Strength in Unity: Empowering Black Communities in the Fight for Democracy

Saturday, April 20, 2024
from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

 

 

This event brought together Black alumni, current students, faculty, and staff for thought-provoking discussions and meaningful connections. Attendees will explore harnessing the power of unity to empower Black communities and strengthen our collective voice in the fight for democracy.

Hosted by the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Office of Advancement; Office of Career and Professional Development; Office of the Dean; and Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Affinity Relations.
 

See pictures from this year's event!

event Schedule and Presenters:

 

9:00 a.m. — Continental Breakfast, Warren Lobby

9:45 a.m. — Welcome Remarks, Ceremonial Classroom, Warren NT01
-BLSA President Jayla Mack(WCL/JD '25) 
-Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr.

10:15 - 11:15 a.m. — Panel One, Ceremonial Classroom, Warren NT01
Guardians of Justice: The Crucial Role of Black Lawyers in Upholding Democracy
Drawing from their diverse backgrounds in law, advocacy, academia, and public service, panelists will explore the pivotal role that Black lawyers play in advancing civil and voting rights, challenging systemic injustices, and shaping legal frameworks that safeguard democracy.

Faculty Moderator: Cynthia Jones (WCL/JD ’89), Professor of Law
Alumni Panelists:
-Russell Armstrong (WCL/JD ’22), Senior Director, Campaigns and Advocacy, Hip Hop Caucus
-Wala Blegay (WCL/JD ’11), Vice Chair, Prince George’s County Council
-Janene Jackson (WCL/JD ’98), Executive Partner, Holland and Knight
-Marja Plater (WCL/JD ’06), Counsel, Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
-Cheryl Williams (WCL/JD ’99), Executive Director, National Association for State Community Services Programs

11:15 - 11:30 a.m. — Break

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Panel Two, Ceremonial Classroom, Warren NT01
Empowerment through Entrepreneurship: Black-Owned Business Leading Transformation
This dynamic conversation will explore the power of entrepreneurship as a vehicle for socioeconomic advancement and highlight the transformative impact of Black-owned businesses on local economies and beyond. Drawing from their firsthand experiences as founders, investors, and advocates, the panelists will explore how entrepreneurship serves as a catalyst for social and economic transformation, advancing the overarching theme of unity and empowerment.

Faculty Moderator: Chaz Brooks, Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic
Alumni Panelists:
- Sofiat Abdulrazaaq (WCL/JD ’19), Co-Founder and CEO, Goodfynd
- Valérie Cambronne (WCL/JD ’20) Co-Founder of LegallyBlack
- Chaz Gates (WCL/JD ’13), Co-Owner and COO, Wondry Wine
- Kiara Ortiz (WCL/JD ’20),  Co-Founder of LegallyBlack
- Tanisha James (WCL/JD ’08), Founder and CEO, Flow Forward Capital
- Desiree Verdejo (WCL/JD ’08), CEO and Founder, Hyper Skin

 

12:30 - 2:00 p.m. — Awards Luncheon, Claudio Grossman Hall, Yuma T01
Presenters: Asst. Dean Lisa Sonia Taylor, Sean Trice (WCL/JD'12) and BLSA Chief of Staff Jaelyn Knight (WCL/JD '25)
- 2024 Rising Star Award Recipient is Khadijah Adamu (WCL/JD ’24)
- 2024 Joseph H. Hairston Award  Recipient is Claudia Lewis (WCL/JD ’95)
- 2024 North Star Award Recipient is Ed Tapscott (WCL/JD ’80)
 

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. — Dean's Fireside Chat with Ed Tapscott (WCL/JD '80), Former NBA Coach and General Manager and current Vice President of Player Development for the Washington Wizards, Claudio Grossman Hall, Yuma T01

Panel Moderators:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Panel 1 Alumni Presenters:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Panel 2 Alumni PResenters:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dean's Fireside Chat Presenters: