The Akron-Canton Barristers Association is an Affinity Bar Association.
About Akron-Canton Barristers
About Us
Our Mission
Our Mission
The Akron-Canton Barristers Association is a legal organization of approximately one hundred and twenty-five (125) African-American attorneys and judges in Summit and Stark counties. In 1948, the organization was founded as the Akron Barristers Club in Akron, Ohio by fourteen (14) Black male lawyers. These individuals had a mutual interest in and dedication to justice and civil rights for all. The founding Barristers were very active in the legal profession, their churches, NAACP, politics, and most were in fraternities and other civic organizations. Many of the founders were from different parts of the country and the organization provided them an opportunity to network with colleagues who were strong advocates for social and equal justice. The attorneys fought against segregation, housing, education, and employment discrimination, and they zealously represented their clients in the legal system in Akron. Over the years, the Barristers and its members have continued to serve the community and the legal profession. The organization’s community engagement has been varied and consistent, and includes hosting legal educational seminars for attorneys; conducting legal fairs and mock trials for the community; providing scholarships and employment opportunities for law students; serving as mentors for law students; advocating for the increase in the numbers of African American law students, judges, magistrates, lawyers in government and corporate offices, and law professors; and increasing the hiring of African American personnel in the criminal justice system . In its nearly 75-year history, the organization has grown from its original 14 members. Women and men are now members of the organization and they continue to serve as leaders in the community and the legal profession. Several of the members have become judges and magistrates; partners in law firms; owners of law firms; corporate and general counsel; and many have been the recipients of numerous prestigious legal and community recognitions.The Akron-Canton Barristers Association is an affiliate chapter of the National Bar Association, the nation’s oldest and largest national association of predominantly African-American lawyers, judges, educators, and law students.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
To promote equality of all of our members, serve the public interest in increasing public awareness of the study of jurisprudence, foster respect for the law, preserve high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among our peers, provide equal access to an adequate representation of minorities before the court, facilitate the administration of justice, build close relationships among our members, support the African-American community, and increase diversity in judiciary and legal community.
Our Officers
Using Your Voice to Effectuate Change
Using Your Voice to Effectuate Change
- President Magistrate Cedric B. Colvin
- 1st Vice President Attorney Marcus Wainwright
- 2nd Vice President Magistrate Elisa Hill
- Treasure Attorney Deanna M. Thomas
- Secretary Attorney Shelby Woodall
- President Emeritus Attorney Edward L. Gilbert
Using Your Voice to Effectuate Change
Using Your Voice to Effectuate Change
Using Your Voice to Effectuate Change
Akron Canton Barristers seek to:
- Be the voice for the African American legal profession.
- promote justice, equity, and opportunity for African Americans.
- foster professional development, legal scholarship, advocacy, and community involvement.
Contact Us
Contact us
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Akron-Canton Barristers
810 South Main Street, # 396 Akron, Ohio 44311, United States
