BEN F. JONES BAR ASSOCIATION
An Affiliate member of the National Bar Association
                             2008 Officers


President                                            Van D. Turner, Jr.
Immediate Past President                Elbert Jefferson, Jr.
Vice President (President Elect)     Tiffany Johnson
Treasurer                                            Barbara L. Deans
Recording Secretary                         Imad Abdullah
Corresponding Secretary                 Barbara L. Deans
Parlimentarian                                    Damon Griffin

Board of Directors



Andre Wharton
John Fowlkes
LaTrena Davis Ingram
Justin Bailey
Harrison McIver
Florence Johnson
Venita Martin
Judge Lambert Ryan
Judge H.T. Lockard
Counter


Fellow NBA Members:


I’m excited to serve as the 2008 President of the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar
Association!  As we move forward in 2008, and into my tenure as president, we must continue to
build upon the progress we have made. I cannot do it alone. I challenge each of you to actively
participate in the activities of this organization. One question that our members often hear is,
"what is the NBA doing?" The apparent misconception is that only a select few members dictate
the agenda for this organization. However, this is simply untrue.  The Ben F. Jones Chapter has
been and always will primarily be a support organization for African-American lawyers in this
community.  Therefore, your input is crucial in determining the direction of this organization. My
leadership team and I will attempt to steer the ship, but it is you, the body of this organization,
who will determine the destination.  

I invite you to share in the growth and excitement 2008 promises. We will host more CLE events
in 2008, we will be a visible and relevant partner in our community in 2008.   If it is the will of the
body, we will also establish an independent judicial evaluation process.  In addition to the award
of scholarships to deserving students at the law school, we will challenge the membership to
help establish a special endowment fund.  Most importantly, we are looking forward to seeing
more members active and involved at our monthly meetings, so that this organization can reach
its full potential.  This is my challenge to you. I look forward to your continued participation and
enthusiasm.  


To whom much is given, much is required.  Every lawyer of color in this community stands on the
shoulders of greatness.  The legacy and history of this organization is respite with success
stories of “firsts” in Memphis’ legal community.  I believe we each owe a debt to those who came
before us and paved the way.  Each of us can make a difference in Memphis.  I dare you to step
up and continue the tradition.