HOLLYWOOD – The National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) hosted a Regional Happy Hour and Suit Drive on Friday, Feb. 1, at THE Ginger Bay Cafe, 1908 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.
The early evening event brought dozens of high ranking prosecutors of color, including past and present state and federal attorneys from the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, Broward County State Attorney’s Office, and the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Pierce offices of the United States Attorney. Prosecutors traveled from the southern end of Miami-Dade, to from as far north as St. Lucie County.
The attorneys chatted while enjoying Ginger Bay’s authentic Caribbean cuisine and music. Suits were collected, to be donated to Transition, Inc, which is an organization which aides ex-offenders with obtaining job skills and employment.
Southeast Regional Director of the NBPA, Carmen Lineberger, said she was pleased with the turnout from the event.
“This is the first of many events,” Lineberger said. “We hope to create a strong South Florida chapter, which will encourage the hiring and retention of prosecutors of color.”
Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney Melba Pearson echoed a similar sentiment, stating “It is wonderful to have the opportunity to network with other prosecutors who confront the same challenges as I do, as well as aiding an organization that does great work for the ex-offender community.”
The National Black Prosecutors Association is the only professional membership organization in the country dedicated to the advancement of prosecutors of color.
Founded in 1983, the association’s membership is comprised of more than 800 prosecutors nationwide. It includes both chief and line prosecutors nationwide. In addition to prosecutors, the association’s membership includes law students, former prosecutors, and law enforcement personnel.
The NBPA is emerging as the international association of black law enforcement professionals with a reputation for providing education and leadership in the legal profession through its intensive training sessions and multi-disciplined networking.
To that end, yearly conferences are held nationwide; 2013’s will be the 30th such conference, to be held in Orlando.
For further information contact Melba V. Pearson, assistant state attorney, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, 305-547-0410, or Carmen Lineberger, assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida, 772-466-0899.
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