SCBA
President ’ s
COLUMN
Honoring Our Legal
Community “ Firsts ”
Prerogative
One of the perks of being president of our bar association is that I get the opportunity to write about whatever I want every month . This month , I ’ ve chosen to write about the accomplishments of others in our legal community . Since February is Black History Month , it is only fitting that I begin by talking about three individuals in our legal community who are members of an elite group known as “ Firsts .”
Our Firsts
It is a privilege to be able to recognize the firsts in our own legal community , and the individuals I ’ d like to recognize are Judge Charles E . Williams ; Judge Rochelle T . Curley ; and E . Keith DuBose , Esq .
Honorable Charles E . Williams : Judge Williams is the first African American judge appointed in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit . Judge Williams also holds the distinction of being the first African American chief judge of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit . He is an alumnus of Howard University in Washington D . C . and earned his law degree from the University of Florida . Judge Williams was appointed to the bench in 1998 .
Judge Williams was recently recognized as a “ Path to Unity Trailblazer ,” on January 26 , 2023 . As part of the recognition , his portrait will be on display in perpetuity on the first floor of the Lynn N . Silvertooth Judicial Center , so that all those who pass it will be reminded of his dedication to leadership and continued pursuit of justice for all .
His past awards include the Community Service Award from the Manatee County Bar Association , and the Manatee County NAACP Public Service Award ; the Sarasota County NAACP Public Service Award ; and the Sarasota County Branch NAACP ’ s Lifetime Achievement Award . He also is the recipient of the C . L . McKaig Award , presented by the Sarasota County Bar Association in recognition and appreciation of his tireless dedication to promoting the ideals of equality , justice , and professionalism .
When he is not involved in his judicial duties , Judge Williams writes , directs , and produces documentary films . His film Through the Tunnel won Best Historical Documentary at the DocMiami International Film Festival . He received the 2015 Sidney Poitier Family Award for his work on the film Newtown at 100 , and for promoting diversity in film . He currently sits on the board of directors of Embracing Our Differences , Florida Studio Theatre , The Boxer Diversity Initiative , and Community Foundation of Sarasota County .
He is committed to diversity and inclusion and was a founding member of SCBA ’ s Diversity and Inclusion Committee .
Honorable Rochelle T . Curley : Judge Curley is the first African American woman elected to the judiciary in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit . Judge Curley attained her undergraduate and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Oklahoma in 1987 and 1993 , respectively . After attaining her law license , Judge Curley began her career as an assistant state attorney in 1994 . Between 2001 and 2004 she was a staff attorney for Allstate and in 2004 she began working at Shapiro , Goldman , & Babboni ,
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