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New Memphis Bar Association president is a ‘first’ in pursuit of a ‘transformational moment’

With nearly a month into a year-long term, Tannera Gibson, the first African-American woman to become president of the Memphis Bar Association, looks for opportunities to change racial and ethnic perceptions. 

She is riding a momentous wave of firsts, succeeding the Peter Gee, the organization’s first Asian-American to serve in that office.

“I don’t want it to be an anomaly that black women serve in highly influential capacities,” said Gibson. “And not just black women, but for others who are marginalized and diminished in some way. Racial biases and cultural prejudices have continued to prevent individuals for being judged on their abilities and gifts. I want to see all that change.”

Gibson realizes that one year is not long to work on altering racial and ethnic perceptions, but she has ideas about how to make meaningful strides toward a more equitable and inclusive approach in the legal community.

“We want to celebrate diversity and promote it in every way,” Gibson said. “This global pandemic over the past two years has been an extraordinary time.

“Inequities and disparity have been revealed in nearly every aspect of our lives. On Dec. 2 of last year, when Peter passed that gavel to me, I knew I wanted my presidency to be more than just a hollow, symbolic term. I want it to be a transformational moment in our history.”

Gibson became the first African-American partner in the law firm of Burch, Porter & Johnson PLLC. 

After joining Burch as a student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Gibson knew she wanted to be an attorney at the firm after she graduated. 

She has been there since 2009, two years after graduating from law school.

As 2022 unfolds, Gibson believes opportunities to implement policies promoting diversity will present themselves. Young, aspiring attorneys, no matter their economic and social background, should be encouraged to trust their own capabilities as they pursue their dreams.

“I remember so many moments of self-doubt because I didn’t have anyone to assure me that I could be a successful attorney,” said Gibson. “Mentoring students in high school and college, who are looking at a career in law, is very important. Reaching back and helping young people with direction and encouragement can be life changing. I want to really look at this organization making a positive impact in this way.”

The resources available to the 147-year organization of local attorneys will support diversity initiatives being proposed in Gibson’s administration, but the time frame may be a challenge.

“There are so many things not being taught in law school,” said Gibson. “I want to see a leadership program for law students that will raise awareness about the need for diversity and help them understand cultural sensitivity. 

“I want to establish this program during my administration and design it in such a way that it will continue long after I pass the gavel on in December.”

Gibson’s childhood and her life growing up in Memphis have made her a determined promoter of diversity. 

Growing up in predominantly African-American communities made Gibson aware of cultural biases that may have limited the scope of her experiences, whether intentional or unintentional.

“We lived in a few places in Memphis,” said Gibson. “We lived in Cherokee for a time. We lived on Barron near Orange Mound, and we lived in Whitehaven. Others coming from a more affluent background sometimes produced feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

“Obviously, I was able to work though that. But things shouldn’t be like they are just because they have always been that way. Change is good.”

Gibson feels that a greater awareness of the benefits of diversity will help to improve the legal community in the long run.

Gibson is the seventh of nine children. Her mother was there to witness the passing of the MBA gavel.

Gibson’s father died in 2017. The Gibson family is proud of what the 43-year-old has already accomplished.

After graduating from White Station High School, Gibson earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Working two years in the field convinced her to apply for law school and pursue her real life-long desire to become a lawyer.

 

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