NBA FIRST Platform

Members first. Mission first. Communities first.

The NBA FIRST platform is focused on strengthening member value, expanding opportunity, and preserving the Association’s historic role as a voice for justice.

01

Members First

Strengthen member engagement by creating more opportunities for NBA members to connect, collaborate, refer, mentor, and grow.

  • Regional and affiliate engagement
  • Referral and networking opportunities
  • Member listening sessions
02

Mission First

Advance the NBA’s historic mission through civil rights programming, public policy advocacy, legal education, and professional excellence.

  • Civil rights programming
  • Legislative and policy partnerships
  • Professional development
03

Communities First

Use the collective strength of Black lawyers to serve communities that rely on NBA members for advocacy, access, protection, and leadership.

  • Community service initiatives
  • Public education projects
  • Justice-centered partnerships
04

Students and Young Lawyers First

Build stronger pipelines for law students and young lawyers through mentorship, leadership development, convention engagement, and practical career support.

  • Student leadership pathways
  • Young lawyer mentorship
  • Convention participation
05

Global Opportunity First

Support NBA engagement in global justice, diaspora relations, AfCFTA opportunities, trade, investment, and economic development.

  • AfCFTA and diaspora engagement
  • International partnerships
  • Economic empowerment
06

Operational Excellence First

Support clear communication, consistent reporting, stronger systems, and practical follow-through on Board priorities.

  • Clear communications
  • Program accountability
  • Practical implementation

Implementation

How NBA FIRST becomes action.

Hamid’s approach is practical: listen to members, identify what is working, build partnerships, communicate clearly, and measure progress.

1Listen

Engage regions, affiliates, sections, divisions, law students, young lawyers, solo practitioners, and institutional partners.

2Connect

Create opportunities for members to build relationships that produce referrals, mentorship, leadership, and professional growth.

3Build

Turn ideas into programs with clear goals, responsible leadership, regular reporting, and follow-through.