2020 Virtual Scholarship Banquet

October 15, 2020, the MCBA held its Annual Scholarship Banquet. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the event was “A Virtual Affair” streamed on the internet. ABC 33/40’s Mya Johnson hosted.

The event started with the MCBA Judicial Council celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Four Women’s Suffrage Trail Blazers were honored and shared stories: Hon. Tamara H. Johnson, Hon. Annetta Verin, Hon. Agnes Chappell, and the late Hon. Helen Shores Lee. Judge Lee, the first African American female judge in the civil division, was presented by the Hon. Elisabeth French, the first African American female Presiding Judge in the State of Alabama. The honor was accepted by Judge Lee’s son, Attorney Arthur Shores Lee.

Next, the program featured a stirring video presentation “Be More,” which was the MCBA’s theme for the year. After greetings from other bar association presidents, MCBA President Chris Burrell gave remarks. Next was a special address from U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell. Then, Deborah Byrd Walker presented Attorney J. Mason Davis, Jr. with the Medallion of Merit Award and induction into the MCBA’s Hall of Fame. Lastly, President-Elect Sidney Jackson announced the scholarship awards, with at least one scholarship going to a student at each law school in Alabama.