Professor David A. Green
By: Bianca P. Williams
In late July of this year, Professor David A. Green of the North Carolina Central University School of Law moderated the keynote event at the National Bar Association’s 89th Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. The National Bar Association is the oldest and largest association of African American lawyers and judges in the nation. The Convention provided hundreds of law students, attorneys, and educators the opportunity to complete continuing legal education seminars, attend panel discussions, and participate in community outreach projects.
This year, the Presidential Showcase Panel fell during the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education (1954). Professor Green moderated the topic “Searching for Justice: Racial Profiling in the 21st Century,” and led a panel discussion with several prominent civil rights advocates.
The members of the Presidential Showcase Panel were Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Founder and President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Sherrlyln Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Tanya Washington, Professor of Law at Georgia State University School of Law, Donald Jones, Professor of Law at University of Miami School of Law, and David Green, Professor of Law at North Carolina Central University School of Law.
Professor Green began the discussion with a thought-provoking presentation that displayed photos set to Marvin Gaye’s melodies in order to familiarize the audience with racial profiling. His innovative and dynamic approach set the tone for the discussion, and was well-received by the audience. Tanya Washington appreciated Professor Green’s extensive preparation, and reflected that she had “never seen a panel introduced in such a creative and thoughtful manner.” Professor Green led a productive discussion, presenting various ideas while encouraging audience engagement and participation. He was able to successfully manage a diverse group of panelists who all expressed different perspectives on potential solutions to the realities of racial profiling.
Several NCCU Law students and faculty attended the conference. Clifton Morgan, a third-year student at NCCU Law, enjoyed attending the Presidential Showcase and explained, “It was a great experience and one that I am grateful to have been a part of. The NBA hosted many CLEs that focused on almost all areas of the law. The NBA also had programs with distinguish[ed] panelists to assist young lawyers and current law students with advancing their careers.” Steven Forbes, second-year student at NCCU Law, reflected on his experience at the NBA Conference, “I thought the event was extremely beneficial. The conference was geared around lawyers but it had events for students to participate in such as a resume workshop and a career fair. There [was] also an abundance of networking opportunities with lawyers and judges from around the country. The professionals there were extremely happy to see young law students trying to network, and they were and are willing to assist us in any way they can. There was also an alumni reception there for NCCU law graduates only. Moreover, there were events there for specific members of organizations such as fraternities and sororities. It was a great opportunity to meet other professionals that have different paths and perspectives on law.”
Andre Board, another second-year student at NCCU Law, also reflected on his time at the Conference, stating that “The National Bar Association Conference is a tremendous experience that every law student should endeavor at least once during their law school tenure. It is free for law students and students are permitted to partake in most events. The opportunity to engage and network with some of the primer legal minds in this country is invaluable.” Although he was unable to attend the entire conference, Board explained that he made the most of his time. Most notably, Board remarked that “under the guidance of Professor David Green, I was introduced to current senators, distinguished alumnus, and prominent attorneys from around the country. I attended many events, but the event that brought the most encouragement to me as a student was the NCCU Alumni Mixer. I was surrounded by alums that were genuinely interested in my progress and my goals.” Board concluded by noting the support and encouragement he received from the Alumni present at the event. This event reaffirmed his beliefs that “NCCU Law produces alumnus that not only care about their professional community but also their law alma mater.”
To find out more about the National Bar Association and their free student membership please visit: http://www.nationalbar.org/benefits or Contact Clifton Morgan via email: cmorga22@eagles.nccu.edu.