Judicial Diversity Initiative Celebrates 10 Years of Championing Representation in Florida’s Courts

The Judicial Diversity Initiative (JDI) recently marked its 10th anniversary with a powerful celebration in downtown Fort Lauderdale, honoring a decade of work to make Florida’s judiciary reflect the communities it serves.

Community leaders, legal professionals, and advocates gathered to salute the founders of JDI, a coalition that emerged in 2015 out of a glaring need: the lack of Black judges on the bench in Florida. Since then, JDI has worked to change that narrative.

“It is particularly meaningful to honor those whose vision and leadership were crucial to the founding of JDI,” said Veronica Hazzard, JDI’s current Chair, in a press release.

The event paid tribute to Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami) and fellow co-founders Yolanda Strader, Annika Ashton, Loreal Arscott, Reggie Clyne, and the late Beranton Whisenant. Whisenant’s son accepted a posthumous honor on his behalf.

These legal trailblazers united their bar associations—including the Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association, Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association, Haitian Lawyers Association, Caribbean Bar Association, and Franklin Cunningham Bar Association—to launch what would become a statewide push for judicial equity.

*(Left to Right) Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA) President Geralda David, Esq., State Representative Dotie Joseph, and Judicial Diversity Initiative (JDI) Chair Veronica Hazzard.*

Attorney Yolanda Strader credited Beranton Whisenant as the unifying force behind the initiative. “We would not be in this room this evening celebrating this milestone if it were not for the efforts of Beranton,” she said in a press release.

The night also recognized longtime supporters and contributors such as Hans Ottinot, David Prather, the late Cynthia Henry Duval, and H.T. Smith. Judges Ilona Holmes, Meisha Darrough, and Bradley Harper were celebrated for their leadership in advancing JDI’s vision.

Reflecting on the current political and social climate, Rep. Joseph emphasized the need to continue the work.

“Despite the challenging time within which we find ourselves, we have overcome worse as Black people in this country; and since we know the importance of a diverse judiciary, we remain steadfast in the mission because representation matters,” she said in a press release. “This milestone isn’t just about looking back—it’s about recommitting to the work ahead.”

This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.

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