For Immediate Release

	February 25, 2004 NBA PRESIDENT CLYDE BAILEY ADDRESSES THE ST. PETERSBURG BAR ASSOCIATION February 25, 2004-- National Bar Association President, Clyde E. Bailey delivered the luncheon speech at the St. Petersburg Bar Association Membership Luncheon. "This is the fourth year that the NBA President has been invited to speak at this Membership Luncheon, starting with President Evett Simmons, according to David Abbey, President of the St. Petersburg Bar. President Bailey addressed diversity in the bar from the unique perspective of identifying what he termed as "the real clogs" in the "pipeline" that prevent African Americans (and other ethnic minority populations) from entering the legal profession?" According to Bailey, law school enrollment for African Americans has declined, citing the ABA Miles To Go 2000 Report. African American youngsters must successfully emerge through a series of challenging socio-economic "environments"- Development Environment, Preparation Environment, and Career Environment- before they enter the resource pool from which legal professionals are selected. Such challenges as the absence of role models, drug abuse, children in the foster care system, ineffective public policies, and the historical impact of racism and discrimination are illustrative of the "real clogs" that prevent African Americans and other largely oppressed populations from realizing their career aspirations. President Bailey identified a host of community service activities and initiatives that lawyers and bar associations can undertake to help mitigate the challenges confronting these populations. Established in 1925 and representing more than 30,000 individuals, the National Bar Association is the oldest and largest association of African American lawyers, judges and law students. President Bailey's entire speech is available in PDF format click here. CONTACT: Megan Alexa Carpenter @ 202-842-3900 Email: mcarpenter@nationalbar.org