Wiley Partners with Washington Bar Association for Feb. 18 Black History Month Event

Washington, DC – In celebration of Black History Month, Wiley’s African American/Black Lawyers Affinity Group – in partnership with the Washington Bar Association (WBA) – will host a February 18 fireside chat on “Advancing Equality Through Advocacy.” The public event will be held at the firm’s 1776 K Street NW office from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The evening will feature a legislative and policy discussion with Patrice Willoughby, Managing Director and Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Wiley’s Signal Group subsidiary, and Donald Cravins, Vice President of Policy and External Affairs at Charter Communications. Ms. Willoughby served in the Obama Administration and is a former Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus. Mr. Cravins previously worked for the National Urban League as Senior Vice President for Policy and Executive Director of the Washington Bureau.

WBA Vice President Kendra Perkins Norwood, an associate in Wiley’s Government Contracts Practice, will moderate the discussion, which will be preceded by a reception and followed by a networking session.

Ms. Willoughby and Mr. Cravins will discuss their work to advance racial equality through their advocacy careers. From Capitol Hill to the White House, from K Street to Wall Street, these two veteran lawyers and distinguished public policy professionals have a wealth of insights and inspiring experiences to share with attendees about how the art of advocacy can help drive social change.

Wiley’s African American/Black Lawyers Affinity Group works to provide an opportunity to cultivate relationships among lawyers who self-identify as African American or black, in order to improve ongoing efforts involved in recruitment, networking, career development, inclusion, and retention in the workplace. The group also holds educational and networking events throughout the year.

Founded in 1925, the Washington Bar Association is one of the first African American Bar associations in the country. The WBA was created simultaneously with the National Bar Association and is an affiliate chapter of that organization comprised of predominantly African American attorneys, judges, law students and legal professionals. The organization's motto is "Equal Justice Under Law" and its primary objectives include improving, benefitting, and protecting the well-being of the legal profession and its members and advancing the science of jurisprudence and the administration of justice.