Kaysia Earley to be honoured with Parkland Juneteenth proclamation

Jamaican-American lawyer, humanitarian, writer and community advocate Kaysia Earley is to be recognised by the City of Parkland in Florida through a Juneteenth Proclamation for her work in justice, service, education and community upliftment.

Mayor Richard Walker and the Parkland City Commission are expected to present the proclamation at City Hall on June 3. The honour points to Earley’s record as an attorney and civic figure whose efforts have helped communities within the Jamaican diaspora.

Earley, whose father is from Spanish Town in St Catherine, continues to keep close family links with Jamaica. Over the years, she has also remained engaged in humanitarian projects and mentorship efforts on the island.

In an interview with Observer Online on Thursday, Earley said the tribute was a privilege and an honour. “This recognition reflects the countless hours of pro bono legal service I’ve provided to individuals who could not afford adequate legal representation, as well as the charitable work that I’ve undertaken through community outreach and non-profit efforts. I’m sincerely grateful to the mayor of Parkland and the city commission for this recognition. More importantly, it encourages me to continue serving others and being a blessing to those in need because a generous person always prospers,” she said.

Earley said the moment carried added meaning because it was coming from the city where she lives and during its Juneteenth activities. “Being honoured during the city’s Juneteenth celebration made the recognition even more meaningful, considering Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved African Americans were free following the end of the Civil War. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom and progress. To receive this honour during such a significant observance is a blessing,” she said.

For 13 years, Earley has practised as a criminal defence attorney. She founded and owns Earley Law Firm, after completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Howard University in Washington, DC, and earning a Juris Doctor from St Thomas University School of Law in Miami.

She said her commitment to criminal defence grew out of her own experience in the justice system. During her final year of college, Earley was jailed and placed in solitary confinement after she gave discounted goods from her employer to friends and relatives.

“Experiencing the criminal justice system first-hand gave me a unique perspective and a deep sense of empathy for those facing legal challenges…Today, I bring a rare perspective to my practice, having experienced the justice system from both sides, first as a defendant and now as a defender of justice.”

Earley travels to Jamaica often and owns a house in Trelawny, where she spends significant time while doing outreach and non-profit work. She has addressed students at several schools, among them William Knibb Memorial High School.

“My visits allow me to maintain strong family ties while continuing my charitable and educational initiatives on the island. This is my home,” she said.

In 2022, Earley offered herself as a judicial candidate in Broward County, Florida. She also established Seeds of Manna, Inc, a non-profit body that works to deliver relief and lasting support to underserved communities hit by natural disasters.

Outside the courtroom, Earley works as a journalist and legal analyst, with appearances on CourtTV, Law & Crime, CBS, NewsNation and other media outlets. Her first memoir, Houses Built by Faith, won the 2026 Christlit and Literary Titan Book Awards and reached number one on Amazon’s bestseller list.

Earley resides in Broward County with her husband, David, and their four children.