The visionaries who brought this dream to life, included lawyers such as Harold Fields, George Knox, Harold Long, Jesse McCrary, Ralph Person, Clinton Pitts and H.T. Smith.  H.T. Smith served for three years as the first president of The Black Lawyers Association and was succeeded by our first woman president, Joyce Knox.  Since that time, twenty-three presidents have proudly served the association possessing similar goals.  Due in part to their perseverance, the Black Lawyers Association had an profound impact on the legal, civic and political landscape of Miami-Dade County.

The Black Lawyers Association provided financial assistance and mentoring to numerous law and undergraduate students.  Additionally, the organization implemented mentoring programs that included elementary and junior high school participants, and oratorical contests for high school students. In September 2003, the Black Lawyers Association officially changed its name to the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association in recognition of the outstanding contributions Judge Ferguson made to our community.  The Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association remains committed to the ideals of equal access, equal opportunity and equal justice in the legal system.