Reg
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al
Con
ven
tion
Pro
gram
Gu
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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”
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
Jacksonville, FL
2 | P a g e SRBLSA Regional Convention 2014 – “Pushing Progress through the Pipelines”
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
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
Jacksonville, FL
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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
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
Jacksonville, FL
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43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
Jacksonville, FL
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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
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
Jacksonville, FL
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Sponsors
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
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
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
Jacksonville, FL
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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.
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
Jacksonville, FL
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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
Sub-Region 2 Director
Jerome Frierson
Tulane University Law
School
Sub-Region 3 Director
Harold Eustache, Jr
Wake Forest University
Sub-Region 4 Director
.
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
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2013-2014 Executive Board
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
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Jacksonville, FL
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2013-2014 Executive Board
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
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Jacksonville, FL
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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
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
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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
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Plenary
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
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Plenary
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
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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
Friday, February 14, 2014
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
Saturday, February 15, 2014
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)
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Jacksonville, FL
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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
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
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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.
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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
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Jacksonville, FL
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Convention Community Service
43rd Annual SRBLSA Regional Convention
Jacksonville, FL
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, 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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Jacksonville, FL
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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
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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.
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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
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: “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.
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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.
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SR
BL
SA
Job Fair
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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Make sure you do not miss our Prayer
Breakfast
with
Bishop Adam J. Richardson
Saturday, February 15, 2014
08:30AM-10:00AM
Come Spend Valentine’s Day with SRBLSA
at the
Red Royal Affair
Friday, February 14, 2014
at 7:30 PM
Come Dress to Impress, in your
Valentine’s Day Finest!
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