as one of the lead attorneys representing Dallas County in the first Texas opioid multidistrict bellwether trial. Larry has served as a mentor and Advisor for a multitude of young lawyers throughout the country, in his various leadership roles in the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association of Justice. He counts many young lawyers of color who call him “Uncle” because he has provided the safe space for them to learn, network and grow in this profession.

As Larry ascended to the leadership role in the MDL litigation, he recognized that he was often the only one who looked like him at the table. In an attempt to rectify the lack of diversity in this area of litigation, Larry partnered with five mass tort attorneys of color (Ben Crump, Diandra Debrosse Zimmerman, Navan Ward, LaRuby May and Gregory Cade) to form Shades of Mass (www.shadesofmass.org). Historically, the communities disproportionately affected by corporations’ wrongful conduct are rarely represented by attorneys who look like them. Shades of Mass (“SOM”) was created to advocate for and get attorneys of color appointed to lead and co-lead counsel roles in litigations seeking justice for these populations. The Inaugural Shades of Mass Conference, hosted in August, informed more than 300 attendees from around the country about the underlying litigation, creation and/or enhancement of firm structure/finance, and vendor support to address the inequities in this area of practice. This Conference was a huge success and historical in that it was the first of its kind in this legal arena.

Larry has served in leadership roles with American Association of Justice (“AAJ”), a national trial lawyer organization, and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association (“TTLA”) as a mentor to young lawyers and to increase diversity in the membership that has historically been predominantly Caucasian. Larry’s belief is that in order for a minority lawyer to grow their practice, they need a seat at the table to serve and network with attorneys who have the relationships to open the doors of opportunity. Because of his efforts in both organizations, Larry has been recognized with the 2022 Minority Caucus Stalwart Award and the American Association of Justice Distinguished Service Award.

Because of Larry’s unwavering commitment to his clients and his practice, he has been recognized for his professionalism, ethical conduct and his advocacy to civil justice. In 2021, Larry was honored to be presented with the David S. Shrager President’s Award from American Association of Justice (AAJ). The award recognizes an AAJ member who has demonstrated former AAJ President David Shrager’s passion for the law and trial bar, and who has made an outstanding contribution to civil justice and the work of AAJ. Larry was the first person of color to receive the award and none President of the organization. Additionally, he was recognized as the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

Larry has been selfless in his support of the community and organizations that serve the community. He has organized and hosted Estate Planning clinics in Dallas area churches with the help of local attorneys and judges. He has served on the Board of Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic for more than 10 years which provides healthcare to the residents in throughout Dallas. Larry uses his network to provide support for the staff and community initiatives of the Clinic.

Finally, Larry is a consummate legal professional who loves his community and shares his time, talent and resources for the uplift of all. He is a loving husband and father of three children: Larry, III, a graduate of Georgetown University and who is currently a 3L at Columbia Law School, Xaria, a Senior at Southern University and a four-year letterman of the SU Volleyball team and Malcolm, a Junior at Benedictine University and a member of the Ben Eagles Football team. He is an active lifetime member of his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and his alumni association of Texas A&M University, the Association of Former Students. Although he is active in legal associations locally and abroad, he finds time to serve in leadership in every organization that he is involved in. He is a community advocate and supporter of numerous diverse philanthropic organizations in the Dallas community.

LEGAL

HON L.A. BEDFORD AWARD RECIPIENTS Hon. Audrey Moorehead

The Honorable Audrey F. Moorehead is the first woman elected Judge of Dallas County Criminal Court No. 3. Based in Dallas for over fourteen years, Judge Moorehead had her own practice specializing in Criminal Defense, Domestic Relations, Wills, Trusts and Probate. She is the 20212022 President of the Texas County Court at Law Judges Association and 2023 Treasurer of the Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas (SBOT). She began her professional career in executive management with the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas. She was a Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Judge Jay Patterson, 101st District Court and Judicial Intern for the Honorable Judge Sam A. Lindsay, Northern District of Texas. Judge Moorehead served as the only African American female on the State Bar of Texas (SBOT) Board of Directors from 2015-2018 including the Executive Committee. She is a former Regional Director for the National Bar Association and former President of the SBOT African American Lawyer’s Section. She served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association (TCDLA) serving on the Executive Committee. Judge Moorehead serves on the Board of Trustees, is a faculty member and frequent lecturer for the Texas Center for Legal Ethics. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Dallas Bar Association and the CASA Children’s Council. Judge Moorehead is an esteemed member of the Society of Legal Scholars for the Texas Bar College and serves on the Board of Directors for Legal Hospice of Texas, Advisory Board of Dallas Women Lawyers and Unlocking Doors, an innovative prison reentry program. She is a member of the National Association of Women Judges, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Foundation, Dallas Bar Foundation and Texas Bar Foundation. Moorehead serves on the American Bar Association Judicial Council and is a presidential appointee to the ABA Ethics and Professionalism Committee. She is an elected Executive Committee Member of the National Bar Judicial Council. She is a frequent speaker and has presented for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, SBOT Advanced Family, Advanced Criminal, University of Texas Bankruptcy Section, Advanced Labor and Employment and many others. She is the 2022 recipient of the Winner’s Circle Unsung Hero Award. She holds a Master of Business Administration and serves on the Alumni Board of Directors for Texas A & M School of Law. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (life member), National Council of Negro Women, Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated, (life member), National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Incorporated (life member), National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated, the Dallas Summit, Lions Club International and is a Trustee for The Rotary Club of Dallas.

HON. CLEO

LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION

HON L.A. BEDFORD AWARD RECIPIENTS

Hon.Shequitta Kelly

Judge Shequitta Kelly was born and raised in Michigan City, Indiana. In 1999, she graduated as a first generation college student from Indiana University with a dual bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Later, in 2003 she continued her studies to earn her law degree at Indiana University School of Law.

Judge Kelly subsequently joined the Indiana Allen County Prosecutors office where she prosecuted domestic violence cases. She served as the Felony Domestic Violence Intake Prosecutor for over six years. Her experience led her to Dallas, Texas where she received her Texas law license and joined the Dallas County District Attorneys’ office. While at the Dallas D.A.’s Office she prosecuted severe child abuse cases encountering some of the worse offenders. In January 2015 she was sworn in as the presiding judge of Dallas County Criminal Court #11 which is one of two family violence specialty courts.

Throughout her career, Judge Kelly has taught various courses on domestic violence, spoken at national conferences and been an active member in several professional organization including JL Turner Legal Association, Urban League, Dallas Bar Association, NAACP, Dallas Black Professional Women in Business and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated-MDA chapter. In addition to these organizations, Judge Kelly currently serves as the Vice Chair for the executive board of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. As a teenage mom she fuels her passion by also serving on the board of directors for the Lullaby’s House. In 2016, she designed the county’s first diversion program for Domestic Violence Offenders and cofounded Pipeline to Possibilities; a program to deter the youth from the school toprison pipeline. In 2020 she was accredited for creating Dallas County’s first virtual court platform, “Court Call,” which allows access to all offenders despite the national pandemic. In 2021 she created the SDK Scholarship which grants financial assistance to economically challenged scholars who are pursuing a higher education. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, traveling and mentoring disadvantaged teens. is Judge Kelly is an active member of Friendship West Baptist Church.

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Jim & Hon. Carloyn Wright Sanders (Ret.)

Hon. Aiesha Redmond

Dale Tillery

D’Metria Benson

Eric V. Moyé

Ingrid Warren

Parker

J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: RENAISSANCE

PROTECTING TEXAS FAMILIES THROUGH GOOD LAWS & GOOD LAWYERSwww.TTLA.com