Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association
About Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association
Founded in 1985 in Miami, FL, the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association is rooted in a mission to address the legal, social, economic, and political needs of the Black community while supporting the professional growth of its members. Named in honor of Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry—the first Black female attorney to practice in Dade County and Florida's first Black female legislator—the organization embodies a legacy of trailblazing achievement and community service. For nearly four decades, GSCBWLA has maintained an unwavering commitment to serving Miami and communities throughout Florida through free neighborhood legal clinics, community seminars, and youth education programs that empower residents with legal knowledge and resources. The association's deep roots in community activism distinguish it from other professional organizations; members actively engage in mentoring law students, providing guidance to emerging attorneys, and addressing the pressing concerns facing Black communities across the state. What began as a Dade County bar association has grown into a statewide network of over 500 dedicated legal professionals united by shared values of excellence, service, and social responsibility. GSCBWLA's foundation and scholarship initiatives reflect its commitment to creating pathways for underrepresented voices in the legal profession. By combining rigorous professional development with meaningful community engagement, GSCBWLA represents a unique intersection of legal expertise and social justice advocacy, making it an essential institution within Miami's legal and civic landscape.