Trial Attorney Willie E. Gary serves as Keynote speaker during the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce 6th Annual Convention Gala

Gary Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Peoria, IL – Trial attorney Willie E. Gary recently served as the keynote speaker during the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Annual Convention and Gala, which was held at the Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino in Peoria, Illinois. Gary was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event was attended by nearly 400 business leaders and chamber members from across the country.

During his remarks, Gary spoke about overcoming challenges encountered by black-owned businesses.  He reiterated the importance of supporting African-American enterprises and talked about ways to foster economic empowerment and business development.  In addition, Gary encouraged audience members to accept the task of serving as role models for young boys and girls.

Furthermore, the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce recognized African-American leaders and legends in the business community. Gary was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his landmark settlements and verdicts as well as his commitment to education. The Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce President, Larry D. Ivory, commended Gary for his many humanitarian efforts and for enriching the lives of young people.
“It is imperative that we help our young people by providing them with educational resources and opportunities. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s business leaders,” commented Gary.  “It is indeed an honor to receive this recognition from the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce. I am privileged to be a part of such a worthwhile endeavor,” Gary continued.

Gary and his legal team are known for taking on some of the nation’s most powerful corporate giants, including the funeral industry. In 1995, a jury awarded Gary and his legal team a record-breaking, half-billion dollars against one of the world’s largest funeral chains, The Loewen Group. In addition, Gary is noted for winning a $240 million jury verdict in Orange County against the Walt Disney Corporation for his clients who alleged that Disney stole their idea for a sports theme park. In 2001, a jury awarded Gary a $139.6 million verdict for the Maris Distributing Company against Anheuser Busch.

Gary is also well-known for his philanthropic endeavors. In 1994, he and his wife, Dr. Gloria Gary, founded the Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including $10 million to their alma mater, Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Attorney Willie Gary (center) poses with Arthur Gass (left), Chairman of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce and Larry D. Ivory (right), President and CEO of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce.

John Harmon (left), President of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce; Larry Ivory (second from left), President and CEO of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce; Attorney Willie E. Gary (center); Arthur Gass (second from right), Chairman of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce and Claude McDougal (far right), President of the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas.

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Trial Attorney Willie E. Gary Delivers Keynote Address during the 10th Annual Shaw University National Alumni Association Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chapter Banquet

             

Fayetteville, NC—Trial attorney Willie E. Gary recently served as the keynote speaker during the 10th Annual Shaw University National Alumni Association Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chapter Banquet in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The event was held at the Crown Coliseum.
                   
Gary addressed a packed audience of nearly 400 business leaders, lawyers, faculty, board members, ministers and Shaw University alumni. The purpose of the event was to raise funds for student scholarships. Gary shared his personal story of triumph despite growing up as migrant worker. He also motivated the audience to use their knowledge and expertise to help shape society and to make a positive impact in the lives of young people.  In addition, Gary urged the audience members to reach back and help future students business leaders by sharing their time, talent and resources. 
                   
“As Shaw graduates, we have a tremendous opportunity to bring about positive change in the lives of many,” said Gary. “All of these students have important decisions to make about their future. My intention was to motivate them to make good decisions and to believe in themselves,” said Gary. “Hopefully, my story touched the lives of these students and inspired them to finish to finish college.”
                
                   
Gary, who is best known in legal circles as “The Giant Killer,” is noted for taking on some of America’s most powerful companies--winning billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients.  Known for his philanthropic endeavors, he and his wife, Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to their alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Trial Attorney Willie E. Gary Honored with
the Lifetime Achievement Award during
Greater Black Chamber of Commerce
of the Carolinas Awards Gala

Charlotte, NC – Trial attorney Willie E. Gary was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Greater Black Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas Awards Gala. The star-studded event was held at the Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Greater Black Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas honored African American leaders and legends in the business community and presented Mr. Gary with an award for his landmark settlements and verdicts as well as his commitment to education. 

Other awardees included Virgil Cobb, President and Owner of Cinda Corporation; Ron Freeman, Director of Uptown Magazine; Herb Gray, owner of Life Enhancement Services; Robyn Hamilton, President and CEO of the Carolinas Minority Councils, Inc.; Stoney Sellars, President and Founder of Technology Project Management, Inc. (TPM, Inc.) and Managing Partner for StoneHunt, LLC.; Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce; John E. Harmon, Sr., President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey; Larry Holman, President of Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce; Larry D. Ivory, President and Founder of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce; and, Rev. Kojo Nantambu, Branch President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). These men were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to society.

The event was attended by nearly 250 business leaders and chamber members from across the country. The Greater Black Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas President, Claude D. McDougal, was also in attendance and commended Gary for his many humanitarian efforts and for enriching the lives of future lawyers.

During his remarks, Gary encouraged audience members to accept the task of serving as role models for young boys and girls. “It is imperative that we help our young people by providing them with educational resources and opportunities,” commented Gary.  “It is indeed an honor to receive this recognition from the Greater Black Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas. I am privileged to be a part of such a worthwhile endeavor,” Gary continued.

Gary and his legal team are known for taking on some of the nation’s most powerful corporate giants, including the funeral industry. In 1995, a jury awarded Gary and his legal team a record-breaking, half-billion dollars against one of the world’s largest funeral chains, The Loewen Group. In addition, Gary is noted for winning a $240 million jury verdict in Orange County against the Walt Disney Corporation for his clients who alleged that Disney stole their idea for a sports theme park. In 2001, a jury awarded Gary a $139.6 million verdict for the Maris Distributing Company against Anheuser Busch.

Gary is also well-known for his philanthropic endeavors. In 1994, he and his wife, Dr. Gloria Gary, founded the Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including $10 million to their alma mater, Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Attorney Willie Gary (left) poses with Stephanie T. Donaldson (center), Sr. Social Worker, South Carolina, Department of Corrections Women’s Facility and Claude D. McDougal (right), President and Founder of The Greater Black Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas.

Solomon Ali, Managing Director of Rainco Industries, Inc. (left), and Claude D. McDougal (right), President and Founder of The Greater Black Chamber of Commerce of  the Carolinas greet Attorney Willie Gary (center).

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Attorney Willie Gary Inspires Students
at Boys’ Latin Charter High School
in Philadelphia

Stuart, FL—Trial attorney Willie E. Gary recently visited the campus of the Boys’ Latin Charter High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Gary served as the keynote speaker for the occasion, which was hosted by Veniece Newton and the Community Angel Foundation of Philadelphia. Gary addressed faculty, staff, administration and most importantly 400 minority male students on the topic of preparing to be future leaders and ambassadors of goodwill. 

Gary praised the high school students for achieving academic excellence and challenged them to continue to set goals and dream big dreams.  He also encouraged the students to strive for the very best, lead by example, become role models and keep God first.  

During his remarks, Gary also recognized the numerous achievements and accomplishments of the students.  One such accolade was the recognition of three freshmen with perfect attendance and straight A’s, who were selected as winners of the Mayor’s VIP Program.  Approximately 90% of the students at Boys’ Latin Charter High School finish high school and continue on to college.   Gary commended the principal, Dr. Hardy, for his unwavering commitment to the school and for his noteworthy academic progress. 

At the conclusion of the program, Veniece Newton, executive director of the Community Angel Foundation presented Gary with the Angel Award for his community service endeavors and commitment to education.

“Let me take the opportunity to say how proud I am of these young men,” said Gary.  “These students are hard workers and are no doubt getting an unparalleled education.  I hope that my story serves as inspiration to these young men,” continued Gary.

Known for his philanthropic endeavors, Willie Gary and his wife, Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to their alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

David Hardy (Left), Principal of the Boys Latin Charter High School, Attorney Willie Gary (middle) shows school spirit while wearing a Boys Latin Charter High School hat and Veniece Newton, Chairwoman and Founder of Community Angel Foundation take a moment to pose for a picture.

Veniece Newton, Chairwoman and Founder of Community Angel Foundation (left) and Attorney Willie Gary (right) poses with group of students from the Boys Latin Charter High School.

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Attorney Willie E. Gary Delivers Keynote Address during the 25th Annual Celebration Commemorative of the Life and Works
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

St. Petersburg, FL – Willie Gary recently served as the keynote speaker at the 25th Annual Celebration Commemorative of the Life and Works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in St. Petersburg. Florida.  Many came from near and far to celebrate the ideals and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Those in attendance included St. Petersburg Mayor, Bill Foster, community members, elected officials, business leaders and clergy.  The breakfast was hosted by the St. Petersburg Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.   

Gary addressed an audience of nearly 1,000 during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast entitled “Honoring the Legacy, Fulfilling the Dream: A Day On, Not a Day Off.” Gary motivated the audience to overcome obstacles and to succeed against what may seem like insurmountable odds. In addition, he challenged the audience to become active in their respective communities through service and mentoring opportunities.

The breakfast concluded with an awards program that highlighted the achievements of local leaders.  Gary was also honored by St. Petersburg Mayor, Bill Foster, who presented Gary with a key to the city. 

“Many great men and women have sacrificed and fought hard for civil rights. Today we celebrate and remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders, who have paved the way,” said Gary. “Thanks to Dr. King’s vision, opportunities our grandparents only dreamed of having are accessible to all Americans,” continued Gary.       
                   
Gary, who is best known in legal circles as “The Giant Killer,” is noted for taking on some of America’s most powerful companies--winning billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients.  Known for his philanthropic endeavors, he and his wife, Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to their alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Attorney Willie Gary Introduces Legendary Entertainer and Friend Bill Cosby
at the Historic Sunrise Theatre's
"An Evening with Bill Cosby"

Attorney Willie Gary (left) poses with long time friend Bill Cosby (right).

Attorney Willie Gary (left) takes time to pose with comedian Bill Cosby (center)
and Executive Director of the Sunrise Theatre John Wilkes (right).

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Trial Attorney, Willie E. Gary, Inspires Future Lawyers to Be the Best during Southern Region National Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA) 40th Annual
Regional Convention Awards Gala

Raleigh, NC – Trial attorney Willie E. Gary recently visited Raleigh, North Carolina to serve as the keynote speaker at the Southern Region National Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA) 40th Annual Regional Convention Awards Gala.  The SRBLSA awards gala was the culmination of the convention and recognized the winners of the moot court and mock trial competitions.

Gary addressed a lively audience comprised of lawyers, judges, public officials, law students, university professors and members of the community. SRBLSA is comprised of students from over 40 law schools including Florida A&M University College of Law, Duke Law School, North Carolina Central University School of Law, University of Alabama School of Law, Wake Forest University School of Law and University of Miami School of Law, to name a few.   Gary encouraged the audience to give back to their community and help support the educational goals of black law students.  Gary also challenged the students to continue the pursuit of academic excellence and to lead by example.

“Lawyers have a tremendous opportunity to bring about positive change in the lives of the underprivileged and downtrodden,” said Gary. “The responsibility to serve as a voice for the voiceless will ultimately rest on your shoulders, young people.  You are preparing to embark upon a career that can positively impact and make a change in the lives of others – and you shouldn’t take this lightly,” commented Gary. 

Gary, who is best known in legal circles as “The Giant Killer,” is noted for taking on some of America’s most powerful companies--winning billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients.  Known for his philanthropic endeavors, he and his wife, Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to their alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Attorney Willie Gary along with SRBLSA Board Members.

Benjamin Rush (left), from the University of Mississippi and runner up of the Thurgood Marshall mock trial competition greets attorney Willie Gary (right).

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