Our History
1949
“Just the Beginning” began as a celebration of the Integration of the Federal Judiciary, which happened in 1949 when President Harry S. Truman made the first-lifetime appointment of an African American judge.
September 19, 1992
In Chicago, IL., a special event entitled, “Just The Beginning – A Celebration of Integration of the Federal Judiciary” also honored Judge James Parsons, the first African-American United States District Court Judge, on his retirement after devoting thirty-one years on the federal bench.
Later that year,
Inspired by the events of that weekend, Just The Beginning Foundation (JTBF) was founded as a not-for-profit organization of judges, lawyers, and other citizens dedicated to developing educational programs to inspire and foster careers in the law among students of color and from other underrepresented groups, from middle school through law school.
Today
Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization (formerly JTBF and now, JTB-APO) continues this mission by offering pipeline programs directly aimed at inspiring young students and increasing diversity in the legal profession and judiciary.
Mission
OUR MISSION is to encourage students of color and from other underrepresented groups to pursue career and leadership opportunities in law.
Vision
OUR VISION is a legal profession in which lawyers and judges reflect the backgrounds and perspectives of the populations they serve.
Meet Our Board
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Monet Goode
FOUNDER
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Emmett Marsh
DESIGN DIRECTOR
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Eleanor Parks
SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR
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Karl Holland
SALES MANAGER
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Jaya Dixon
MARKETING DIRECTOR
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Jamie Kokot
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Meet Our Staff
-
Monet Goode
FOUNDER
-
Emmett Marsh
DESIGN DIRECTOR
-
Eleanor Parks
SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR
-
Karl Holland
SALES MANAGER
-
Jaya Dixon
MARKETING DIRECTOR
-
Jamie Kokot
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER