Spring Legal Pad 2017

Legal Pad THE OFFICAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2017

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: The Power of One

State of NBLSA 01 National UPDATE 03 Advocacy 06 Programming 07 Competitions 08 Pre-Law 09 Community Service State of the regions 11 Mid-Atlantic Region 13 Southern Region 14 Southwest Region 15 Mid-West Region 17 Northeast Region Member Spotlight 18 Donald Stubblefield The Revolution Will not be televised: the power of one 21 I Am Not a “Traditional” Law Student By Greg Kimble 22 “One of These Things is Not Like the Other” by marcus Sandifer 23 Be brave. By God, Be Brave By Gennelle Chatman 24 “You’re in the Black Law Students Association?

But..you’re white? By Jeremy Lofthouse 25 Public Liars by Jordan gaither

State of NBLSA As our time together comes to a close, I am excited to share the panoply of accomplishments of the National Black Law Students Association. We committed ourselves to rejuvenating, reforming and reinvigorating this organization and I am happy to report that we have been successful. This year’s theme “Embracing Our Legacy: Pursuing Racial Justice and Lasting Social Impact” has been our guide.

We are in the thick of Convention season and regional conventions have been great. From Seattle to Boston, regions have embraced NBLSA’s mission and have worked tirelessly this year to make an impact in their communities.

Finally, many thanks to our National Historian, Ms. Earyn Edwards, for her leadership on this year’s Legal Pad.

We are excited about the 49th National Convention in Houston, TX! Registration is closing soon so register now!

The Spring 2017 issue of the Legal Pad will highlight the outstanding work of NBLSA across the country. As you will see, the strength of NBLSA is our chapters. Daily, our local BLSA chapters are engaged in robust advocacy, academic programming and substantial service within local communities. I encourage you to visit Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to check out all the amazing work taking place across the country.

Derick Dailey National Chair Fordham University School of Law

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State of Advocacy

each graduating class. At the annual ABA conference this summer, the ABA Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar passed a rule that would do exactly that despite advocates, including NBLSA ardently and successfully arguing that the rule would force law schools to focus more on higher LSAT scores, reducing the diversity in their law schools and in the legal profession as a whole. This year, the concerns that NBLSA had were heard and taken seriously enough for the ABA to decline to enact the 75% rule passed by the Committee.

After an incredibly busy and successful Fall, NBLSA’s Advocacy Team has switched gears into planning for National Convention. The Advocacy Team has some very interesting social justice initiatives planned for National Convention including a Roundtable and Press Conference on Racial Justice and a panel on dismantling the Money Bail System in Houston, Texas.

During the Money Bail System panel, Convention registrants will hear from members of Truth 2 Power, Black Lives Matter and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition. The roundtable and press conference will consist of discussions on criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and housing/education reform.

The roundtable participants are Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, District Attorney Ogg’s Chief of Staff, Vivane King, Tory Gunsolley, President of the Houston Housing Authority, Dr. Douglas, President of the NAACP, Police Chief Art Acevedo, Professor Sandra Guerra Thompson of the University of Houston Law Center, Revered Johnson of Wheeler Baptist Church, and directly affected individuals. Further, our Advocacy Team is planning on addressing the lack of diversity as a factor in law school rankings, particularly in U.S. World & News Reports rankings.

NBLSA filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the case of Buck v. Davis. On February 22nd, racial justice prevailed at the Supreme Court. In Buck, the appointed defense lawyers called an expert witness to the stand who went on to testify that Mr. Buck was more likely to be dangerous in the future because he was Black. Mr. Buck was sentenced to death based on the expert witness’ testimony. We were mentioned in a CNN article this morning where the writer said, "A group called the National Black Law Students Association, however, filed a brief in support of Buck emphasizing how the group believes the case impacts race relations today."

Additionally, last fall the NBLSA Advocacy Team wrote a letter in response to the various police killings. The Advocacy Team promised that it would compile a video in which law students from around the country would be seen reading the letter at their schools. The Advocacy Team kept its promise and organized students from over a dozen schools around the country.

The video can be seen here.

The National Advocacy Team has also been working on creating an Innocence Project at Florida International University College of Law. The National Director of Social Action attends FIU College of Law and he has been gathering the support and resources for the Innocence Project. Once the Project is up and running the National Advocacy Team intends to create a set of guidelines that others will be able to use as a reference to start their very own Innocence Projects.

Jeremy McLymont National Director of Social Action Florida International University

Furthermore, if you’ve been privy to the news, we’ve all seen reports of heightened scrutiny for law schools with lower bar passage rates. As a result of those low passage rates, the Department of Education put immense pressure on the ABA and law schools to threaten the accreditation of law schools with bar passage rates below 75% for two consecutive years after

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Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, our Advocacy Team is extremely concerned about what our current President’s cabinet will look like, particularly the Department of Justice. As a matter of record, NBLSA fervently stands against Senator Jeff Sessions’ appointment as Attorney General. It is undisputed and indefensible that Sen. Sessions has demonstrated a glaring and brazen disregard for the civil and human rights of many in America. During his tenure in the Congress, Senator Sessions opposed the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, all gun violence prevention legislation, the Violence Against Women Act, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and Deferred Action for undocumented immigrants, among many others. Senator Sessions has shown ardent support for restrictive voting laws, the continued presence of the Confederate flag in all places, fought federal action to help the Department of Housing and Urban Development desegregate public housing, and has referred to civil rights groups, like the NAACP as “unAmerican” and “Communist-inspired.” This is precisely why NBLSA, along with the bulk of our membership and coalition partners We’ve written an official statement against his nomination to the Senators on the Judiciary Committee. In addition to that, NBLSA is planning on officially opposing Judge Neil Gorsuch’s appointment to the Supreme Court because of his abysmal record on protecting the interest of those who have experienced excessive force at the hands of law enforcement, women’s reproductive rights, and getting money out of politics.

System at National Convention in Houston, Texas. If you have concerns, questions, or comments about NBLSA’s advocacy work, please contact Maureen Edobor at ag@nblsa.org.

In NBLSA Service,

Maureen Edobar National Attorney General Washington and Lee Law School

In conclusion, as Attorney General, I am incredibly proud of the work that the Advocacy Team has accomplished. It is unarguable that this year, NBLSA has engaged in the most policy work in pursuit of social action and racial justice than it ever has in the past and this is a tradition that I know this historic organization will continue through its 50th anniversary and beyond.

Lindsay Robinson National Judicial Advocacy Specialist The George Washington University School of Law

We hope to see you all at our Roundtable and Press Conference and panel on the Money Bail

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State of Programming The George Washington University hosted a group gym session!

NBLSA Day of Fitness The prevalence of high blood pressure in AfricanAmericans is the highest in the world. African-Americans are also disproportionately affected by obesity. Among non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older, 63 percent of men and 77 percent of women are overweight or obese.

(American Heart Association) Because of the disproportionate affect that health issues have on African American Communities is alarming NBLS has taken notice of this epidemic. NBLSA sought to begin a conversation and help to join the fight to remedy this plague that faces our communities. And our chapters responded in a resounding way.

University of The District of Columbia BLSA hosted group kick boxing!

To combat the rampant health issues in the African American community NBLSA is launched a Fitness Initiative. Many of our chapters took to the gyms, basketball courts, yoga studios and other innovative locations to help answer the call to better health. Below we are highlighting some of our chapters that went above and beyond and did an absolutely amazing job.

The Programming team encourages all of our chapters to start a fitness program at your local chapter. It is our mission “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” This must include catering to the whole black and minority law student, which must encompass our health. So let’s pursue with valor the mission of NBLSA as we move the legal community to better physical health.

University of Virginia BLSA hosted a Jump Night!

The University of Florida did a day of yoga and a mentor/metee basketball tournament!

Rod Hickman National Director of Programming University of Mississippi School of Law 6

State of Competitions The 41st Anniversary of the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition has been in full swing since the beginning of this year.

Students from across the nation have been arguing two issues: (1) whether a state’s judicial-override regime violates the Sixth Amendment and (2) whether the state’s capital sentencing scheme violates procedural due process under the Fourteenth Amendment.

In each of our six regions, students have the opportunity to present oral argument in front of a panel of judges. In doing this, students learn to become true advocates and receive feedback from judges who have expertise in appellate advocacy. There are just two regional competitions remaining before we meet in Houston, Texas for our highly anticipated National Competition. Eighteen teams will compete for the title of National Champion. As we approach National Convention, we wish all of our Regional Winners good luck and look forward to hearing your arguments.

advocacy and courtroom skills. It has been a phenomenal competition season this year.

Thank you so much to all the teams that participated in each of the regional competitions, you all did an amazing job. We are excited for the National Competition and can’t wait to see the teams there. If you are interested in receiving more information about the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition, please contact mocktrial@nblsa.org.

The Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition (INC) will take place March 9 -11 in Houston, Texas. The competition problems are based on real-world international issues that will prepare students for negotiations in their future legal careers.

THANK YOU to all of the teams that have registered for this year’s competition!! We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Houston. This competition allows law students to experience the unique aspects of international legal negotiations. If your school The Thurgood Marshall Mock didn’t get a chance to register for Trial Competition (TMMTC) this year’s competition, it’s never will take place March 9-11 in too early to start planning for next Houston, Texas. TMMTC is one of year. Contact the INC National the nation’s largest and most Director for more information at respected trial advocacy competitions. Teams in each of the internationalcompetition@nblsa.or six NBLSA regions compete in their g. respective region for a chance to If you’ve never seen NBLSA’s place among the top 3 teams and premier competitions in action, we claim a berth to the National encourage you to watch this short Competition in Houston. The video. purpose of this competition is to help students sharpen their trial

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Amanda Odorimah Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition Director University of Baltimore Law School

Taylor Halcromb National Director of the Thurgood Marshall Competition The George Washington School of Law

Victoria Salami National Director of the Federick Douglass Moot Court Competition Rutgers University School of Law

State of Pre-Law

The Pre-Law Division has finished its Regional Convention run and is now focused on the final push to Houston and #NBLSA49.

We have a fantastic slate of activities lined up for pre-law students who are able to attend and we’re doing it at the fantastic rate of $50! None of this would be possible without the generosity of our sponsor: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates. With that comes a special thanks to our amazing convention team and executive board for working behind the scenes on behalf of the PreLaw Division.

At convention we will have speakers from all over America speaking about important aspects of the Road to Law School. We’ll be talking finances, personal statements, LSAT prep, the whole nine yards.

We will also award our Nelson Mandela Scholarship and recognize this year’s Pre Law Fellows. We are excited for the final push to #NBLSA49 and we want to see you there! Register today by visiting nblsa.org/convention. Get ready to REPRESENT in Houston!

In NBLSA Service,

Gennelle Chatman National Director of Pre-Law Division Thomas M. Cooley Law School

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State of Community Service Greetings NBLSA and Happy New Year! 2017 is already off to an amazing start and the best is still yet to come for NBLSA. First, because of your dedication and commitment to community service this year, NBLSA is proud to say we have volunteered more than 2,500 hours in service to communities all across the United States. As we approach our upcoming National Convention and prepare for our annual convention community service activities, I think it is important that we recognize and reflect on some of the wonderful initiatives that we were able to accomplish. From meeting with Congressional Leaders at Congressional Black Caucus to mentoring and empowering youth at inner city Washington D.C. Schools with the Mother of the Movement Valerie Castile (Philando Castille’s mother), NBLSA was there.

systematic perils that threaten to continue to oppress us. We are so proud and inspired by the activism and service displayed by our members all over the country. Without our students display of selflessness and compassion, we would not have been able to accomplish our community service goals.

Now as we look forward to our convention we are ever the more impassioned by what we will accomplish in Houston. Not only will we conduct our National Chapter of the Year competition and Region of the Year competition but we will host our first annual National Black Law Student Convention Legal Clinic. In conjunction with the Houston Lawyers Association (HLA), NBLSA will host our service project entitled: "RISE” A Community Legal Clinic providing access to quality legal services.

The service project will take place Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the University of Houston Law School.

When the world watched the Police open fire on an unarmed black man in Oklahoma, NBLSA responded with nationwide viral videos, know your rights seminars, demonstrations and awareness protests. NBLSA was there.

NBLSA and HLA members will coordinate with volunteer attorneys and law students to provide pro bono legal advice and counseling regarding Family Law, Criminal Law, Wills, Trusts and Estates, Personal Injury, Bankruptcy and Civil Rights to the inner city citizens of the Houston community.

When Louisiana suffered from massive flooding and thousands of people were displaced in the Baton Rouge area, our students mobilized and collected donations to support those affected. NBLSA was there.

And as we suffered through the most unprecedented and historic Presidential elections the country has ever seen, NBLSA was there to ensure citizens were registered to vote, informed of the candidates platforms, assisted members of the community with transportation to the polls and monitored the voting sites for voter suppression. NBLSA was there.

The attorneys will work one on one with 40 – 50 clinic participants to understand their legal concerns and provide them with sound legal advice and resources for their individual situation. Student volunteers will help with the registration, administrative and logistical tasks of the day.

If you would like to volunteer for this event please email NBLSA Community Service at communityservice@nblsa.org. Volunteers should arrive between 7:45am and 8 am and the attire is Business Professional.

NBLSA understands that our contributions to our communities is vital to the existence and sustainment of our people. If we are not leveraging our legal skills and education in our own back yards, we are contributing to the

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Finally, thank you for allowing me to serve as your National Director of Community Service. It has been truly the most rewarding experience of my law school journey. I wish NBLSA nothing but continued success and achievement in the name of service.

Marcus Sandifer National Director of Community Service Emory University School of Law

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State of MABLSA The Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Black Law Student Association has been hard at work in developing the next generation of legal leaders, as well as the next generation of law students through advocacy, programming, and community service efforts. We continue to Embrace our Past Endeavors, Engage our Present Challenges, and Equip our Future Leaders.

through a moot court simulation, as well as our “Know Your Rights” Panel, which brought together the Virginia ACLU, corporate attorneys, professors, and police officers to discuss the development of civil rights and social justice, particularly in the post-election era.

Later in the month, our Region converged on Washington, DC to partake in the Diversity in Careers panel, spearheaded by Miles Taylor, the DC/MD Sub-Regional Director, and sponsored

by Akin Gump LLP. There we heard from members of legal academia, government attorneys, and law firm representatives on the various career paths available for students and the ways students can position themselves for approaching these fields.

MABLSA had an exceedingly active October with several substantive and social events held across the Region. We actively pursued a voter registration drive across the Region, through our local chapters, seeking to ensure our members take hold of and exercise the voting franchise so laboriously fought for by our foremothers and forefathers. The Washington DC/Maryland and Pennsylvania/West Virginia held happy hour events that brought local chapters together in moments of fellowship and fun, allowing them to share stories and network.

MABLSA spent its winter months, i.e., December and January, in deep preparation for its 49th Convention; however, our Regional Board continued to develop and execute superb programming and initiatives. December and January boasted a region-wide clothing drive, as well as a celebration of leaders in our legal community called, “Poetic Justice: An Artistic Tribute to Black Achievement. In this event, MABLSA recognized three legal leaders in the Washington DC area for their commitment to the work of social justice, civil rights, and development of the African American legal community.

Two highlights of the month included our annual MABLSA Academic Retreat, held and sponsored by Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP in Philadelphia, spearheaded by Chauna Pervis, the Regional Chief of Staff and Kisha Pinnock, our Director of Career and Professional Development. The event was attended by over 30 students from across the Region. Renee Mims, the Region’s Moot Court Director, spearheaded our Regional Juvenile Justice Reform Panel, held at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) David A. Clarke School of Law.

This month has been one of enormous effort for the Regional Board as we prepared for the 49th Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Convention, held February 15-19, 2017 in Pittsburgh, PA. Our Convention boasted 179 attendees from across the Region, who convened to compete in our Moot Court and Mock Trial competitive events, hear engaging panels from practitioners in the Pittsburgh community, as well as transact business in the plenary sessions of the MidAtlantic Regional Assembly.

November continued the celebration of networking, with social events in the Virginia Sub-Region, and further focused on both postelection outcomes and the development of careers. Our Community Service Director, Nicole Daley, held a two-part event which provided a community service outreach to elementary and middle school aged children

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Notable happenings in the Convention included several amendments to the NBLSA Constitution and Bylaws, as well as resolutions that supported the NBLSA Thrive Initiative as well as the reactivation of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Governing Articles and Bylaws. Our Regional Assembly also raised the bar for the MidAtlantic Region, direct the Regional Board to deliver more information, more details on its strategic direction, and to communicate and collaborate more with local chapters on the direction of the Region. Brought forward by a combination of recommendations by Raisa D’Orley, president of Georgetown University Law Center BLSA, and Iman Lyons, president of George Washington University Law School BLSA, these directives will usher MABLSA into a greater level of engagement and drive for serving our members.

Next Level SSE, a black-owned event management business. These two ladies work tirelessly across the nation to bring NBLSA, and specifically MABLSA, events to fruition. They are hidden treasures of our organization, and I would be remiss if I did not again publicly thank you for all that you do.

As we look towards celebrating our 50th year of service, uplift, programming, and advocacy, let us not be merely celebratory of our past accomplishments, nor should we be transfixed by this organization’s great and ever plentiful potential for good the future. I believe that NBLSA’s time for greatness, leadership, and the cultivation of hope is NOW. And it begins with us.

Our Region hosted Barbara Arnwine, president of the Transformative Justice Society, as our Convention keynote speaker. Reminding us to remain in the fight, she was a fiery and inspiring part of our culminating gala.

Looking forward, the Region will soon conclude its final events and transition to the incoming 2017-2018 Regional Board. With upcoming academic webinars, kickball tournaments, and farewell social activities, MABLSA will finish as it began…STRONG! Mark Dunham MABLSA Regional Chair American University Washington College of Law

As Regional Chair, let me express my sincere gratitude to the members and officers of every chapter in the Region. You all make our work worthwhile and give us new purpose to strive for excellence each day. I also thank our Regional Board – the hardest working people in NBLSA – for executing, smiling, working, and journeying with me on this endeavor. You are my family, and I am forever in your corner.

A special thank you to Myrlin Young-Mack, company president, and Brenda Wise, Esq. of

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State of SRBLSA

This has been an exciting year for the Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA). In keeping with our theme of lifting up a new generation of justice advocates, the region executed programming throughout the regional footprint.

SRBBLSA events included: The Southeast Minority Job Fair in Atlanta, Georgia; SubRegion Academic Retreats at the University of Mississippi School of Law, Samford University Cumberland School of Law and Barry University School of Law; and the Chapter President’s Retreat at Florida International University School of Law. Additionally, our individual chapters were hard at work conducting tailored programming based on local needs.

The year culminated with our 46th Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention held at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. During the convention, over 100 competitors and coaches competed in the mock trial and moot court competitions hosted at Georgia State University College of Law. Additionally, members of the region volunteered at Open Hands Atlanta packing more than FOUR THOUSAND meals for needy families.

President of Georgia’s NAACP delivered a stirring invocation charging our members to be bold stand up when called.

One thing that is unique to SRBLSA is our Southern Journal of Policy and Justice.

SRBLSA is the only region that publishes a journal. In conjunction with our journal the editor conducts a symposium at convention.

This year’s symposium featured students presenting articles on modern day lynching, systemic discrimination under the color of the law, and the intersection of black feminism and mass incarceration. Arjun Sethi keynoted the symposium discussing racial and religious profiling in the age of terrorism. All of the presenters will be published in the next volume of the Southern Journal of Policy and Justice this spring.

Finally, SRBLSA elected a new chair for the 2017-2018 year. Ms. Jessica Ettiene is a rising 3L at Barry School of Law in Orlando, Florida.

Ms. Ettiene has been a valuable asset to the region as our treasurer and I have no doubt that she will take SRBLSA to the next level in the coming year.

The convention also included a full slate of profession minority lawyers offering their service and time to SRBLSA. Bisa Ajanaku and DeAngelo Norris (Grady Hospital General Counsel) hosted an informative panel on minority professionalism in the current climate. Mawuli Mel Davis (Davis Bozeman, P.C.) shared his insight on being a successful lawyer and change agent for the community. Atlanta Mayoral Candidate and City Council President Caeser Mitchell spoke to the region about his vision for Atlanta. During the Gala, the State

Travis Thomas SRBLSA Regional Chair Cumberland School of Law

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State of SWBLSA SWBLSA is still making moves in regards to membership, advocacy and service! So far, we have increased membership by over 100% with 438 students! As the smallest region in the organization, and with only 18 chapters, this is monumental. We have continued to implement meaningful programs and have executed several successful events to enhance our students’ academic and professional development. In October, SWBLSA hosted its inaugural Pre-Law Symposium in Little Rock, AR. Over 50 prelaw student attendees received useful information, tools and resources from legal practitioners and law students on how to navigate the application process, finding the school best for them and how to survive law school. to hone their legal skills, excel in the academic year, and further in the legal profession. SWBLSA also implemented The Hunger Games, a canned food drive competition between chapters, Breaking Down the Vote, a live streamed series of panels analyzing the election, Pink Lemonade, a fundraising initiative to fight Breast Cancer, Cards for Kids, a service initiative to send words of encouragement and toys to children in hospitals.

Traci Gibson SWBLSA Regional Chair University of Houston Law Center General)! Congratulations to the competition teams advancing to Nationals: Moot Court 1. Texas A&M 2. Thurgood Marshall 3. Tulane! Mock Trial: 1.

Thurgood Marshall 2. Texas A&M 3. Oklahoma City! Congratulations to the Chapters of The Year advancing to Nationals: Large - South Texas, Medium - University of Texas, Small - University of Oklahoma! We would also like to congratulate all of those inducted into the SWBLSA Hall of Fame: Traci A. Gibson (Chair), Khanay Turner (Board Member of the Year), Davion White (Chapter President of the Year), Rob Jackson (Member of the Year), Christopher Staine (Alumni of the Year), Judge David Lewis, Dominique King, Richard Montgomery II, Charles Phipps and Jennifer Montgomery! In addition to the 2016-2017 SWBLSA Executive Board, we would also like to send special thanks to our Convention Host Committee members Rob Jackson & Shane Copelin. Lastly, we want to thank all our chapter presidents for their commitment to advancing the organization. None of this would be possible without them.

SWBLSA also had an amazing convention!

With over 200 law students, pre-law students and legal practitioners in attendance, we had an amazing time in New Orleans, Louisiana from January 11-15th. In addition to unprecedented 129% increase in Convention attendance, we also raised over $58,000 in sponsorship which yielded a 678% increase from last year. We were extremely proud of the engagement and attendance with our programs, community service, receptions, plenary and more. We would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who attended our first Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana! Congratulations to the 2017-2018 Executive Board: Khanay Turner (Chair), Kimberly Glover (Vice Chair), Latoya Rascoe (Secretary), Tonika Brown (Director of Community Service) & Johnny King (Attorney

We are excited to host the National Convention in our region this year and look forward to finishing off the year strong. Region of the Year here we come!

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State of MWBLSA \

It's been an exciting year for MWBLSA. The MWBLSA's annual convention is scheduled for February 21-26 in Cleveland, OH. Our theme is, "Together We Can." The MWBLSA Regional Board is putting on the finishing touches, competitors are polishing their arguments, and BLSA chapters from thirteen states will be in attendance. We are excited to join with some of the brightest law students in the country for a week of competitions, community activities, engaging panelist discussions, and networking.

This year we will be honoring Judge Ronald B. Adrine. Judge Adrine has become one of the most respected judges in Cleveland, as well as a national authority on issues concerning domestic violence. Judge Adrine is also an active supporter of MWBLSA. Judge Adrine is a life-long resident of Greater Cleveland. He worked as a Prosecutor, worked in private practice, and was appointed to serve as Senior Staff Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Assassinations. He ran for his current seat on the Cleveland Municipal Court bench in 1981, and has been re-elected five times. For more info on Judge Adrine, please click here.

This year, MWBLSA will continue our recent tradition of hosting oral arguments in actual court houses so competitors can have the actual feel of arguing and presenting a case. We are excited to welcome participants to Cleveland's Cuyahoga County Courthouse. Known as, "The Old Courthouse," this beautiful Beaux Arts style gem was constructed from 1906-1912. Its rusticated masonry includes deeply recessed and arched windows and doors with protruding keystone tops on each one. Bronze statutes of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton flank the front entrance. Competitors will be able to savor the history and importance of this fine building as they compete for a chance to compete in NBLSA's national convention in Houston, TX, in March.

Douglass Mock Trial Competition features six teams. The Moot Court competition features seven teams and provides a platform for law students to debate issues dealing with prejudice.

Teams have spent countless hours researching, writing briefs, practicing oral arguments, and cross-examining witnesses. They are all excited to present their cases to you next week!

Director of Community Service, Gwyne Thomas, has organized a reading event with local kindergarteners. With the help of our generous sponsors, MWBLSA has purchased copies of Gwyne's favorite Dr. Seuss book, "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish," for each child. Gwyne and a partner will be reading the books, and speaking to upper classmen about the importance of continuing their education. MWBLSA is excited to promote literacy, engage communities, and act as role models for the next generation of future leaders.

Gwyne is also reviewing Chapter of the Year nominations. Is your school represented?

MWBLSA hosted a fantastic Academic and Leadership Retreat in Chicago, IL in 2016. Panelists discussed issues facing black lawyers, how to manage student loan debt, and marketing skills. As always, it was a great opportunity to connect with bright minds, share ideas, and build community.

Our chapters have also been busy for the last year.

Michigan State BLSA hosted an annual Welcome Back BBQ to kick the school year off right. Later in the semester, MSU BLSA members represented during MSU's annual commemorative Martin Luther King March.

The MWBLSA Frederick Douglass Moot Court and Mock Trial Competitions start February 22 on Wednesday morning. The MWBLSA Frederick UW BLSA is currently holding a fundraiser and 15 simultaneously campaigning for social

University of Wisconsin’s (UW) BLSA is currently holding a fundraiser and simultaneously campaigning for social change. UW BLSA has developed apparel highlighting black icons, political phrases, and celebrating black pride. Specifically, UW BLSA is encouraging lawyers and people in general to have courage and #speakagainstinjustice.

For more information on UW BLSA's fundraiser shirts please visit their website here.

and non-organized Bar, the Bench, scholars, and the private sector, as well as government agencies. For more information on WAAL please click here.

Loyola BLSA kicked off their year strong, welcoming over new 1Ls. Their theme for 2016-17 was "Ubuntu" (I am because we are). Their theme represents the stepping stones that past law students have laid before us to create opportunities and foster community for future UW BLSA held a collaborative event with the students. Loyola BLSA hosted their annual Student National Medical Association entitled, Business Ready Drive with packages including "Cranes in the Sky." The event was designed to give business cards and personalized portfolios. They professional students tips on self-care, preventing also hosted BLSA networking events, and coburnout, and practicing wellness as we enter into a hosted a Cultural Thanksgiving Potluck, with both career of service. Representatives from the their Latin and Asian Pacific American Law University Health Services and the Department of Student Associations.

Counseling Psychology spoke at the event.

UW BLSA members also participated in "Read Your Heart Out," a city-wide service day dedicated to reading stories to elementary school students. The day was designed to encourage family and community engagement. BLSA members read books rooted in African American culture and traditions.

MU BLSA (Marquette Uuniversity) is co-hosting an event with the Criminal Law Society on February 27, 2017, entitled, "An Internal Look at Police Bias." Officer Jared Prado, a 2015 UW Law grad featured on the Daily Show, joined with Officer Tyrone Williams to discuss implicit police bias. Both officers serve on the training committee in the Madison, WI, Police Department training officers on implicit bias.

MU BLSA is also co-hosting a viewing of "13th" with the American Constitutional Law Society and the Criminal Law Society. Faculty member, Michael O'Hear, a nationally recognized author of Criminal Punishment, will be facilitating. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22 at Marquette University.

In what will certainly be the first of many events, UW BLSA and MU BLSA joined with Wisconsin Association of African-American Lawyers (WAAL) for a brunch in Milwaukee, WI. WAAL welcomes partnerships with other community, state, and national programs designed to ameliorate or eliminate racism, ignorance, poverty and powerlessness. WAAL works with the organized and non-organized Bar, the Bench, scholars, and the 16 private sector, as well as government agencies. For

Loyola's largest event of the spring semester is, "Race and the Law Symposium." This year's event focuses on Mental Health issues facing law students and attorneys. The event boasts an array of black professionals from the legal and health field, attracting a diverse group of students and faculty. Loyola BLSA has also started an initiative to start a reserve section for BLSA students to ensure future BLSA members' success.

Has your chapter been up to some exciting events? Please share pictures and summaries with MWBLSA and we will feature you on our Facebook and Instagram social media and newsletters.

Kendrick Yandell MWBLSA Regional Chair University of Wisconsin Law School

2017 NEBLSA Awards Gala Awardees:

State of NEBLSA

FDMCC 1st place - Oluwatomi Williams and Carol Guerrero- Columbia Law School 2nd place - Annette Bevans and Brianni Lyons – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University 3rd place - David Alpert and Imani Phillips Columbia Law School

On January 25th, 2017, we began our 49th Annual Regional Convention. The convention was held in Boston, MA at the Omni Parker House, Suffolk University Law School, and The New England Aquarium. We owe a great deal of gratitude to our sponsors: Campbell, Campbell, Edwards & Conroy; Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP; Allen & Overy LLP; United States Air Force JAG; United States Navy JAG; and Collora LLP. I would also like to thank the co-sponsors of our receptions: Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, and The Metropolitan Black Bar Association.

Best Advocate- Prathyum Ramesh - Columbia Law School Best Petitioner Brief - Adrienne Tarver and Warren Loegering - Columbia Law School Best Respondent Brief - Oluwatomi Williams and Carol Guerrero - Columbia Law School TMMTC 1st place - Pace University School of Law 2nd place – New York University School of Law 3rd place - St. John's University School of Law

Over 230 people attended the Northeast Convention. Throughout the week, attendees participated in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition and the Fredrick Douglas Moot Court Competition. They also attended workshops on topics ranging from business etiquette to learning how to use your skills for the greatest community impact. Other highlights included pre-law specific panels, our annual Dean’s Luncheon, and a community service project in which we conducted a “know your rights” seminar at the Boston Adult Technical Academy.

Chapter of the Year Small Chapter: Seton Hall University School of Law Medium Chapter: New York Law School Large Chapter: New York University School of Law Leadership Awards Community Service Award: Seton Hall University School of Law Chapter President of the Year: Marlana ShawBrown, Syracuse University College of Law Chapter Leader of the Year: Jillian Simmons, Harvard Law School Chapter Leader of the Year: Marissa Perry Sharpe, Syracuse University College of Law Board Member of the Year: Samantha Dunac, Job Fair Coordinator, New York Law School NEBLSA Legacy Awardees: Charles Tucker Jr, Paula Edgar, John-Raphael Pichardo

We finished off convention strong with our annual awards gala. Competitors and organization leaders were honored throughout the night. NEBLSA would like to thank everyone who helped make this year successful. We’d also like to congratulate the awardees below, as well as the Class of 2017. Good luck on your future endeavors.

2017-2018 NEBLSA Executive Board Viona Miller, Northeast Regional Chair – New York University School of Law Delonie Plummer, Regional Secretary – Pace University School of Law Ursula Simmons, Regional Director of Community Service – Syracuse University College of Law

Greg Kimble, Jr. NEBLSA Regional Chair Brooklyn Law School 17

National Commission on Civil and Human Rights. The goal of this organization is to root out all vestiges of explicit discrimination and implicit biasing from the public sector. Ron’s role is to oversee and form a committee in advising and developing policies and strategies to fulfill the Commission’s mission. In forming this committee, Ron has made it a strategic goal to ensure this committee is diverse and inclusive of all millennials on racial, religious, gender, sexuality, and geographic grounds. Through this work, Ron is slated to participate in a civil rights roundtable discussion at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center with various representatives from legal, religious, and political organizations. Additional, Ron serves as a Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the National African American Drug Policy Coalition. Further, Ron is working on developing civil rights policy with Brand New Congress. He does all these things as part of a greater commitment to ensure the revolution is live.

NBLSA Member Spotlight D

onald Stubblefield is currently a thirdyear student at the New York University School of Law, where he is a Jacobson Law and Business Fellow. Ronald is originally from Washington DC. He graduated from Morehouse College, where he earned a B.S. in Physics, and Stanford University where he earned a M.S. in Management Science and Engineering with a concentration in finance, decision and policy modeling. At Stanford, Ron focused on advising corporation on financial and business policy matters. He was recognized for his editing work for the 2015 edition of the swaps treatise entitled OTC Derivatives Regulation Under DoddFrank: A Guide to Registration, Reporting, Business Conduct, and Clearing. He was also named a Consensus Scholar by MIT Media Labs for his thoughts on the role Bitcoin can play in economically empowering the African American community.

Beyond work, Ron is an avid jazz and basketball fan.

At NYU, Ron’s focused on community organizing and policy development. He served as a co-organizer for the 12th Annual National Black and Hispanic Pre-Law Conference held at NYU. He was an invited speaker at the recent Oct 22 Coalition Against Policy Brutality and at the National African American Drug Policy Coalition’s 2017 Conference in Dallas, TX. At both events, Ron spoke on the purpose of criminal justice reform and how to overcome the obstacles in obtaining such reform. Ron is also slated to speak with IE2PE, an educational nonprofit based out of Washington DC, on the issue of the school to prison pipeline via a live twitter chat sponsored by the DC City Council. Ron was also recently appointed to serve as the inaugural Chairman for Millennial Committee for the Organization on Procedural Justice-the nonprofit arm of the National Episcopal Church’s

Donald Stubblefield NYU School of Law Chairman of the Millennial Committee Organization on Procedural Justice

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Dear NBLSA Family,

This may seem like a daunting task until you remember the greatest tool you have in your arsenal. That is the fact we are neither alone nor are without support. Reach out to those around you, they have stories and insights that will help us all succeed. So that soon and very soon, we can complete the unfinished work of our anthem, Life Every Voice And Sing. You see, our anthem is currently about remaining hopeful through intense trials and tribulations. Our goal must be to turn it into a song about how black male mojo and black girl magic brought the world liberation.

If we are to let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies then we must march on till victory is won. And as we march, remember the law gave us educational privilege. We have an advance setoff knowledge as to how they system works and how to change it. The onus and impetus is on us as to what we choose to do with it. Let’s use it, neither with the mindset of saviors nor liberators, but as joint heirs in the promise of liberation fulfilled. This will only work if we stay united to build a more diverse and inclusive world to reshape the dynamics of power which force us, as a matter of self-defense, to advocate.

This is not easy for the challenges before us are great. However, the magnanimity of our struggle is forever eclipsed by the righteousness of our cause.

More importantly, you and everyone like you is worthy of being beneficiaries of justice running smooth and righteousness reigning down like a mighty stream.

This is what enables me to keep moving to ensure the revolution is live. I hope this does the same for you.

The past few months have not been easy for us. It is easy to feel dejected and despondent in the face of deplorable adversity. It is easy to question our hope as we watch the lawlessness by which the Chief Executive of the law in this country operates. It is easy, during such pain, to feel a sense of hopelessness and faithlessness as we question our purpose. I understand how easy this is; this is how I felt when Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland and countless others were killed with impunity by those empowered to protect and serve. At times, I still feel this way as the world often refuses to say their names and acknowledge the unjustifiable denial of their personhood.

What has kept me going, and what I will share with you, is rooted in the fundamentals of the law is. What I need you to understand is that the law is a social institution. The legitimacy of its rule is dependent on its empowered guild to make law, shape law, interpret law, define law, and advocate using the law. This has been true since the founding of our nation. More importantly, this will be true for the life of the union.

The problematic nature of our existing union really reflects the problematic nature of the guild being both the historically and currently least diverse profession in America. The rule of law fails to work and protect people like us because we were not part of the team to design it. Our views and needs have not been fully advocated for, while implicit biasing and explicit racism have. Thus, we have the right to call into question the legitimacy of laws and institutions that were designed for us, but in many ways against us.

Thus, for the sake of creating a truly perfect union where, in both in principle and in practice, that all humans are created equal, endowed with certain inalienable rights such life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as masters of their own destiny, the guild of law must become more diverse and inclusive. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, we must succeed in law school.

Contrary to many of our peers, our battle is beyond grades, jobs, and academic satisfaction for the sake of the life of the mind. Our battle is for the redefinition and redemption of the fundamental nature of this country.

-R.E. Stubblefield, MS

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In the wake of recent events that have taken place in our country NBLSA has recognized a need for a united voice in the unified struggle for human rights. We sit at a revolutionary time in our country's history. It is time for each of us to stand up and be revolutionaries in the struggle for human rights. We must as one: one people, one mission and one voice.

Although many of us have come from very different backgrounds it is undisputed that we are stronger together. One of the most difficult struggles for many African Americans is living with a double conscience.

Not only do we exist in the larger culture and the African American culture but we are women, we are also members of the LGBT community, we are a part of religious minorities, we are from diverse socioeconomic groups, we are in different phases of our careers, we are political conservatives, nontraditional law students, we are single parents, and we are a part of so many other diverse groups.

One of the biggest myths that has been advanced among our communities is that there is no room to advance our other diverse groups. However, we can no longer stand in silence as progressivism and diversity is being attacked. It is the merging of every strand of diversity that creates a voice that cannot be ignored.

What does diversity mean to you? What makes you diverse within the BLSA community?

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I Am Not a “Traditional” Law Student.

study with a self-paced online course until 3 a.m. I got a 162 doing all of that. Sure, I could have done better if I I am not a “traditional” law student. In had more time, but the time I spent with 2014, when I started at Brooklyn Law my daughter during that period was School, I was 27 – three or four years older priceless. than the average 1L at my school – I was married for 4 years at that point, my Being a hands-on father during law daughter was 2 years old. Not to mention school has meant making sacrifices and that I was one of a handful of black men in navigating difficult scenarios. During my an incoming class of 400 students. To top first internship, I worked for a federal it off I was a full-time student and my wife judge in the Southern District of New just had began a 2 ½ year Masters of Social York. I noticed quickly that I wasn’t going Work at Hunter while working a fulltime to be able to work the same exact hours as job. the other interns. I had to balance picking up my daughter every other day with Over the past 3 years I’ve had to learn a ensuring that my judge and co-workers saw lot about what I want out of a legal career quality work and didn’t think of me as and balance that with what I want out of lazy. I also knew early on that working at a my personal life – and the mutual goals of firm would never be in the cards for my wife and I. I made a conscious decision me. I’m not willing to work those kinds of at the beginning of my law school career, to hours doing something I don’t love and make sure that I spent as much time with missing out on important moments in the my daughter as possible while also being life of my family. Learning this has pushed an active participant in school. This meant me into pursuing the types of employment appreciating the small things and being that will allow me to have a greater flexible at times, because my wife began balance, while also getting great training so pursuing her Masters of Social Work, while that I can start my own venture one day working full time, at the same time I began soon. my J.D. studies.

I am not a “traditional” law student and At times when my wife had a pressing I’m grateful for everything that title has assignment or had to work late and that come with. meant that I couldn’t go to a networking event, or that I had to balance reading with cooking, cleaning, and a night time routine. At other times, I spent hours and hours in Brooklyn – about an hour and a half by train from home – studying for exams, writing papers or trying to create lasting relationships with my peers. Studying for the LSAT prepared me for this. During those days, I handled all the domestic and “lead parent” responsibilities, while my wife went to Greg Kimble, Jr. work. After we put our daughter to bed, NEBLSA Regional Chair and we spent some time together, I would Brooklyn Law School

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offer. Even though we didn’t have much in common professionally we all desired to commit everything we had to making our law school experience the best time of our life. What I was able to assist my colleagues with was the importance of networking, professional development and interview prep. I understood the importance of joining professional organizations and associations and I influenced my group of peers to take advantage of every legal opportunity they could. As a nontraditional student, I’ve held elected office with my SBA, participated with clubs and organizations, traveled and competed on Moot Court and enjoyed my share of free food and adult beverages.

“One of These Things is Not Like the Other.”

I remember when I decided to go to law school, as if it were yesterday. I was sitting in my office at my company’s corporate headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut and I just concluded having my annual performance review. I inquired about a recent Senior Director role which was the next logical step in my career. While my review was stellar and my manager agreed that she could see me in that role one day, she regretted to inform me that I would not be considered for that role without having more years of experience or a JD Degree. It was evident that there were other politics at play because another colleague with fewer years of experience and definitely not an ounce of melanin was just placed in a similar opportunity within the company. I responded to her requesting that I be permitted to move into another role to pursue my JD Degree parttime. I had always wanted to become an attorney and work as In-House Counsel, however I’d become a slave to the money and lifestyle as a working professional. My manager responded with a smirk and said, “we’ve all considered law school and you see were still working here in HR; attending law school part-time will not be an option for you.” I politely thanked her and that day I created and LSAC account, registered for the LSAT and enrolled in a LSAT prep course. I quit my career six months later and moved to Atlanta to go to law school.

What I would like to share with anyone who is considering leaving their career to attend law school, I encourage you to do it. While it isn’t always easy, getting a JD isn’t easy for anyone whether you’re a traditional or non-traditional student. If it were, everyone would have a JD. I’m looking forward to the day I can walk back into my company’s office as the Attorney they thought I would never be, but this time I will have the ESQ behind my name.

I remember on my first day of orientation looking around for the older students. Although I didn’t feel, look, or dress older, there was a difference between what I was experiencing in this environment versus what other students who matriculated directly from undergrad. At least that was my impression. I instantly realized that law school was the great equalizer and we all experienced the same nervousness and anxiety all students were feeling.

Marcus Sandifer National Director of Community Service Emory University School of Law

I was quickly thrust into a small social circle with other students, one being another nontraditional student similar to myself, and we did everything together from study groups, bar reviews, and exploring everything Atlanta had to 22

Be brave. By God, Be Brave.

I spent my entire young life in Orlando, thirty minutes from Disney World, and exactly 17 minutes from Pulse Orlando. I also spent my entire young life closeted, ashamed, and afraid.

For some, I was a stain, a dark spot on our perceived perfect, middle-class family. My “coming out” was more of a disjointed argument.

My presentation was caught somewhere between “tom-boy” and “my mother made me wear this.”

It’s hard to remember how difficult it was to be myself back then. But, it isn’t hard to remember how I felt every time I walked into Pulse. My friends and I bonded with the hostesses and were on a first name basis with the DJ. Inside of Pulse, the tiny 3-room establishment, we were free.

Free to be who we longed to be when the sun was up and the music had stopped.

Gennelle Chatman National Director of Pre-Law Division Thomas M. Cooley Law School

I don't know that I can describe what was taken away that Sunday morning. Orlando’s entire LGBTQ community has lost much more than the 50 stolen lives. We lost a place of communal rest, we lost a place of peace, some– like me–even lost a home, a place where we were loved and accepted, where we were proud.

Orlando has lost, the LGBTQ community has lost, but what we must never lose is hope. Hope for a better future, for acceptance, for one less child to live in disgrace or fear of who they are and who they love. To those who may be without hope, who may still be struggling to love themselves, who are still fighting to be allowed to love freely, there is help and hope for you. Today, I say hopeful prayers. For the families of those lost, for those who must out themselves in the wake of unspeakable tragedy, and for those who will never have the opportunity. Today, the resilience of the community is on full display. In the days to come, I hope that there is an awakening. A realization that human life is precious regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation. Above all else, I hope that this is proof that equality is not the enemy of progress, but ignorance and intolerance may be the end of a great nation.

To those who may still be struggling to love themselves and those still fighting to be allowed to love freely, I say simply: be brave. By God, be brave.

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“You’re in the Black Law Students Association? But…you’re white?”

hence why I don’t believe being a white man in BLSA should be considered abnormal. BLSA gives me a means to define and utilize this value.

And I thank my friends for including me in the dialogue.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked this question in the last year and a half.

From job interviews to family get-togethers to casual conversations in ScoCo. I usually give a brief, but truthful response: “When I started law school, I decided I wanted to invest myself in a group that was very different from my background.” Other questions follow. Invariably, I am asked whether I have been welcomed into BLSA (answer: YES!) and what I have learned (answer: MUCH!). If we ever meet, feel free to ask me these questions and more, but, for now, I’ll give you a teaser.

So, here’s the lesson: people of different skin colors coming together to connect and work toward greater equality can (and should) be the new normal at UVA Law (and elsewhere!). One way to move in that direction? Join BLSA! Or APALSA! Or JLSA! Or LALO! Or LAMBDA! Or Women of Color! Or SALSA! Or FLF! The list could go on!

One last bit of advice. Don’t overwhelm yourself with feelings of inadequacy when it comes it your allyship. Fear of offending stops many from defending. I have had missteps (and you will too), but rely on your friends to offer you correction and guidance. In this endeavor of allyship, perfection is a direction, not a destination.

Why Did I Join BLSA (and why you should too!)

My motivation for joining BLSA was multifaceted, but can probably be summed up by one fact about me: (1) I’ve lived a fairly monochromatic life. Regarding the first, I grew up in Utah, where Mormons make up around 60% of the population (I’m Mormon) and nearly 90% of the population is white (I’m white too, in case you missed that!). I understand the desire of many students to seek out groups in law school that share your background, values, and experiences. I knew I would be able to find strong, valuable groups here at UVA Law that reflected my background, but I’d spent my whole life so far within those groups. I decided to leave my comfort zone and enter a new world of experience.

Jeremy Lofthouse University of Virginia School of Law

Lessons Learned from Being the White Guy in BLSA Being the white guy in BLSA should not be considered abnormal for any reason besides statistics. Being black is clearly not a requirement for membership. I joined for the selfish reason listed above (i.e., diversifying MY life), but also because I believe in racial equality, that your skin color should not determine the breadth and depth of your experience in life.

While the other members of BLSA and I don’t share the same skin pigmentation, we share this value. That shouldn’t be a particularly shocking or difficult-to-maintain value in this world, 24

Public Liars People Will let you believe a lie, People will let you believe that the truth is a lie and That the lies are what's true.

People would rather you be blind, then go through the The trouble of explaining what actually happened to you.

People want you to hold in your feelings when you are bothered, They want to tell you that you need help, That something is wrong with you, That you focus on things in the past too long, Or the best one yet “they’ll say get over it” Well I’m here my people to say we will not get over “Mike Brown” We will not get over the same injustices that brought our ancestors here.

We will not get over the disproportionality that is the basis for the implicit bias that Officers have when facing a black suspect vs a white suspect.

And furthermore we refuse to believe that we are suspects.

Jordan Gaither National Director of Marketing Vermont Law School

For if we are suspects, We are suspects for justice.

We are suspects for equality.

We are suspects for wanting to transform the jangling dis chords of our country into a beautiful harmony that allows for black men and women to walk in public without fear.

We are suspects above all else for wanting a better future for our children's children by any means necessary.

Now we must face the harsh reality of now.

We must not be so angry that we can't focus on progressive outcomes.

Let love drown out the infancy of ignorance.

Let the melodies of Heaven swoon down upon us and fight our fight.

Join hands with your brother and sister.

For we are only as strong as the person next to us holding onto the same fight for equality!

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