The 46th Gertrude E. Rush Conference and Awards Gala is an esteemed annual event organized by the National Bar Association (NBA). It honors the legacy of Gertrude Elzora Durden Rush, the first African American woman admitted to the Iowa bar and the only woman among the NBA's founders. The conference brings together legal professionals, community leaders, and visionaries to celebrate excellence, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
The 2026 conference, set against the backdrop of San Diego, will feature thought-provoking sessions and powerful keynotes. Attendees can look forward to discussions on topics such as legislative strategies for Black maternal health, the role of artificial intelligence in law, and effective trial preparation in family law. The event will also include the prestigious Gertrude Rush Awards Gala, recognizing individuals who embody the spirit of civil rights and legal excellence.
Notable speakers for the 2026 conference include Sunny Hostin, a renowned attorney and journalist; Patricia Russell-McCloud, a former FCC attorney and acclaimed speaker; and Raamla Mohamed, an Emmy-nominated writer and producer. The conference will also offer networking opportunities, including receptions and hospitality suites, providing attendees with the chance to connect with peers and industry leaders.
This conference is ideal for legal professionals, scholars, and community advocates committed to civil rights and social justice. It offers a platform to engage with pressing legal issues, gain insights from distinguished speakers, and participate in meaningful discussions that shape the future of the legal profession.
Speakers(9)
Alphonso David
President and CEO at Global Black Economic Forum
Alphonso David is an American lawyer, LGBT civil rights activist, former president of the Human Rights Campaign, and current president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum.
John Page
Chief Legal Officer at Golden State Foods
John Page is the Chief Legal Officer at Golden State Foods and serves as the Chair of the General Counsel Invitational.
Judge Greg Mathis
Former Judge and Television Personality
Judge Greg Mathis is a former judge of Michigan’s 36th District Court, philanthropist, author, and longtime television personality.
Katica Roy
CEO and Founder at Pipeline Equity
Katica Roy is the CEO and founder of Pipeline Equity, a company focused on closing the gender equity gap in the workplace.
Patricia Russell-McCloud
Attorney and Author
Patricia Russell-McCloud is a former FCC attorney, author, and the 11th President of The Links, Inc., recognized as one of Essence's Top 10 Speakers in America.
Raamla Mohamed
Writer and Producer
Raamla Mohamed is an Emmy-nominated writer and co-executive producer of Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere, and a former writer for Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder.
Shawn Holley
Attorney at Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley LLP
Shawn Holley is a prominent attorney known for her work in high-profile criminal defense cases.
Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
Secretary of State at State of California
Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., is California’s 30th Secretary of State, the first Black person to hold the office, and a trailblazing educator and civil rights advocate.
Sunny Hostin
Attorney and Journalist at ABC's The View
Sunny Hostin is a five-time Emmy Award-winning attorney and journalist, co-host of ABC's The View, and a two-time New York Times best-selling author.
Event Details
- Date
- March 26-29, 2026
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 San Diego, United States
- Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
- Audience
- Legal professionals, scholars, community advocates