2024 SPARKLER BRUNCH I 09.08.2024 | 11am-2pm
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About Us
Honoring Each Other, Uplifting our Community, Creating a Legacy
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We are the Dallas Black Women Attorneys (“DBWA”) committee. We foster mutually beneficial relationships among African American women in the Dallas legal community. We accomplish this by developing programs that encourage service to the community and promote social and professional networking.
Our signature event, the Sparkler, is a luncheon at which we celebrate the accomplishments of DBWA members. It culminates with the presentation of our highest honor – the Charyle O. Farris Trailblazer Award. The late Charlye O. Farris was the first black woman in Texas to become a lawyer when she was admitted to the bar on November 12, 1953 and the first African American to serve as a judge in any capacity in the South since Reconstruction. Mrs. Farris was characterized by her dignity and strength, which helped her overcome the adversity she faced while accomplishing her personal goals and paving the way for success for other women lawyers. Many have benefited from her persistence and patience as she modeled a timeless principle: one person can make a difference in a community, in a profession, and even in our history.
Charlye’s accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the legal profession, and her spirit and tenacity have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Therefore, in 2010, DBWA presented the first annual Charlye O. Farris Award in the namesake of her legendary career and commitment. The award is presented annually to a trailblazer who represents the character and achievement of the late Charlye O. Farris.
Current Recipient
2024 Vicki Blanton
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Past Recipients
2023 Juanita DeLoach
2022 United States Representative Jasmine Crockett
2021 Judge Ada Brown
2020 Shonn Evans Brown
2019 Karen D. McCloud
2018 DeMetris Sampson
2017 The Honorable Rhonda Hunter
2016 Thelma Clardy
2015 The Honorable Phyllis Lister Brown
2014 Professor Cheryl Brown Wattley
2013 The Honorable Erleigh Wiley
2012 The Honorable Tonya Parker
2011 The Honorable Cheryl Lee Shannon
2010 The Honorable Chief Justice Carolyn Wright