The Caribbean American Lawyers Association (CALA) held its dazzling Second Annual Gala on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the elegant El Caribe Country Club in Brooklyn. The sold-out event brought together members of the legal community, civic leaders, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of celebration, unity, and purpose.
The Gala served as a major fundraising event to support CALA’s scholarship initiative, which aims to assist aspiring attorneys—particularly those from Caribbean backgrounds—pursuing undergraduate and law school degrees. Since its founding in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, CALA has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift both the legal and Caribbean communities through mentorship, education, and advocacy.
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This year’s Gala honored four exemplary leaders for their contributions to law and community service:
- Hon. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Assemblywoman and Brooklyn Democratic County Leader
- Carl Forbes, Jr., Esq., Immediate Past President of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association
- Rudyard Whyte, Esq., prominent attorney with The Cochran Firm and Chair of CALA’s Board
- Judge Genine D. Edwards, who was recognized as Outstanding Jurist
Guests were treated to inspiring speeches, live entertainment, and an atmosphere filled with camaraderie and pride. The event also highlighted CALA’s long-term vision: to foster unity among Caribbean judges and attorneys, and to create pathways for future generations to succeed in what CALA calls “the most noble profession.”
Organizers expressed gratitude for the evening’s success and remain hopeful that this momentum will help broaden their base of support for years to come.
