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Florida Bar Kicks Off Annual Convention With Historic Moments

More than 7,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Annual Florida Bar Convention in Boca Raton. The four-day convention, which started Wednesday, will also include the induction of the group’s first African American president.

This year’s theme for the Florida Bar’s Annual Convention is “Inclusion: The Path to Unity.” And, Convention Chair Michelle Suskauer says it’s very relevant and reflects the diversity of current and incoming leadership.

“It’s celebrating Gwynne Young’s year, who is the fifth women President of the Florida Bar, and installing Eugene Pettis, who’s from Fort Lauderdale, as our first African American Florida Bar President. So, it’s very historic. And, again, looking at our theme, which is inclusion, it is really incredible,” said Suskauer.

Pettis will be formally sworn in Friday at the convention. West Palm Beach attorney Gregory Coleman will be sworn in as president-elect during the same ceremony.

Suskauer says there are also a record breaking number of 30 seminars to choose from this year, from a unique workshop about Human Trafficking to looking at historic landmark decisions in the Florida Supreme Court.  And, Chief Justice Ricky Polston and former CNN Anchor Soledad O’Brien will be guest speakers at a Thursday lunch.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on twitter @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.