Northeastern University School of Law’s Black Law Students Association–Kemet Chapter is excited to welcome everyone to the 2023-2024 academic year! This year’s theme is, Shades of Black: Excellence is Not a Monolith. Our theme is driven by our recognition and celebration of the diversity of blackness, which we aim to embody through our efforts for this academic year. Vice President Kamala Harris once said, “Our unity is our strength, and our diversity is our power.” Our vision is to applaud the uniqueness, individuality and life cycle of the Black law student through cultivating a beloved community, inclusivity and strength. This year’s theme comprises five pillars that will help us augment and reinforce the respected legacy of NUSL’s BLSA Kemet chapter: community, inclusivity, service, mentorship and excellence.
Community
We strive to nurture our Black community all throughout the African diaspora by expanding our orbit to engage with others in the Greater Boston community and beyond. Our efforts this year will reflect our commitment to contributing positively to the community. As we advance in our journey to becoming social engineers, we want to remain humble and give back to the communities we came from and the communities that can benefit from our impact.
Inclusivity
We will continue to foster a safe and inclusive environment as we recognize that each of our members is a unique and vital thread in the fabric of our community. We will promote a sense of oneness, support and collaboration as we celebrate individuality and diversity in our BLSA community.
Service
We aim to practice humility and gratitude by acting on our convictions to serve both the BLSA and larger community. This year, we will be intentional about the volunteering opportunities we participate in to bolster human connection and deepen our organization’s impact on the communities we serve.
Mentorship
We seek to reinforce our mentorship program by renewing our relationships with BLSA alumni/ae and extending mentorship to Black pre-law students. Our mentorship program hinges on lifting others as we advance and excel in our endeavors. We will continue to demystify the process of becoming a successful Black attorney and be transparent about our challenges and mistakes so that future Black law students can be better equipped to navigate certain experiences along the journey.
Excellence
We aspire to recognize and value the many ways that excellence takes shape within our BLSA community. Excellence is within each individual and varies by individual, which is why we are reconstructing the narrative of what it means to achieve “Black Excellence.” To help our members form their own portrayal of this concept, we are dedicating programming and resources to building self-confidence and personal branding.
In solidarity,
Your E-Board
Celebrating 50 Years of Black Excellence
On December 3, 2021, Northeastern Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Kemet Chapter celebrated the 50th anniversary of BLSA at the School of Law with a reception featuring commemorative speeches, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
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What Solidarity Looks Like
On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, the School of Law held a virtual community gathering entitled “What Solidarity Looks Like.” The agenda for the event was created by BLSA and supported by other affinity groups and the SBA, who stand with BLSA in solidarity. This event was an educational community gathering focused on supporting Black students. Professors Jonathan Kahn and Patricia Williams discussed topics related to White privilege, anti-Blackness, anti-racism and effective allyship.