TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - During the month of February, Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, recognized the contributions of African Americans by participating in the events below and looks forward to future collaboration and outreach opportunities throughout the year.
U.S. Attorney Keefe said: “National African-American History Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the year-round accomplishments of African Americans in Northern Florida, especially in our law enforcement communities. I am grateful for the staff in my office and in our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies who are dedicated to keeping our communities safe on a daily basis."
North Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Monthly Meeting
On Feb. 19, U.S. Attorney Keefe and Assistant U.S. Attorney Winifred L. Acosta attended the monthly meeting of the North Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). NOBLE was founded in September 1976 to create a unified voice for black law enforcement executives discussing important issues in the criminal justice system. U.S. Attorney Keefe briefly spoke about his commitment to listening to and learning from the unique perspectives of the black law enforcement community.
Tonja Bryant-Smith, President of the North Florida Chapter of NOBLE and Supervising agent at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) said: “The North Florida Chapter of NOBLE is committed to promoting positive law enforcement interactions within the community and our designated area. We make a point to engage our community and law enforcement partners to assist with that endeavor. It is always a pleasure to share our success stories with members of the community, and we will continue to fulfill this goal."
10th Annual African American History Month Celebration
On Feb. 21, 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida hosted its 10th annual African American History Month celebration. Organized yearly by Diversity Committee Chair and Assistant U.S. Attorney Winifred L. Acosta, this year’s event featured a special performance from Brownsville Preparatory Institute students, led by Mrs. Rita Brown. The event’s theme was “Honoring African Americans in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.)." Special guests included Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil; Tonja Bryant-Smith, President of the North Florida Chapter of NOBLE and Supervising agent at FDLE; Federal Public Defender Randolph P. Murrell; courthouse staff; and local, state, and federal law enforcement.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
