Founded in 1996, the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association represents a historic commitment to community, professional excellence, and representation within the legal profession. Based in Central Islip, NY, this organization emerged from a vision to support attorneys of color and has grown to encompass both Nassau and Suffolk regions, reflecting its expanding impact and reach throughout Long Island. The name itself carries historical significance, as founding member J. Stewart Moore noted: "Amistad is all about history," connecting the organization to important traditions of advocacy and community building.
Amistad was established with a clear mission: to foster community among attorneys of color while providing opportunities for professional development and personal growth. The organization recognizes that attorneys of color face unique challenges and opportunities in the legal profession, and it creates supportive environments where members can thrive and excel. This commitment extends beyond practicing attorneys to include law students and judges, ensuring that the next generation of legal professionals of color has access to mentorship, guidance, and community support.
The diverse membership of Amistad—comprising judges, prosecutors, private practitioners, and public service lawyers—reflects the organization's inclusive approach to building community across all sectors of the legal profession. By bringing together professionals from different backgrounds and practice areas, Amistad strengthens the legal community in Central Islip and across Long Island while advancing the interests and voices of attorneys of color in the profession.
Central Islip, NY