Gordon Murray, Sr.

Gordon "FFlash" Murray, Sr. (born September 7, 1960 in New York City) is an attorney at law and an avid humanitarian focusing on the struggles of African-American families and their youth. Murray won the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Florida Federation of Alpha Chapter's "Alumni Brother of the Year" for his vigorous participation in the fraternity's national programs.

Family and background

Murray was born in Queens, New York City to Samuel Murray, Sr. and Beatrice Murray. He graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Public Administration in 1982. At the University of Miami, Murray was awarded the Golden Drum Award and Miami's Presidential Scholarship. In 1985, he received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from University of Miami School of Law, where he received the Dean's Scholarship and was member of the Honor Council from 1982-1985. Murray later married Judene B. Murray August 12 1986, with whom he has three children.

Legal career

Murray was admitted into The Florida Bar December 14, 1985, the Federal Bar/Southern District of Florida in May 19, 1988, and the Federal Bar/Middle District of Florida September 22, 1997. In the month of July 1986 Murray fought through bigotry and prejudice and became the first African-American Assistant State Attorney in Monroe County, Key West, Florida, Office of The Honorable Kirk Zuelch, State Attorney.

In 1989, he moved to Miami, where he then became a Felony Prosecutor for the Office of The Honorable Janet Reno, State Attorney. Murray went on to open his own practice, Law Offices of Gordon Murray, P.A. in September 1993 and was a Criminal and Civil Law Practitioner. Murray expanded his law spectrum and served the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, Miami-Dade County, Florida as a General Master/Child Support Hearing Officer only to leave there and become a Civil Traffic Hearing Officer from July 1999 until September 2002. Later that year, the Law Offices of Douthit, Murray & Pierre, P.A. was created. Murray currently acts as a Sr. Managing Partner and still practices.

Education

Throughout Murray's legal career he has also served as a Professor. Murray's professorial career began in 1989 at Florida Keys Community College, Key West, Florida where he was the professor of Criminal Law. In the same year he was also a Legal Instructor to the Police and Correctional Officers’ Academy of the Southeast Institute of Criminal Justice, Miami Dade College. When he moved to Miami he then began to serve as an Adjunct Professor at Miami Dade College's North campus teaching: Juvenile Delinquency, Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Constitutional Law.

Marquee Cases

Some of Murray's marquee cases include the "Gentleman" Bandit, who was a thief who would burglarize homes, but would also grant victims certain wishes like permission to use the bathroom, etc. Another marquee case was "The State of Florida v. Veronica Temple," a pro-bono case that involved a parent (mother) officer who handcuffed her male child as punishment. Murray appeared on "The Leeza Gibbons Show" and "Court TV" in regard to this case. Murray also appeared on HBO "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel", in regard to his case, "Killings, et al. v. FHSAA." This case forced referees of high school games to be more accountable of how their actions affect those of the people their watching over and their families.

Professional Affiliations and Commendations

Murray is a member of the Miami-Dade County Bar Association, Inc., the National Bar Association, Incorporated, the 5000 Hundred Role Models of Excellence Program, the Haitian Lawyers Association, Incorporated, and served on the Board of Directors of Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association of Miami-Dade County. The Cuban American Bar Association, Incorporated honored Murray with the "Pro Bono Award." Murray was also the Legal Advisor to the Women’s History Association of Miami-Dade County, Incorporated and assisted with the incorporation of Herstory Committee and in naming the second sequel to the book, "Julia’s Daughters", which gives tribute to outstanding women in Miami-Dade County. (Sequel two is titled "Beyond Julia’s Daughters".) Murray also facilitated protocol and security for Honorable Sheila Sesulu, South African Ambassador to the United States for Theodore R. Gibson Memorial Dinner.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated

Murray is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha and has done a lot of his humanitarian acts through Alpha. Murray also known as FFlash, pledged at University of Miami to the Eta Delta (ΗΔ) chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Murray's line, known as the BOLD ONES, was the last line to officially and legally be pledged in the Fall of 1981, before it was prohibited by the Standing Orders of Alpha. As a member of an Alumni member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Murray has spoke at several lectures and events.

Murray also served as financial secretary for the alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha's Beta Beta Lambda (ΒΒΛ). He also served as President of the chapter (1998-2000).