HCBA Lawyer Magazine No. 31, Issue 1 | Page 36

tHediverSity&inCluSionCoMMitteewelCoMeSyou Diversity & Inclusion committee Chairs:­Christina­Potter­Bayern­–­Merlin­Law­Group­&­Antina­Mobley­–­Public­Defender’s­Office,­13th­Judicial­Circuit Welcome from the newest chairs of the HCBA Diversity & Inclusion Committee to what will continue to be an important year for promoting diversity and inclusion. Riding off the coattails of two successful years led by Marsha Moses and Abraham Shakfeh, the Diversity & Inclusion Committee plans to continue these efforts by hosting the annual Diversity Membership Luncheon, Diversity and Inclusion Networking Social, and a Diversity Lunch and Learn (CLE). While 2020 has Representatives from the Diversity Committee and other local Voluntary Bar Associations at Diversity Membership Luncheon in January. ForthosenewtotheCommittee,wehostmonthlymeetings wherewediscusstheyear’seventsandwaystoenhance diversityandinclusioninthelegalprofessionandbeyond. certainly changed the way that many events are held (e.g., virtually or in-person), these events need not change in terms of content and edification. For those new to the Committee, we host monthly meetings where we discuss the year’s events and ways to enhance diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and beyond. Historically, the committee has helped coordinate an annual Continuedonpage35 “Before the Law Was Equal” Documentary Learn more about the history of desegregation in Hillsborough County’s legal community by watching HCBA’s 2013 documentary film “Before the Law Was Equal.” The goal of the documentary film — which was produced by the HCBA’s Young Lawyers Division and Diversity Committee — was to capture an oral history from those who experienced discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s and to memorialize their stories for future generations. The film can be viewed on the HCBA’s YouTube channel. Access the YouTube channel by clicking on the icon in the top right-hand corner of the HCBA website at hillsbar.com. 3 4 S E P T - O C T 2 0 2 0 | H C B A L A W Y E R