"But in addition to those that I did mention, there are two that I must highlight. We must never forget Virgil Hawkins . (Applause.) He simply desired to fulfill a dream of attending the University of Florida School of Law only to be denied by a statewide system of bigotry time and time again simply and solely because of his race. But despite the blatant bigotry his spirit and his resolve held firm and is part of the foundation upon which we all stand on this day.", excerpt from Eugene Pettis' speech delivered at his 2013 swearing-in ceremony as the first African-American president of the Florida Bar.

Click here to read the June 15, 2013 Florida Bar News article on Pettis' swearing-in ceremony then click on the video link for that ceremony within the article.