Newly formed South Florida chapter named for first African American prosecutor in Broward County
MIAMI, FL –This past week, The National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) installed the first executive board of its newly formed South Florida chapter. The South Florida chapter was named for the first African American prosecutor in Broward County, Fla., Charles B. Morton Jr. The ceremony was held on July 9 at Nova Southeastern University Huizenga School of Business.
Close to one hundred attendees braved the inclement weather to be at the event. The executive board was sworn in by former prosecutor and Broward County Court Judge Ian Richards. Morton was on hand to accept an award from the organization.
Many speakers shared their personal experiences of Charles Morton, including Broward County State Attorney Michael Satz; Peter Weinstein, Chief Judge, 17th Judicial Circuit Court; U.S. District Court Judges William P. Dimitrouleas and James Cohn; Kathleen Cannon, president & CEO, United Way Commission on Sub-stance Abuse; Dr. Marcus Davidson, senior pastor, New Mount Olive Baptist Church; Jeffrey Harris, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; and Kelly Hancock, partner at Krupnick, Campbell Malone. Eugene Pettis, immediate past president of The Florida Bar commented that “it is so good to be able to celebrate a man’s good works while he is still here for us to thank him.”
Also in attendance were Chief Assistant State Attorneys from Miami Dade County, Broward County, and West Palm Beach. Representatives from the offices of Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Alcee Hastings were present as well.
The Executive Board of the Charles B. Morton Jr. South Florida Chapter of the NBPA:
President: Ayana Duncan, Assistant Chief, Misdemeanor Domestic Crimes Unit of the Miami Dade County State Attorney’s Office;
Vice President: Maurice Johnson, Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida;
Secretary: Michele Jones, Assistant State Attorney Miami Dade County State Attorney’s Office;
Treasurer: Cathy Sagesse, Assistant State Attorney Miami Dade County State Attorney’s Office;
Board Member at Large: Regina Faulk, Assistant State Attorney 17th Judicial Circuit/Broward County State Attorney’s Office;
Chair, Membership Committee: Carolyn Martin, Assistant State Attorney Miami Dade County State Attorney’s Office
Chair, Fundraising Committee: Maryam Adeyola, Assistant State Attorney Miami Dade County State Attorney’s Office
Chair, Programs Committee: Jessica Sinkfield, Assistant State Attorney Miami Dade County State Attorney’s Office;
Chair, Bylaws & Nominations Committee: Marilynn Lindsay, Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida;
Bruce Brown, National President of the NBPA, says “The increase in membership which enabled us to form a South Florida chapter shows the passion and dedication that our African American prosecutors have for justice. We saw fit to name the chapter after Charles Morton, who is a pioneer, as well as a mentor to many.” NBPA Southeast Regional Director Melba Pearson agrees, stating, “We are very excited for this next chapter in NBPA history. The region has grown in the last year from a dozen members, to close to 80. Twenty five of those members are in South Florida. The members have elected an energetic board, ready to do great projects in the communities that need us the most.”
The National Black Prosecutors Association is the only professional membership organization dedicated to the advancement of prosecutors of color. Founded in 1983, the Association’s membership is comprised of over 800 prosecutors nationwide. It includes both elected and line prosecutors nationwide. In addition to prosecutors, the association’s membership includes law students, former prosecutors, and members of the judiciary and law enforcement personnel. To learn more about the mission of NBPA, visit www.blackprosecutors.org. For further information, please contact Melba V. Pearson, NBPA Southeast Regional Di-rector, at (305) 491-2404.
