About Us

Each year over fifty Yale Law School students are active members of the Yale Black Law Student’s Association (BLSA). Our members are overwhelmingly students of African descent and/or students with a particular interest in the pan-African community. BLSA represents each of these individuals, serves as a collective voice, and provides each member with a supportive community which cultivates success during and after their law school experience. In addition, BLSA attempts to foster an awareness of and commitment to the needs of black communities around the world. We aim to assure BLSA members ultimately retain this awareness and commitment as they move into their professional careers as attorneys.

Each year, BLSA leverages the diverse strengths and talents of its members to serve both the Law School and New Haven community in various ways. During any given year, BLSA works towards organizing community service efforts, professional development workshops, social activities, cultural and political events, recruitment and retention outreach, and alumni mentorship opportunities. BLSA’s active participation in ongoing service projects reflects its deep commitment to both the Yale and New Haven communities. In addition, BLSA has raised thousands of dollars and donated countless hours to help local and international causes.

Strong partnerships are crucial to the fulfillment of BLSA’s organizational goals. As a result, we are always seeking to foster strong relationships with law firms and corporate sponsors, neighboring BLSA chapters and the national chapter, and both the Yale University and New Haven communities. Please feel free to contact us with ideas, thoughts, and suggestions.

Please read the End of Year Event Summary for the 2008-2009 academic year here.

BLSA Officers:

President: Tafari Lumumba
Vice President: Cassie Fields
Treasurer: Michael Gervais
Secretary: Kristin Burgess
Parliamentarian: Charles Taylor
3L Representative:  Marcie Graham
Constitution and By-Law Committee Chairs: Cassie Fields, Charles Taylor
Alumni Affairs Committee Chairs: Alison Crawford, Ryan Stouffer
Community Service Committee Chairs: Matthew Maddox, Ryan Stouffer
Political Action Committee Chairs: Edward Francois, Kenneth Jamison
Black History Committee Chair: Nicolas Riley
Recruitment and Development Committee Chairs: Tanya Abrams, Albert Osueke
Social Committee Chairs: Alison Crawford