EBGBA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the political, economic, educational, social, legislative, and legal interests of the Black community in San Diego County.

We proudly celebrate 50 years of advancing the political, economic, educational, social, legislative, and legal interests of the Black community in San Diego!  

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association (EBGBA), a cornerstone of San Diego's legal community originally established in 1976 as the Association of Black Attorneys of San Diego County.  

This month, we reflect on EBGBA’s beginnings in 1970s San Diego.  

Commenting on the growing presence of Black attorneys in San Diego during the 1970s, which laid the foundation for what would become the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, Robert Fikes Jr. writes:  

“In a complete turnaround from the 1960s, black attorneys were attracted to San Diego in the 1970s in greater numbers than at any time before or since. At least forty new faces were seen in the halls of justice during the decade—more than enough to give birth to an organization that would advance their professional interests, take a stance on legal matters affecting the African American community, and recognize and reward the good work of local black attorneys, judges, law professors, and their students.” (Pioneers, Warriors, Advocates: San Diego’s Black Legal Community, 1890-2013, The Journal of San Diego History, Winter/Spring 2014, Volume 60, Numbers 1 & 2, pp. 53-54.)  

The EBGBA was initially established in 1976 as the Association of Black Attorneys of San Diego County (the ABASDC). However, the creation of this bar association in San Diego was not just a professional milestone; it stemmed from a response to racial injustice.  

The story begins in the mid-1970s at Aunt Emma's Pancakes restaurant, located at the corner of 54th and El Cajon in San Diego. A small group of Black attorneys met there, but their peaceful gathering took an abrupt turn when they encountered unexpected rain. The five attorneys rushed to escape, only to be approached by a police car. The officer informed them that a robbery had been reported in the area, and shockingly, they “matched the description” of the suspects. Despite presenting their California State Bar cards as proof of their professional identities, they faced several minutes of harassment. Only Willard Anthony, who did not have his bar card with him, was arrested on the spot. It became clear that no robbery had been reported that day, revealing this incident as a case of racial profiling. Fortunately, they had connections to Hon. Earl B. Gilliam, who intervened to secure Mr. Anthony’s release and ensure that his record was expunged. Judge Gilliam also ensured that the misconduct by the police officers was noted in their personnel files. This experience galvanized the five men to form the Association of Black Attorneys of San Diego County. Despite the challenges they faced, the legacy of those attorneys has endured for decades, as evidenced by the growth of the EBGBA and its ongoing support for the African American community in San Diego.  

In 1982, under the presidency of Daniel Weber, the Association of Black Attorneys of San Diego County formally changed its name to the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association in honor of Hon. Earl B. Gilliam, the first African American United States District Court judge for the Southern District of California and the first African American to serve on the San Diego County Superior Court.  

Over the years, the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation has collaborated with various local bar associations to promote the diverse interests of the San Diego County community. Many members of EBGBA have gone on to achieve successful careers as lawyers, judges, and other professions.  

Five decades later, the EBGBA remains committed to defending the legal and human rights of all citizens, promoting justice, eradicating the roots of racism, advancing the professional and personal interests of its members, and maintaining high standards of integrity and courtesy in the legal profession.

The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association in San Diego needs your support as it strives to advance the political, economic, educational, social, legislative, and legal interests of the Black community in San Diego County. By donating to the EBGBA, you help ensure it can continue to advocate for equitable police practices, support candidates who align with its mission, and lobby for the legislative and legal interests of the African-American community. Join the efforts of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation and make a difference today.

The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation supports candidates for political office, judicial applicants, and legislative acts that further the political, economic, educational, social, legislative, and legal interests of the Black community in San Diego County, aligning with the values of the local bar association San Diego.