Ok, this post was completely inspired by Ms. Vanessa over at Blogging Black Miami (hey!). Upon checking out BBM, I peeped the "People you should know" section to find a picture of Ms. Gwen Cherry. Now all Dade County natives have heard of Gwen Cherry Park and their famous Pop Warner team (more like dynasty!). There are also apartment complexes named after her. So I thought, hmm no big deal, don't know her. I clicked the link to learn that there is also the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association that carries her namesake in our community. What many may not know (I know I didn't) is that Ms. Gwendolyn S. Cherry (1923-1979) was a monumental figure in Dade County and a trailblazer in our city and state. Here's a snippet of who she was:
- The FIRST Black woman student in the University of Miami law school.
- The FIRST Black woman to practice law in Dade County.
- The FIRST Black woman to serve as a legislator for the state of Florida.
And now folks, we have a new series thanks to the inspiration from BBM. Be on the look out for more of "Who is..." of Dade County. We must preserve our history and pass it along, because it is truly rich and that's a fact! We must also recognize those who continue to work for the good of our community.
BND honors Gwendolyn S. Cherry for her many contributions to Miami and the state of Florida.
(Photo source)
2 comments:
She went to Florida A&M University, NOT the University for Law School. She is a Rattler!!
Hi Ms. Chase! Thanks for your comment. According to the website of the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association, Professor Cherry attended the U of Miami law school BEFORE attending FAMU's law school. She was the FIRST black woman law student at UM. You are correct in that she is a Rattler because she graduated with her bachelor's and J.D. from there. Be blessed.
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