GEORGE EDGECOMB BAR ASSOCIATION

Pressing Forward Together During Challenging Times

Welcome to the George Edgecomb Bar Association

“A Legacy of Excellence. A Foundation for the Future”

Greetings,

It is my distinct honor to serve you as the 21st elected President of the George Edgecomb Bar Association. Thank you for placing your confidence in me to lead this illustrious organization during our milestone year. In 1982, leaders in the Tampa legal, business, education, and political communities launched our organization with the goal of ensuring that the legacy of the first African American judge in Hillsborough County, the late Honorable George Edgecomb, would not be forgotten. As the decades have shown, the goal of our founders continues to be met. This year, we will celebrate and reflect on our many accomplishments, the lives that have been changed for the better through our collective efforts, and ensure that GEBA will remain a vital institution in our community that will endure for all time. That is why my theme this year is:

“A Legacy of Excellence. A Foundation for the Future.”

For the last forty years, GEBA has continued to preserve the legacy of our namesake. We have also developed into the premiere organization for African American legal professionals in Tampa. The history of our membership includes judges of state and federal courts, presidents of bar associations, deans in the realm of legal academia, trailblazers in our community, and positive change agents for our world. As we embark on this new year, we will continue our mission to uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession by providing all our members with the resources necessary for professional success.

We will remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the community. Our annual scholarship program continues to shatter the financial barriers of generational poverty that would otherwise hinder the dreams of college bound students. The seeds planted through this education initiative has produced first-generation doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, educators, and other professionals who reinforce the critical infrastructure of our community. Our partnership with The Edgecomb Society at Moffitt Cancer Center continues to thrive and reaffirms our commitment to address healthcare disparities in the African American community. And our Legal Rights Workshop will be partnering with non-profits in Tampa allowing GEBA to have a greater reach in providing legal knowledge to everyone seeking assistance.

Our success over the years is a testament to the hard work, resolve, and dedication of our members devoted to the success of GEBA. We will also endeavor to implement new administrative systems in our organization that will increase our efficiency and allow us to have a solid foundation for continued growth. During this landmark year, we invite everyone to celebrate with us the remarkable achievements of our organization. Join us in our mission of ensuring that GEBA continues to grow as a valuable, honorable, and impactful institution. Now and always.

Your Servant,

Cornelius C. Demps

Cornelius C. Demps, Esq.

President

The George Edgecomb Bar Association
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