The 49th Annual Mid-Atlantic Black Law Students Association Convention (MABLSA) took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, last month. During the convention, BLSA members from across the Mid-Atlantic region showcased their respective chapters through the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition (FDMCC), the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition, and the Chapter of the Year Award Competition. GW BLSA President and Vice-President, Iman Lyons and Jordan Green – both 2Ls – served as delegates during the transaction of official business and election of new regional leadership. The convention included a host of informational seminars, professional enrichment opportunities, and social engagement activities.
GW BLSA received two regional awards. The organization was awarded the 2016-2017 MABLSA Large Chapter of the Year Award. The award is given to the MABLSA chapter which best embodies the spirit of BLSA and is evaluated based on community service initiatives, socio-political awareness, pre-law programming, alumni engagements, and educational and career support.
To win the Chapter of the Year Award, students had to interview with the selection committee, create a scrapbook highlighting their programming, and submit a 133-page application. This year, BLSA dedicated time to community service and volunteered at So Others Might Eat, the MLK Day of Service, and the Capital Area Food Bank. They also organized an on-campus voter registration drive prior to the 2016 general election. Additionally, they fostered academic success through the BLSA 1L mentoring program, Fall and Spring 1L orientations, BLSA 1L study groups, one-on-one academic office hours, and multiple tip sessions and exam preparation programs. BLSA hosted more than 60 programs and initiatives for the GW Law community and beyond.
Breanna Smith and Tyler Hill, both of whom are 2Ls, won the Frederick Douglass Regional Moot Court Competition. The FDMCC gives BLSA members the opportunity to hone their oral and written advocacy skills in a competitive and professional atmosphere. FDMCC competitors submitted a legal brief and argued issues in the legal profession. The team disputed in six rounds, advanced to the finals, and took the first-place title. They were also awarded the Judge Eugene Hamilton Scholarship of $5,000, which will be split between the two of them. They were coached by adjunct alum Patrice Sulton, who participated in the same competition as a student.
Ms. Smith and Mr. Hill have been invited to the National Championship in Houston, Texas, on March 7-12, 2017.
"The MABLSA convention was an invaluable opportunity to network with fellow Black law students from across the Mid-Atlantic region and to showcase the hard work and dedication of our GW BLSA chapter this year. From the advocacy luncheon featuring social justice warriors, to the panel discussions about navigating the law firm environment, to the opportunity for one-on-one resume feedback, it was an amazing experience. We are deeply indebted to Dean Roger Fairfax for his consistent and unwavering support of GW BLSA – because of his leadership and dedication, our chapter has flourished into one of the premiere BLSA Chapters in the Mid-Atlantic region," Ms. Lyons said.