As President of the South Hampton Roads Bar Association (SHRBA), I am truly honored to lead this outstanding organization, which has been in existence since 1923. Our association was founded by and for African American attorneys who could not join the existing bar associations due to their race. Our founders recognized the need for African American attorneys to have a professional organization and congenial spaces in which they could to gather, support, and encourage one another in the profession of law.

This organizational year, SHRBA kicked off with our Welcome Back Fall Social and General Body Meeting in September. We then took to the track at Norfolk State University to participate in the Sickle Cell Walk. In October, we welcomed area legislators to speak with members about issues that affect our state and community at our annual Lawmakers' Night. In November, we collected non-perishable items to donate to a local nonprofit for our Thankful Hour: Part II." Our holiday party was held at a local Black-owned business, Blackeyed Peas, in Virginia Beach. In 2025, we will continue to pay it forward, always seeking ways to help our colleagues, our clients, and our community. We are an association committed to being "A Legacy of Justice in our Community."

Stephanie J. Pough, Esquire
President