In 1977, intensely aware of the need for an organization that would cater to the ambitions and aspirations of African American attorneys, legal professionals and associates in Tarrant County, Texas, 14 African American attorneys set about paving a rich and vibrant history that forever changed the legal landscape of Tarrant County, the State of Texas and the United States. They formed the Fort Worth Black Bar Association.
Building upon guiding principles of education and strong community investment, founders Jessica Alexander, L. Clifford Davis, Jessie L. Gaines, Leon Haley, Jr., Maryellen Hicks, Leslie Johns, William L. Johnson, Jr., Glenn Lewis, Walt Keller, Huey P. Mitchell, Gail Patterson, Wayne Salvant, Louis Sturns, John P. White, Jr., and Lisa Carl Young began utilizing the legal system to address and redress the wrongs within the justice system and in the community at large. From the 1950’s until the Association’s formation, Fort Worth African American attorneys traveled east of the Trinity River to work in solidarity with the J.L. Turner Legal Association, the African American Bar Association of Dallas.
In 1991, the Association’s name was changed to the Tarrant County Black Bar Association to more accurately reflect the Association’s reach that extended beyond the county seat. In recognition of the historical significance, brilliance and bravery of a legal giant in its midst, the Association underwent another name change in 2012. The L. Clifford Davis Legal Association “LCDLA” pays homage to its namesake, the Honorable L. Clifford Davis, Texas Senior District Judge, Retired.
Difficult legal, social and moral battles have been fought, banners raised, and awareness increased in the areas of housing, public accommodations, employment, racial discrimination, voting, legal education, diversity and inclusion among the bench and the bar, and justice for mankind – all mankind. Today, LCDLA continues to articulate and promote the professional needs and goals of African American attorneys; to foster and encourage professional competence; to focus upon the relationship of the African American attorney to the American legal system; to instill in the African American attorney and law student a greater awareness of and commitment to the need of the community investment; to utilize their expertise to initiate a change within the legal system that will make it more responsive to the needs and concerns of the African American community; and, to do any and all things necessary and lawful for the accomplishment of these goals.