The National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division is leading the National Bar Association’s efforts to assist citizens of the Bahamas as they look to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.
NBA’s President, George Washington University School of Law Associate Dean Alfreda Robinson, urges members across the country to join with her to maximize the impact the National Bar Association can have as a whole on the lives of those affected. “I praise the rapid response of our awesome YLD leadership and members, and the entire national organization supports the YLD.”
NBA President Robinson, members and leaders have begun making individual donations directly to the country and dropping off needed supplies, and the organization has committed to donating proceeds from YLD’s upcoming Power 100 event during the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference to help the country rebuild.
Several NBA members have family members who have been impacted by Dorian’s devastation. NBA YLD Chair-Elect Onika Williams has ties to the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands, has experienced the impact these storms have on affected individuals, and feels strongly about the responsibility of the organization to get involved where they can to make a difference.
“I know firsthand how devastating and life-changing a hurricane’s destruction can be. Items we sometimes take for granted like dry, clean clothes, hot meals, access to medicine, a place to sleep, and electricity mean the world when you’ve lost all of your worldly possessions. Being a hurricane survivor completely changes your outlook on life,” says Williams. “My family in the U.S. Virgin Islands is still rebuilding from the catastrophic effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Some of the islands’ residents are still living in temporary housing and housing that is in the midst of being rebuilt from the 2017 storms.”
Current YLD Chair Nicholas Austin says the organization has a responsibility to give back and positively impact the lives of others around the globe. “As the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is required,” Austin says. “As young lawyers, and particularly as young Black lawyers, we have not only an opportunity to positively impact the world around us, but we have a responsibility to use our talents and treasures to stand in service to those who stand in need.”
Currently, the island and her people are in need of the following items: Water, ice, non-perishable food, family hygiene kits (tissue, toothpaste, tooth brushes, towels, sanitary napkins), cleaning supplies (bleach, mops, brooms, disinfectants, garbage bags, sponges), baby items/supplies, plastic water bottles, cots, blankets, portable restrooms, flashlights, batteries, repellents (deet free), cooking utensils, temporary housing, tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plywood, shingles, generators, chain saws, shovels, disposable utensils, power banks, solar powered chargers, portable radios, cloth bags, biodegradable bags, first aid kits, and first-aid items (bandages, gauges, tape).
As did President Robinson, those wishing to make a monetary donation are urged to do so through the National Association of the Bahamas Hurricane Relief Fund (officially sanctioned by the Consulate of the Bahamas) at www.nabmiami.org/donate. Supply donations are being received at the Bahamas Embassy Consular Annex in Washington, D.C., and at various locations across South Florida. For more information on the Power 100 event during the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference, visit www.nbayld.org.
