Greetings Members, Friends & Supporters,

I am truly humbled and honored to serve as your 32nd President of the Charles Houston Bar Association (CHBA). I want to thank you for choosing me to lead this esteemed organization in 2012. I commit to making this as successful a year as possible while always keeping the mission of the organization at the forefront of all we do.

Before I address my goals for 2012, I would like to take a moment to touch on our Annual Gala Dinner & Dance, which took place on December 3, 2011. On behalf of the gala committee I congratulate our 2011 awardees. The CHBA recognizes your commitment to the African American legal community and the African American community as a whole. I would also like to take this time to thank and recognize all of our 2011 gala sponsors. Your continued support and generous giving is an acknowledgement of your commitment to what this organization stands for.

Now, on to 2012! This year is sure to be an exciting year for CHBA! We have a number of returning board members as well as a few new ones, who are all truly committed to the work of CHBA. Each of us truly understands the tremendous responsibility we have in leading this great organization. However, as members of CHBA, every single one of us is charged with the responsibility of being “social engineers.” We are the change agents who must use the law as a vehicle to bring about change. CHBA has historically been that vehicle, but it is up to each of us to ensure this vehicle stays in motion.

As we embark on the upcoming year with the overarching theme of “Laying the Foundation for the Future” as our guide, my goal for CHBA in 2012 is to continue this mission by focusing on our community. Specifically, our community of elementary, middle school and high school students who need to know that college is a viable option for them. Our community of college and law school students who are looking for guidance and mentors in the legal profession. We will also continue to focus on bringing services to underserved communities, advancing African American access to the court system and increasing our presence both on the bench and throughout the legal profession in the government and private sector as well.

It is imperative for us to remember that none of these goals can be accomplished by just one person, or even a few. CHBA’s growth and presence in our community depends on all of us. I encourage you to renew your membership for 2012 and become an active member of our organization. Your CHBA committee chairs are already hard at work planning a number of networking, service, and professional development activities for this coming year. Show your support, get involved and stand with us to make a difference in our community!

CHBA will continue to work with and support the aims of the National Bar Association and the California Association of Black Lawyers. We will also continue to work closely with other bar associations and community groups to advance our overarching goals on a local and national level.

Thank you for your commitment to CHBA and for your continued support. I look forward to representing your interests and the interests of our community on behalf of CHBA in 2012!


Sincerely,

Venus D. Johnson
President, Charles Houston Bar Association

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2011 Corporate Award Recipient