Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association celebrates 50 years

A vintage photo of the Macon B. Allen Bar Association features, from left, a member, Hon. Leslie Leach, Hon. Cheree Buggs, Hon. Howard Lane, Former Assistant District Attorney Arlene Hamilton, Esq., Former ADA Lilah Curtain, Esq., Past President Mortimer Lawrence, Esq., Past President Brunhilda Lane, Past President and Former Chairperson Hon. Janice Taylor and Founder, Past President and Former Chairman of the Board Hon. Kenneth Browne. Photo courtesy of Jawan Finley

By David Brand

The Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association marked a major milestone last month, entering its 50th year as an organization for Black and African American attorneys and judges in Queens.   

The association was incorporated on Jan. 21, 1971 as Black and African American attorneys faced significant obstacles, many that persist today. The organization has remained a crucial component of the borough’s diverse legal community.

President Jawan Finley said she and other members are working with the Queens Public Library on an exhibition about the five-decade history of the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the President of Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association as the organization enters its 50th year since incorporation,” she said. “Fifty years is a major milestone for an institution, and it affords us the opportunity to look back at our journey, while looking ahead at the mountains we must still climb.” 

“More importantly, this is the opportune time for us to reconnect and revitalize as we celebrate our sustained existence,” she continued.

Members of the Macon B. Allen Bar Association and the Queens legal community sing “America, the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the Civil Supreme Courthouse in 2020. Eagle file photo by David Brand

The organization is named for trailblazing lawyer Macon Bolling Allen, one of the first Black attorneys and the very first Black judge in American history.  

Finley said the organization is seeking help from the greater Queens community and legal network to obtain news clippings, photos, memories, interviews and other information related to the group’s history.

If you have a memory, a news clipping, a photo or something else to share with the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association, contact President Jawan Finley at Jawanfinley@gmail.com