A Message From The President

It is with great honor and humility, that I assume the role of President for the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation. I thank my fellow, wonderful Board Members for entrusting me with this honor and responsibility, and I promise that I will try my hardest every day to make you all proud.

The theme of tonight’s program is “Today’s Dreams, Tomorrow’s Reality. Working Together for a Brighter Future.” Like so many others, my own current reality started with a dream. A dream of my parents, my family and the community that surrounded me. When I began my legal journey a little over 9 years ago, there was no blueprint for me to follow. There were no lawyers in my family nor anyone who had ever been to law school. Additionally, I was moving to San Diego as a stranger, with no friends and no family around me. While there were feelings of exhilaration in starting a new adventure, there was also trepidation, fear and anxiety. Thankfully along the way, I met people who helped me, believed in me, and taught me what it meant to dream big, and to dream even bigger than I knew I was capable of. I truly do stand on the shoulders of giants, and I would not be addressing you today without their help, love and support.

While my story may be heartwarming, it is by no means unique. Many among us share the fears and anxieties I had almost a decade ago. Many law students and young attorneys today, particularly those in the African American community start their legal journeys with no blueprint, no support and no roadmap for success. Two years ago, I was encouraged to serve my community by applying to the board of directors for this Foundation. Answering this call has been life changing. This Foundation seeks to provide others with the help and support that I received along the way, and I cannot think of a more noble cause. My parents always taught me to leave things in a better state than which I found them. The members of this Foundation strive to leave the San Diego legal community in a better state than which we came, and it is an honor to lead them in this endeavor.

This year has been a tough one for all of us. A global pandemic, economic hardships, and a future that seems uncertain. In these times, the mission of this Foundation could not be more important or more necessary. As President I will continue working closely with our public and private sector partners, so that our ability to provide financial assistance to law students continues. The Foundation will continue providing quality and innovative programming to not only educate or community to continue bringing us together.

The road ahead may be challenging, but this Foundation will continue striving to fulfill our mission, and make the dreams of so many today, the realities of tomorrow.

-Joscelyn B. Campbell

Follow Us On…