Our Legacy of Excellence
From civil rights pioneers to today's leaders, Suffolk BLSA has built community, fostered advocacy, and advanced justice for over five decades.
Our Mission
Building Future Leaders
Suffolk BLSA advances the academic and professional success of Black law students while strengthening the broader legal community
Suffolk University's Black Law Students Association serves as a cornerstone of support, advocacy, and professional development for Black law students. We create opportunities for academic excellence, foster meaningful connections, and prepare the next generation of legal leaders.
Advocacy
Advancing justice and equity in law
Mentorship
Connecting students with accomplished alumni
Professional Growth
Building skills and career opportunities
Our Origins
Born from the Civil Rights Era
Suffolk BLSA's roots trace back to the founding of NBLSA in 1968 and the transformative movements of the late 1960s
The National Black Law Students Association was founded in 1968 by Algernon Johnson Cooper at New York University Law School during the turbulent civil rights era. Cooper and his peers launched what was initially called the Black American Law Students Association (BALSA) with a clear mission: to support Black law students and push for a more equitable legal system.
Suffolk Law's chapter emerged in the early 1970s as part of NBLSA's national expansion. By 1981, Suffolk's BLSA was organized enough to co-establish the Thomas Vreeland Jones Scholarship Fund, honoring one of Suffolk's first Black graduates from the Class of 1915. This early initiative demonstrated the chapter's commitment to both honoring history and supporting future generations.
From hosting formal dinners in 1985 to producing alumni directories, Suffolk BLSA quickly became a cornerstone of the law school community, building bridges between students, alumni, and faculty while advocating for increased diversity and inclusion.
Our Journey
Milestones of Progress
Key moments that shaped our chapter's evolution from civil rights activism to modern legal advocacy
NBLSA Founded
The National Black Law Students Association was founded by Algernon Johnson Cooper at NYU Law School during the civil rights era, with a mission to support Black law students and promote change in the legal system.
Suffolk Chapter Emerges
Suffolk Law's BLSA chapter formed during NBLSA's national expansion, joining the movement to support Black law students and advocate for diversity in legal education.
Jones Scholarship Established
Suffolk's BLSA co-established the Thomas Vreeland Jones Scholarship Fund, honoring one of Suffolk's first Black graduates (Class of 1915) and supporting students from historically marginalized backgrounds.
Community Strengthens
BLSA hosted formal dinners and events, building connections between students, alumni, and faculty. Chapter gained recognition within the Suffolk Law community.
National Recognition
Under President Cherina Clark (JD '17), Suffolk BLSA contributed to the Flint water crisis response by drafting model legislation and was recognized nationally for advocacy work.
Still We Rise
Suffolk BLSA continues its mission with the theme 'Still We Rise,' fostering academic excellence, professional development, and community engagement while building on over 50 years of legacy.
Our Community
Moments That Define Us
Celebrating the people, events, and achievements that shape our BLSA community
“We organized during the halcyon days of the late '60s, in the midst of riots... our mission was to articulate and promote the professional needs and goals of African American law students and to initiate a change within the legal system.
Today's Impact
Empowering Tomorrow's Legal Leaders
How Suffolk BLSA continues to provide essential support and opportunities for today's law students
Today's Suffolk BLSA builds on our historic foundation while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing modern law students. We provide comprehensive support that extends far beyond traditional student organizations.
Professional Development
Exclusive networking events, mock interviews, and mentorship programs connecting students with practicing attorneys and judges.
Academic Excellence
Study groups, exam preparation workshops, and academic support systems designed to help students excel in their legal education.
Community Advocacy
Opportunities to engage in social justice work, pro bono projects, and community service that make a real difference in Boston and beyond.
Lifelong Network
Access to a powerful alumni network spanning decades, providing career guidance, job opportunities, and professional connections throughout your legal career.
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Join Our Legacy
Discover how you can be part of Suffolk BLSA's continuing story