A DECADE OF DIVERSIFYING: State Rep. Dotie Joseph (D- Miami), second from left, was honored alongside fellow founders Yolanda Strader, Loreal Arscott, the late Beranton Whisenant, whose son accepted a posthumous tribute on his behalf, Reggie Clyne and Annika Ashton. PHOTO COURTESY OF JDI

Fort Lauderdale – The Judicial Diversity Initiative (JDI) celebrated a decade of diversifying Florida’s judiciary as community leaders, legal professionals, and advocates gathered in downtown Fort Lauderdale May 29 to honor the initiative’s founders and the impact of its mission.

Founded in 2015, JDI was born out of a vision to ensure that the judiciary reflects the diverse populations it serves. The initiative was the brainchild of several voluntary bar leaders, who sought to remedy the lack of African American judges serving on the bench in Florida.

“It is particularly meaningful,” said Veronica Hazzard, JDI chair, “to honor those whose vision and leadership were crucial to the founding of JDI.”

Florida Rep. Dotie Joseph (D- Miami) was honored alongside fellow founders Yolanda Strader, Annika Ashton, Loreal Arscott, Reggie Clyne, and the late Beranton Whisenant, whose son accepted a posthumous tribute on his behalf.

“We would not be in this room this evening celebrating this milestone,” attorney Strader said, “if it were not for the efforts of Beranton Whisenant,” who served as the “glue” that motivated all the bar leaders to keep striving to honor the initiative’s mission.

The presidents planned, organized, and mobilized their respective voluntary bar associations, which included the Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association, Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association, Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA), Caribbean Bar Association (CBA) and later the F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association.

The celebration reflected on the progress made over the past ten years to ensure that Florida’s judiciary better represents the communities it serves.

“Despite the challenging time within which we find ourselves,” said Rep. Joseph, “we have overcome worse as Black people in this country; and since we know the importance of a diverse judiciary, we remain steadfast in the mission because representation matters.

“This milestone isn’t just about looking back, it’s about recommitting to the work ahead.”

The 10th anniversary celebration also recognized early JDI contributors, including Hans Ottinot, David Prather, the late Cynthia Henry Duval, and long-time supporter H.T. Smith.

Judges Ilona Holmes, Meisha Darrough, Bradley Harper also were honored for their leadership and embodiment of the initiative’s mission.