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.
BLSA Officers:
President: Yahonnes Cleary
Vice President: Stephanie Akpa
Treasurer: Ria Letren
Secretary: Ashley McDowell
Parliamentarian: Dara Purvis
3L Representative: Ebun Taiwo
1L Representative: Marcie Graham
Constitution and By-Law Committee Chairs: Stephanie Akpa, Dara Purvis
Alumni Affairs Committee Chair: Seun Adebiyi, Lauren Chamblee, Sabria McElroy
Community Service Committee Chair: Ria Letren, William Collins
Political Action Committee Chairs: Julianna Bentes, Nate Smith
Black History Committee Chair: Seun Adebiyi, Nate Smith
Recruitment and Retention Committee Chairs: Marcus Smith, Kwame Spearman
Social Committee Chair: Kimberly Lacee Bass, Marcus Smith