The Mason BLSA
Bulletin
A Newsletter of the George Mason Black Law Students Association
Welcome to the first Volume I, Issue I August, 2008
George Mason
University BLSA
Bulletin!
Message from the President
Greetings! I am extremely pleased to introduce the first issue of the Mason BLSA
Inside this issue:
Bulletin. This is the first in a series of newsletters aimed at connecting the GMUSL BLSA
alumni with future alumni. Since its inception in 1986, GMU BLSA has grown in influence
and numbers, finally becoming an organization that the administration communicates with
• High School
on sensitive issues. This year’s goals include increasing our outreach to the community,
Student
networking with other BLSA groups within the region, and continuing to build bridges with
Mentoring
the diverse groups at GMUSL. We will continue the successful L. Douglas Wilder lecture
series which was instituted two years ago by alumnus Rex Flynn.
• “Jena 6”
Awareness Day The 2008-2009 academic year begins with the addition of six African American 1Ls:
two day students and four evening students. The most important addition is to the
• Congressman administration - the recently appointed Director of Diversity Services is our own Bianca
Bobby Scott Mack (’08)! Also a graduate of Duke University, Bianca made her influence felt
Visits immediately, contacting potential applicants, accepted students, and weighing in on policy
issues. We look forward to working with her.
• Events Calendar
Looking forward to the future embodies our
desire to connect with alumni and established
black attorneys. We hope to reach out to our
network of attorneys who are successful role
models, and community leaders. To keep abreast
of our activities, please visit the BLSA website at
www.gmu.edu/org/blsa.
It shall be a pleasure to serve the GMUSL
BLSA community during the upcoming school
year. Please feel free to contact the organization
for any reason - ideas, encouragement,
networking, or simply to connect.
Sincerely,
Kimberly White
A Call for Speakers!
If you are interested in speaking at an upcoming GMUSL BLSA sponsored event
please email BLSA President Kimberly White (kwhitek@gmu.edu) or Vice-President
Samantha Riley (sriley6@gmu.edu). BLSA is always interested in topics that are of
particular interest to the African-American community!
Volume I, Issue I Page 2
BLSA Mentors Local High School Students
During the 2007-2008 school year, BLSA
began to mentor minority high school students
at Washington & Lee High School, a few blocks
from the law school. Second year student
Cheryl Cathlin organized the sessions and
designed the programming to increase the
Volume I, Issue I August 1, 2008
student’s knowledge of their opportunities. The
latest session, in May, featured an interactive
discussion with the students about affirmative
action and its effects, including Supreme Court
decision analysis. The students were very well
prepared, and were versed in all of the
concurring and dissenting opinions. After the
discussion, the students asked questions about
the law school admissions process. We are
BLSA members Cheryl Cathlin and Tasha Gibbs pose with students excited for the upcoming school year that will
bring more opportunities to serve the
community.
L. Douglas Wilder Speaker Series:
The Honorable Bobby Scott
In March 2008 BLSA hosted an honored
guest - the Honorable Bobby Scott (3rd
Congressional District, Virginia). Congressman
Scott spoke about the importance of a law
degree while serving as a representative in any
legislative body, and the automatic credibility
gained by minorities upon earning a juris
doctorate. Alumni and NOVABAA members
attended the event, mingling during the
reception with students and giving insights into
the actual practice of law.
BLSA Chapter 2007-2008 with the Hon. Bobby Scott
Jena 6 Rally
During the Jena 6 trial, BLSA took part of
the demonstration on Capitol Hill to send a
message to Louisiana that injustice is no Upcoming Events
longer tolerated in the United States. Below
are alumni Turkessa Rollins (‘01) and Kimi
White (’09).
Aug 15 – 16 New Student
Orientation
Aug 23 Community Service
Project & New
Student Dinner
1st week Sep. BIGLAW Panel