srblsa regional convention program 2014

Reg

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tion

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Sophisticated Southern Region

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront │

225 CoastLine Drive │Jacksonville, FL

February 12-16, 2014

43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention

Jacksonville, FL

1 | P a g e SRBLSA Regional Convention 2014 – “Pushing Progress through the Pipelines”


Jacksonville, FL


STAY CONNECTED!!!

While at the REGIONAL CONVENTION Please use “#Jax2014” and “#SRBLSARC14”as the official Convention Hashtags, and don’t forget to tag us “@SRBLSA” in all post and photos, thank you!

In SRBLSA, Love --- Director of Communications: Elicia R. Day

Hyatt Regency- Jacksonville River Front

Table of Contents

Welcome from our Regional Chair 3 Plenary Schedule 16

Convention Sponsors 6 SRBLSA, a Year in Review 18

SRBLSA Leadership 8 SRBLSA Alumni Award 21

Convention Schedule 11 NBLSA History 24

Competition Schedule 13 SRBLSA Chapters 25

Panels and Workshops 14 SRBLSA Tribute to Black History 31

Luncheons and Gala 15 NBLSA Annual National Convention 33


Jacksonville, FL


Regional Chair Welcome,

Greetings to the Sophisticated Southern Region and welcome to the

43rd annual SRBLSA Convention in sunny Jacksonville, FL. This

year our theme has been "Pushing Progress through the Pipeline"

and I have been excited to see all of the many ways that chapters

have taken that theme and utilized it as a rallying cry to make

change in the communities that they reside. From community

service initiatives that targeted improving reading in elementary

schools to social action initiatives that examined the school to prison

pipeline that has been swallowing up our young African American

men and women, SRBLSA chapters have made a resounding impact

and changed the lives of many.

What better way to celebrate this movement of Pushing Progress than in a city rich in civil rights

history? Jacksonville has historically paved the way for many African American firsts and the 43rd

annual convention will celebrate African Americans who have paved the way so that we can Push

Progress. Our leadership luncheon will feature Peggy Quince, the first African American woman to

sit on the Florida Supreme Court. We will honor Phyllis Harris, one of the first African Americans

to achieve the title of Senior Vice President of Walmart, Inc. We will hear from trailblazers in the

legal community such as Benjamin Crump, attorney for Trayvon Martin's family and Dawn Porter,

who captured the plight of young public defenders in the groundbreaking movie "Gideon's Army."

We will continue to give back to the less fortunate through our Community Service project, which

will give much needed toiletry items to the Clara White Mission.

Pushing Progress is also about utilizing others to achieve your goal. During this convention, I hope

that you will network with your fellow SRBLSA members to achieve life-long networks, but most

importantly life-long friendships. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of SRBLSA and we hope

our Southern hospitality will make you feel right at home.

It is has been my joy and pleasure to serve as your 2013-2014 Regional Chair. I had the esteemed

privilege of seeing the 46 chapters of the Southern Region reverse negative stereotypes into positive

pictures of change, progress and achievement. At the 43rd annual convention, it's time to celebrate

those outstanding accomplishments.

In SRBLSA love and admiration,

Ruth L. Tisdale


Jacksonville, FL



Jacksonville, FL


FEBRUARY 12, 2014 Dear SRBLSA Family, On behalf of the National Executive Board, it is my pleasure to bring greetings to the members of the SOUTHERN Region of the National Black Law Students Association. Welcome to Jacksonville, FL. This year has been a successful one for NBLSA and we have you, the members, to thank. NBLSA is known as more than just an association of law students. Because of the continued commitment and participation of our members, NBLSA has earned a reputation for being a service and advocacy organization with a firm commitment to the interests of minority law students and underserved communities. We are also known for the innovative strategies we use to address both old and new challenges facing our members and our communities. Without our members, NBLSA would not be the respected and impactful organization that it is. The need for the work of NBLSA continues to grow. Linchpins of equality, such as voting and access to education, are under attack. The future of our communities is facing a serious threat due to the devaluation and criminalization of our youth. The need for talented black attorneys with a commitment to lifting up black communities and strengthening the pipeline of future black attorneys is as great as it has ever been. You not only play a critical role in the continued success of NBLSA but in the success of our communities. As the 2013-2014 NBLSA term winds down and we celebrate the successes of our members individually and collectively, now is the time for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to the mission and work of NBLSA as law students and as attorneys. I would like to congratulate the Southern Region Chair, Ruth Tisdale and the entire SRBLSA Executive Board on a year of successful programming. The SRBLSA Board has worked tirelessly all year long to not only bring you innovative and insightful programs and initiatives, but also an amazing and memorable convention experience. I implore you to take full advantage of all of the professional and networking opportunities that the convention has to offer. Finally, I look forward to seeing you at our 46th Annual National Convention in Milwaukee, WI on March 12-16, 2014. The national convention is the culmination of an entire year’s work where we will honor the accomplishments of past NBLSA leaders and celebrate the evolution of the NBLSA legacy by recognizing the accomplishments of our current members. I hope that you will join us at this stop on our Road to 50. Most Sincerely,

Victoria Walker

National Chair, 2013-2014 George Mason University JD | MPP May 2014

Victoria Walker NATIONAL CHAIR

Tiffany Fountaine Boykin NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR

Shawn Greene NATIONAL SECRETARY

Yvonne Elosiebo NATIONAL TREASURER

Ja’net Miles NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Rashad Pendarvis NATIONAL DIRECTOR-FREDERICK DOUGLASS

MOOT COURT COMPETITION

Vacant NATIONAL DIRECTOR-THURGOOD MARSHALL

MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION

Darryl Wilson NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING

Shantrice Anderson NATIONAL DIRECTOR

OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

Jonathan Evans ATTORNEY GENERAL

Latosha Ellis MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CHAIR

Kevin Waklatsi MIDWEST REGIONAL CHAIR

Clais Daniels-Edwards NORTHEAST REGIONAL CHAIR

Johali Muzaliwa ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL CHAIR

Ruth Tisdale SOUTHERN REGIONAL CHAIR

Adrienne Holland

WESTERN REGIONAL CHAIR

Roosevelt Donat

EXTERNAL CHIEF OF STAFF

LieAnn Van-Tull

INTERNAL CHIEF OF STAFF

Halimah Najieb-Locke

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Chloe Woods

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

Brittne Ballenger

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

Vacant

NATIONAL DIRECTOR

OF CORPORATE RELATIONS

Nia Duggins

NATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION CHAIR

Temitope Ojo

NATIONAL DIRECTOR- NELSON MANDELA

INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS COMPETITION

A.J. Cooper, Esq.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION 1225 11th Street. N.W., Washington, DC 20001


Jacksonville, FL


Sponsors


SRBLSA gratefully acknowledges the financial

support of the following sponsors.

Title Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

SRBLSA would also like to thank

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Hotel Staff Barbri

SRBLSA Executive Board and Volunteers Kaplan

Visit Jacksonville and Nicole Chapman SRBLSA Sponsors, Members, and Alumni


Jacksonville, FL


Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville is the largest city in the State of Florida by population and the largest city by area in the

contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, in which the city government

consolidated in 1968. Consolidation gave Jacksonville its great size and placed most of its

metropolitan population within the city limits; with an estimated population in 2012 of 836,507, it is

the most populous city proper in Florida and the Southeast, and the 12th most populous in the

United States. Jacksonville is in the First Coast region of northeast Florida and is centered on the

banks of the St. Johns River, about 25 miles south of the Georgia state line and about 340 miles

north of Miami.


Jacksonville, FL


2013-2014 Executive Board

Vice-Chair

Lamar Fyall

University of South Carolina

Secretary

AnCharlene Davis

University of Tennessee

Sub-Region 1 Director

Aisha DeBerry

Duncan School of Law


Jerome Frierson

Tulane University Law

School


Harold Eustache, Jr

Wake Forest University


.

Brandon Campbell

University of Florida

Levin College of Law

Sub-Region 5 Director / Community

Service Director

Ellise Washington

Cumberland School of Law

Historian

Maurice Thompson

University of South

Carolina

Director of Communications

Elicia R. Day

Florida A&M University

College of Law

Director of Programming

Donald R. Williams, Jr.

Tulane University Law

School

Director of Social Action

Jayde R. Coleman

Barry University School of

Law

Attorney General

Dorian Woolaston

Louisiana State University

Law School


Jacksonville, FL



Communications Specialist

Arle Wilson

Atlanta John Marshall

College of Law

Director of

Membership

Mark St. Vil

Florida A&M University

College of Law

Director of Pre-Law

Division

Tiffany Watkins

Mercer University

School of Law

Job Fair Coordinator

Amelia Carter

University of Mississippi School of Law

Convention Coordinator

Courtney Jones

Barry University School of

Law

Mock Trial Director

Dawn Berry

University of South

Carolina

Moot Court Director

Justin Mitchell

Cumberland

School of Law

Director of Alumni

Affairs

Ashley L. Upkins

Belmont University

College of Law

Convention Specialist

Sareena Beasley

Emory University

School of Law

Parliamentarian

Tamara M. Lee

Charleston

School of Law

Advocacy Specialist

Andrenette Sullivan

Stetson University

College of Law

Job Fair Coordinator

Jade Cunningham

University of Arkansas


Jacksonville, FL



Mock Trial

Specialist

Alejandra Berlioz

Florida State University

Corporate Relations Specialist Hassel Nunez

Florida State University

Mock Trial Specialist

Denise Acron,

Wake Forest University

School of Law

Journal of Policy and Justice

Executive Board

Jerome Frierson - Editor-in-Chief

Justin Jack - Executive Editor

Breanna Freeman - Executive Managing Editor

Alneada Biggers - Symposium Executive

Nabila Abdulhafiz - Marketing Executive

Ashley Upkins - Executive Board Secretary

Matthew Pi - Circulation Executive

Editorial Staff

Michael Augustin - Managing Editor

Ashley White - Managing Editor

Stephanie Brown - Managing Editor

Brandon Harris - Managing Editor

Kristen Lee - Senior Editor

Kimberlee McTorry - Senior Editor

Phillip Charles - Senior Editor

Brittney Finch - Senior Editor

Corey Harris - Senior Editor

Ali Awad - Senior Editor

Rene Cousins - Senior Editor


Jacksonville, FL


2014

Schedule at a Glance Day 1: Wednesday February 12, 2014

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SRBLSA Executive Board Meeting

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Convention & Competitors Registration

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Welcome to Jacksonville Reception-

River Terrace 3

Day 2: Thursday February 13, 2014

7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Continental Breakfast

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Convention and Competitor’s Registration

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Community Service

12:00PM - 1:30 PM Advocacy Luncheon:

“From Martin to Obama: Where do we go from here?”

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Trayvon’s Law:

Bringing Stand Your Ground Down

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM Diversity in the Workplace: Just a Token?

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM I am 17:

Pulling Youth from the Pipeline and Saving the Dream

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Plenary

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Alumni Reception- Clearwater

8:30 PM - 1:00 AM Fun Party Reception- Plaza Room


Jacksonville, FL


Day 3: Friday February 14, 2014

7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Continental Breakfast

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Convention Registration

8:30 AM - 9:45AM Pushing Progress: Save our Youth Community

Breakfast

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Competitions and Chapter of the Year Interviews

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Taking a Different Path: Non-traditional J.D.

Careers

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM Building Your Personal Brand

12:00 PM - 1:45 PM Leadership Luncheon

2:40 PM - 3:30 PM SRBLSA Love the Law Fashion Show:

From the Courtroom to the Nightlife


7:30 PM - 12:00 AM Royal Red Affair

Day 4: Saturday February 15, 2014

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Convention Registration

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Competition Finals

8:30 AM - 10:00 PM Prayer Breakfast

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Career Expo and Job Fair

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Law Journal Symposium

10:15 AM - 11:45 AM So You Want That Job Panel

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Luncheon

1:45 PM - 3:15 PM Brother-to-Brother/ Sister-to-Sister


6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Pre Gala Reception

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Awards Gala & Banquet

10:00 PM - 2:00 AM Party at Pure Nightclub

Day 5: Sunday February 16, 2014

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Transition Meeting

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Interest Meeting


Jacksonville, FL


2014

Competition Schedule

Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competiton Wednesday, February 12, 2014

8:00 AM-10:00 PM Competitors & Coaches Meeting Hyatt Regency (Casual dress)

Thursday, February 13, 2014

8:00 AM-11:00 AM Preliminary I Hyatt Regency (Business Professional)

11:15 AM-12:45 PM Lunch

1:00 PM-4:00 PM Preliminary II

6:00 PM-9:00 PM Preliminary III

Friday, February 14, 2014

8:00 AM-11:00 AM Hexagonal Round Hyatt Regency (Business Professional)

11:15 AM-12:45 PM Lunch

1:00 PM-4:00 PM Quarter Finals

6:00 PM-9:00 PM Semi-Finals

Saturday, February 15, 2014

8:00 AM-11:00 AM Third Place Round Florida Coastal School of Law

(Transportation will be provided) 11:15 AM-12:45 PM Lunch

1:00 PM-4:00 PM Final Round

Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competiton Wednesday, February 12, 2014

8:00 AM-10:00 PM Competitors & Coaches Meeting Hyatt Regency (Casual dress)

Thursday, February 13, 2014

9:00 AM Preliminary Round I Hyatt Regency (Business Professional)

12:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM Preliminary Round II

6:00 PM Preliminary Round III


9:00 AM Final Preliminary Round IV Hyatt Regency (Business Professional)

12:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM Round

6:00 PM Great 8 Round


9:00 AM Final Four Round Florida Costal School Of Law

1:00 PM Championship Round Duval County Courthouse

2:30 PM 3rd

Place Round Duval County Courthouse

7:00 PM Awards Gala Main Ball Room (Black Tie Formal)


Jacksonville, FL


Panels &Workshops THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2014

1:45PM-2:45PM Trayvon’s Law: Bringing Stand Your Ground Down

Ahmad Abuznaid,

Natalie Jackson

Daryl Parks

3:00PM-3:50PM Diversity in the Workplace: Just a Token?

Lauren Levin

Allana Forte

Leslie Jean-Bart

4:00PM-4:50PM I am Seventeen: Pulling Youth From the Pipeline and Saving the Dream

Cynthia Irvin

Thena Robinson Mock

Stephen A. Smith

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014

10:00AM-10:50AM Taking a Different Path: Non-Traditional JD Careers

Renee Allen

Jamie Young

Janet C. Scott

Obi Umunna

11:00AM-11:50AM Building Your Personal Brand

Amber Donley

Joseph Camerlengo

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2014

8:30AM-10:00AM Prayer Breakfast

Bishop Adam J. Richardson

10:15AM-11:30AM So You Want That Job: A Discussion of Firms and Public Interest Jobs

Cami Haynes

10:15AM-11:30AM Pre-Law: How to Make Law School Work for You

Randy Matthews

1:45PM-03:15PM Brother to Brother

Octavius Holliday

Johnathan Ross

Craig Gibbs

1:45PM-03:15PM Sister to Sister

Ramona Chaplin


Jacksonville, FL


Luncheons &Awards Gala Advocacy Luncheon -- "From Martin to Obama: Where Do We Go From Here” Thursday, 13th, 2014

12:00PM-01:30PM

August 28th, 2013 marked the 50

th Anniversary of the March on Washington, as we look at our future and where we

need to be, we take the time to reflect on where we have come. Join us with an excellent panel to discuss the next

steps we must take to continue to “Push Progress through the Pipelines.”

Aleta Alston-Touré Leigh Chapman Natalie Jackson Daryl Parks

Leadership Luncheon

Friday February 14th, 2014

12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Join us in celebrating National Leaders for their accomplishments

and pipeline building in SRBLSA’s core programming areas. The

luncheon focuses on service and those whose work has been

dedicated to advocating on behalf of diverse communities. Join us in

honoring the achievements of Attorney Benjamin Crump, Parks and

Crump, LLC, and Honorable Justice Peggy Quince of the Supreme

Court of Florida.

Benjamin Crump Justice Peggy Quince

43rd

Annual Awards Gala Saturday, February 15

th, 2014

7:00PM-09:30PM

The 43rd

Annual Awards Gala recognizes outstanding members, chapters, and regions who best exemplify

SRBLSA and NBLSA’s purpose. Please join us and our keynote speakers Dawn Porter as we pay tribute to the

past, while preparing for our future. Phyllis Harris will be honored as our 2014 SRBLSA Alumni Recipient.


Jacksonville, FL


Plenary Schedule

PLENARY I

Thursday February 13th, 2014

5:00 PM-6:30 PM

PLENARY II

Friday, February 14th, 2014

4:00-6:00 PM

PLENARY III

Saturday, February 15th, 2014

3:30 PM-5:30 PM

PLEASE BE ADVISED: If necessary, additional or special plenary sessions will be schedules to ensure

all candidates are given the opportunity to deliver a speech to delegates.

Check in to Plenary will begin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled plenary start time. Your Chapter must

fully attend 2 out of 3 sessions to vote in the Regional Elections.

REQUIRED DRESS: Business Professional Attire. You will be denied admission if appropriate attire is

not worn to plenary sessions. We thank you for cooperating with the code of conduct while conducting

SRBLSA official business.

Should you have any questions Comments, or Concerns, Please do not hesitate to contact

Regional Parliamentarian: Tamara Lee

[email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


Jacksonville, FL


Convention Community Service


Jacksonville, FL


, a Year in Review 2013-2014 SRBLSA This year has been an eventful one for the Sophisticated Southern Region. The SRBLSA 2013-2014

Executive Board was inducted into their

new positions at the NBLSA Regional

Convention in Atlanta, GA. We

immediately took on the task of promoting

our theme of “Pushing Progress through

the Pipeline” through many initiatives. We

gathered with NBLSA Executive Board

and the other Regional Executive Boards at

the Joint Board Leadership Retreat in

Texas. SRBLSA then began to prepare for

our next Job Fair where we partnered with

South Eastern Minority Job Fair (SEMJF)

to host a Job Fair in Atlanta, GA for our members.

We continued to Push Progress through the Pipelines as

students prepped for a new school year by hosting a series of Happy

Hours and Community Service projects. We gathered resources to

organize our Pre-Law retreat, Chapter Leadership Retreat, and our

Regional Job Fair. Our Chapter leaders from near and far gathered in

Columbia, SC at the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Attendees

enjoyed the

activities, forums,

and panels that

helped to unite us as better law students, Black Law

Student Association members, and leaders.

In September, we began collecting books for the

NBLSA

international

Book drive to

promote literacy in Africa. We continued to do community service

activities across the region and prepping for the Congressional

Black Caucus Week in Washington, DC. While in DC, we

gathered at George Washington School of Law with leaders across

the nation to discuss NBLSA’s missions, parliamentary

procedures, and discuss pertinent law topics in several law panels.

SRBLSA was pleased to meet the entire panel of distinguished

attorneys and congressional leaders, including Attorney Parks, from the Law firm Parks and Crump, LLC.


Jacksonville, FL


As October approached, we worked on our

Sub-Region Academic Retreats. Our Sub-

Region Leaders held 5 retreats full of

enrichment in 5 States across the region. As our

year progressed we encouraged Chapters to

utilize their resources to help homeless,

children, and domestic violence victims for our

Community service weekend. Chapters

throughout the Southern region banded together

to give back to our communities through Food drives, community clean ups, reading to students, feeding

the homeless, and many other undertakings.

October also marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month. SRBLSA walked for the cure and held many

community service activities in our #thinkpink campaign. BLSA chapters all over the Southern Region

showed our support for Breast Cancer Awareness. Our Social Action Director held many Twitter

Townhall meetings that engaged our members in issues that affect the Southern Region including Voter

suppression, the Trayvon Martin Ruling, Stand your Ground Laws, Affirmative Action in Higher

Education, and the Kenderick Johnson case.

December began Aids Awareness month and SRBLSA rose to the occasion with a Red Ribbon Contest

for Aids Awareness and began preparation for our Annual Regional Convention in Jacksonville, FL

In SRBLSA LOVE, we appreciate all of our Sophisticated Southern Region Members who

helped Push Progress through the Pipelines in 2013-2014.


Jacksonville, FL


Congratulation to the AIDS AWARENESS RED RIBBON Community Service Contest winner

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SCHOOL OF LAW

And the Runner-up STETSON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW


Jacksonville, FL


Phyllis Harris is the Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for

Walmart US. Phyllis leads an interdisciplinary team of compliance

professionals who identify, mitigate and monitor the operational compliance

risks for domestic business divisions. Previously, as Vice President for

Environmental Health and Safety Compliance, Phyllis was responsible for

developing and overseeing environmental compliance programs.

Prior to coming to Wal-Mart in 2006, Ms. Harris served as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the United

States Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. where she was responsible for leading the nation’s

environmental enforcement and compliance assurance programs. In 2001, Ms. Harris was the recipient of the

Presidential Rank Award by President George W. Bush for sustained leadership and performance. Prior to her

appointment as Deputy Assistant Administrator, Ms. Harris served as the Regional Counsel for US EPA’s

Southeastern Office in Atlanta, GA.

Phyllis Harris received her law degree from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law and her BA from

Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. Ms. Harris is on the Board of Directors for the Environmental Law

Institute; on the Board for the University of Florida’s Environmental Law and Land Use Program; and on the

Board of Directors for the NWA Headstart Program. Ms. Harris served as the Co-Chair of the Retail Industry

Leader’s Association’s Environmental Compliance Subcommittee and is a past Trustee of Converse College, one

of the oldest women’s colleges in the United States.

Business and Professional Associations

Trustee, Converse College, Spartanburg, SC

Board Member, University of Florida, Levin College of Law, Environment and Land Use Program

Board Member, Northwest Arkansas Headstart

Board Member, Environmental Law Institute

American Bar Association, Section on Environment and Energy, Distinguished Environmental

State Bar of Georgia

Education

JD, University of Florida, Levin College of Law

BA, Converse College, Spartanburg, SC

Senior Vice President and

Chief Compliance Officer Walmart US


Jacksonville, FL



Jacksonville, FL


Join us on Thursday from 12:00 PM-2:00 PM For our Community Service with the Clara White Mission What is the Clara White Mission?

For more than a century, the Clara White Mission has

helped Jacksonville's at-risk individuals gain new

perspectives on life. The Mission has been the one-stop

community center stimulating economic development

through job training in educational programs, daily

feedings, advancement and more. Our foundation begins

with stabilizing programs that are designed to provide

nutritional meals and transitional housing, with a particular

emphasis on assisting veterans in need. The standard for

local outreach.

RED ROYAL Affair

Ladies it’s time to TREAT yourself to something SWEET and get your face beat by a professional

make-up genius. Sign up on Friday, February 14 between 10:00 am- 12(noon) for your professional

consultation at the SRBLSA registration table. To secure your session you will need to choose one of

the services below and pay in full at registration (cash only).

Professional Make Up Artist : Latavia

Services & Price List: Blush & Lips: $20.00

Lashes: $10.00

Brows & Lashes: $25.00

Eyes & Lips: $30.00

Eyes & Lashes: $35.00

Full Face: $50.00

Consultations run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in a private room Prices are Per Diem based on the services you want

www.fabulousfacesmakeup.com


Jacksonville, FL


History In 1968, Algernon Johnson ("AJ") Cooper, former mayor of Prichard, Alabama, founded the first

Black American Law Students Association (BALSA) at the New York University Law School.

In 1983, BALSA revised its name and the word "American" was deleted to encompass all

blacks, including those not of American nationality. Later, the word "National" was added to

reflect the organization's national expansion, which now includes representation in the law

schools of forty-eight states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Today, the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) is a national organization formed

to articulate and promote the needs and goals of black law students and effectuate change in the

legal community. As the largest student run organization in the United States with nearly 6,000

members, NBLSA is also comprised of chapters or affiliates in six different countries including

The Bahamas, Nigeria, and South Africa. Organized into six regions (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic,

Southern, Midwest, Rocky Mountain and Western Region), the organization has over 200

chapters and is present in all but a few of the nation's accredited law schools, as well as

unaccredited law schools. With its headquarters located in Washington, DC, NBLSA encourages

the development of talented, social conscious lawyers of tomorrow. Each year, the organization

holds an annual convention to engage in legal activism and prepare new generations of black

lawyers to "effectuate change."

Mission The purpose of NBLSA is to utilize the collective resources of the member chapters to:

Articulate and promote the educational, professional, political, and social needs and goals

of Black law students;

Foster and encourage professional competence;

improve the relationship between Black law students, Black attorneys, and the American

legal structure;

Instill in the Black attorney and law student a greater awareness and commitment to the

needs of the Black community;

Influence the legal community by bringing about meaningful legal and political change

that addresses the needs and concerns of the Black community;

Adopt and implement policies of economic independence;

Encourage Black law students to pursue careers in the judiciary; and

Do all things necessary and appropriate to accomplish these purposes.


Jacksonville, FL


SRBLSA CHAPTERS

SRBLSA is comprised of chapters from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico.

The Southern Region consists of five sub-regions: Sub-Region I: Tennessee & Arkansas Sub-Region II: Louisiana & Mississippi Sub-Region III: South Carolina & North Carolina Sub-Region IV: Florida & Puerto Rico Sub-Region V: Alabama & Georgia

Georgia (continued)

Mercer University

University of Georgia

Louisiana Louisiana State University Loyola University New Orleans Southern University Law Center Tulane University Law School

Mississippi Campbell Law School University of Mississippi School of Law

North Carolina Charleston School of Law Charlotte School of Law Duke University Elon University School of Law North Carolina Central University University of North Carolina Wake Forest University South Carolina University of South Carolina

Tennessee Nashville School of Law University of Memphis University of Tennessee Vanderbilt

Alabama

Birmingham School of Law Cumberland School of Law Miles Law School Thomas Goode Jones School of Law University of Alabama School of Law

ArkansasUniversity of Arkansas at Fayetteville University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Florida Ava Maria School of Law Barry University Florida A&M University College of Law Florida Coastal School of Law Florida International University College of Law Florida State University Nova Southeastern University St. Thomas University School of Law Stetson University University of Florida University of Miami

Georgia

Emory University Georgia State University

John Marshall Law School


Jacksonville, FL


: “Pushing Progress through the Pipelines” THEME

: The purpose of SRBLSA shall be to utilize the collective resources of the member sub-PURPOSE

regions and chapters to:

Articulate and promote the educational, professional, political, and social needs and goals of Black law students;

Foster and encourage professional competence;

Improve the relationship between Black law students, Black attorneys, and the American legal structure;

Instill in the Black attorney and law student a greater awareness of and commitment to the needs of the Black community;

Influence the legal community by bringing about meaningful legal and political change that addresses the needs and concerns of the Black community;

Adopt and implement policies of economic independence;

Encourage Black law students to pursue careers in the judiciary; and

Do all things necessary and appropriate to accomplish these purposes

: OBJECTIVES

1. To increase active participation and excitement surrounding SRBLSA.

2. To build stronger relationships with alumni.

3. To increase partnerships & develop a better relationship with sponsors.

4. To ensure effective communication and strengthen relationships.

5. To increase programming and actively recruit new Pre-Law Division chapters in our region.

6. To strengthen relationships between the SRBLSA Executive Board and the local chapter presidents, ensuring SRBLSA’s presence at a local level.

7. To reach out directly to members to keep them abreast on all of the events and opportunities.

8. To ensure that SRBLSA’s image in the legal community continues to be positive and increase our presence in certain states in the region.

9. To provide members with professional development opportunities to equip them to become more marketable in this economy.

10. To explore grant proposals to fund SRBLSA programs and initiatives.


Jacksonville, FL


Is Proud to Support

the Southern Region of the National Black Law Students

Association!

LMU-DSOL Is One of the Most Innovative and Technologically Advanced Law Schools in Tennessee and the Nation.

Should You Find Yourself in Downtown Knoxville, Make Sure You Stop By and See Us!

Lincoln Memorial University – Duncan School of Law 601 West Summit Hill Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 (865) 545-5303 http://law.LMUnet.edu

The Dean is fully informed as to the Standards and Rules of Procedure for the Approval of Law Schools by the American Bar Association. The Administration and the Dean are determined to devote all necessary resources and in other respects to take all necessary steps to present a program of legal education that will qualify for approval by the American Bar Association. The Law School makes no representation to any applicant that it will be approved by the American Bar Association prior to the graduation of any matriculating student.

For additional information regarding the process, please see the ABA Law School Accreditation Process. For general information, contact the ABA (www.abanet.org/legaled) at American Bar Association, section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654-7598 or call (312) 988.6738.

http://www.abanet.org/legaled


Jacksonville, FL


SR

BL

SA

Job Fair


Jacksonville, FL


Join us for a night of excellency and appreciation At the SRBLSA Awards Gala

Saturday February 15, 2014 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM

With our Keynote Speaker: Dawn Porter

DAWN PORTER, DIRECTOR/PRODUCER

Dawn Porter is the founder of Trilogy Films. She is Director/Producer of GIDEON’S ARMY, which premiered at

the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and will air on HBO Documentary Films. She is an alumnus of the Tribeca All

Access program, where she won the 2011 juried Creative Promise Award for GIDEON’S ARMY. Realscreen

named Dawn one of their 2012 Doc Hot Shots 15 emerging directors to watch. Other Trilogy projects include SPIES

OF MISSISSIPPI for ARTE Germany and PBS, and a documentary about celebrity Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli

for the Cooking Channel. Dawn also works in narrative features as Executive Producer on SERIOUS

MOONLIGHT, written by Adrienne Shelley and starring Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton. SERIOUS

MOONLIGHT debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival and was released theatrically by Magnolia Pictures and

domestically on Lifetime Movie Network. She is also an Executive Producer on THE GREEN, an independent

feature premiering on Showtime Networks and starring Cheyenne Jackson (30 ROCK) and Emmy®-winning actress

Julia Ormond. Before becoming a filmmaker she was the Director of News Standards and Practices at ABC News,

and Vice President of Standards and Practices at A&E Networks. Dawn is a graduate of Swarthmore College and the

Georgetown University Law Center. She was a practicing attorney at Baker & Hostetler and ABC Television

Networks before beginning her television career.


Jacksonville, FL


Dawn M. Porter, Esq.

Director of HBO Feature

Documentary

Gideon’s Army

FILM SYNOPSIS

In Gideon v. Wainwright, the

United States Supreme Court

determined that the Constitution guarantees a lawyer to every American charged with a serious crime. But

in far too many states, what passes for legal representation is little more than a speed bump on an

indigent’s journey to conviction. Each year hundreds of innocent indigents are swept away in the tidal

wave of cases working their way through the criminal process. The innocent are convicted, the guilty are

not brought to justice, and the public loses faith in fairness and competency of the criminal justice.

Amidst the chaos, there is a growing call for change. Gideon’s Army follows Travis Williams, Brandy

Alexander and June Hardwick, three young public defenders who are part of a small group of idealistic

lawyers in the Deep South challenging the assumptions that drive a criminal justice system strained to the

breaking point. Backed by mentor Jonathan “Rap” Rapping, a charismatic leader who heads the Southern

Public Defender Training Center (now known as Gideon’s Promise) they struggle against long hours, low

pay and staggering caseloads so common that even the most committed often give up in their first year.

Nearly 50 years since the landmark Supreme Court ruling Gideon vs. Wainwright that established the

right to counsel, can these courageous lawyers revolutionize the way America thinks about indigent

defense and make “justice for all” a reality?

GIDEON’s ARMY is an official selection of the prestigious U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2013

Sundance Film Festival, and was awarded the editing prize. The film won the juried Knight foundation

Grand Prize for documentary and the Audience Award at the Miami International Film Festival. It was

the opening night selection of the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. The film will premiere on HBO

on July 1, 2013.

The Ford Foundation and HBO Documentary Films present GIDEON’S ARMY; produced by Trilogy

Films in association with Motto Pictures.


Jacksonville, FL


“Breaking Every Chain”

It is the dirt road our forefathers trod,

Memories of their lives branded in our hearts.

It is a word, a place, a state of mind.

Black history is a peek into our ancestors’ time.

It is a piece of fabric our grandmothers wore,

An old rope that our grandfathers lived to deplore.

It is a slave ship and middle passage overseas.

Black history is cotton fields and tobacco leaves.

It is a plantation overseer and back door crumbs,

Weeping and wailing, a beating of drums.

It is a troubling truth, an unapologetic past.

Black history is an entire race struggling to last.

It is a Mississippi burning in a Tennessee town,

An evil that lingers to bring Black people down.

It is a book or movie of strength, courage, and will.

Black history is the fate of young Emmett Till.

It is little Ruby Bridges, the exquisite Ruby Dee,

Carter G. Woodson, and Coretta Scott King.

A Mahalia Jackson song, a Michael Jackson

routine,

Black history is the phrase “Let freedom ring!”

It is Cheney University, the Tuskegee Airmen,

The N. A. A. C. P., the Black Holocaust Museum.

It is a navy master diver named Carl Brashear.

Black history is our legacy of triumph without fear.

It is General Colin Powell, a Vaudeville drama,

Zora Neale Hurston, and President Barack Obama.

It is every single experience of our history.

BLACK HISTORY is the story of you and me.


Jacksonville, FL


Make sure you do not miss our Prayer

Breakfast

with

Bishop Adam J. Richardson


08:30AM-10:00AM

Come Spend Valentine’s Day with SRBLSA

at the

Red Royal Affair


at 7:30 PM

Come Dress to Impress, in your

Valentine’s Day Finest!


Jacksonville, FL


srblsa regional convention program 2014

Documents

annual srblsa convention

annual convention

srblsa chapters

srblsa leadership

g e srblsa regional

srblsa tribute

behalf of srblsa

convention schedule