ABLA On the Move

ALLIED BAR UPDATE

Austin Black Lawyers Association Provides Information and Resources

BY CIARA PARKS

The Austin Black Lawyers Association (ABLA) has been on the move this year and there’s more to come, as ABLA continues providing information and resources to the legal community and those in marginalized communities. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to in 2022. ABLA conducted a series entitled “Journey to the Bench,” where participants heard from African American judicial leaders like Judge Brenda Kennedy and Judge Lora Livingston and other elected officials about their political journey and received advice on running for office. The insightful events gave information and hope to those participating.

Staying abreast of issues affecting the community is paramount and continues to be a focal point.

For Juneteenth, ABLA heard from State Rep. Sheryl Cole (HD 46) with updates on the Texas legislative session and legislation impacting the African American community. Staying abreast of issues affecting the community is paramount and continues to be a focal point.

The group ended the fiscalyear with the ABLA Foundation Virgil C. Lott Scholarship Fundraiser at Top Golf. Members and supporters had an amazing time connecting in person and teeing off! What was even more amazing was being able to provide five scholarships to graduating high school students attending college. The scholarship honors Virgil C. Lott, who was the first African American to graduate from The University of Texas School of Law. The scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors in the Austin Independent School District and surrounding districts who exhibit community service, good scholastic standing, evidence of leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Recipients are awarded the scholarship upon acceptance to any junior college or university. This year’s recipients included Reiko Andrews, Tyler Aberi, Steven Blake Coleman, Reece Mitchell, and Ja’Niya Welch.

ABLA looks forward to kicking off the year with an in-person meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. Join us at Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody, located at 401 Congress Ave. #2700, Austin, TX 78701. AL

Scholarship recipient Reiko Andrews (center) along with ABLA past president Ayeola Williams (left), and ABLA president Ciara Parks (right) and family.

VIRGIL C. LOTT 2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Reiko Andrews

Tyler Aberi

Steven Blake Coleman

Reece Mitchell

Ja’Niya Welch

Ciara Parks is the general counsel for the Texas Board of Law Examiners, president of the Austin Black Lawyers Association, and secretary of the Austin Young Lawyers Association.