Feature Story: BLSA’s 35th Reunion
The Power to Change
For 35 continuous years, Notre Dame alumni who were members of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) have gathered to re-connect with familiar faces and meet current students. The theme of this year’s reunion, The Power to Change, celebrates the work that BLSA alumni have done to promote positive changes in society over the course of 3-1/2 decades. The capstone event of the weekend is the awards banquet which will be held on Saturday, April 5. The keynote speaker will be Jock Smith, managing partner of the Cochran Firm. In addition to honoring the alumni who initiated BLSA Alumni Reunion Weekend, the following people will receive awards.
2007-2008 BLSA Award Recipients
Alvin McKenna Alumnus of the Year Award – Myra McKenzie (’02)
While a student and as a practicing attorney, Ms. McKenzie has been active in her school, profession, and her community. While maintaining a hefty workload as an associate in a major law firm, she found time to be actively involved in her church and her community. Ms. McKenzie has taken a leadership role in the Young Lawyer’s Division of the American Bar Association by recruiting individuals from underrepresented groups in the legal profession to consider law school. In Columbus, Ohio, she mentored high school girls interested in pursuing legal careers and sponsored a Girl Scout troop at her church. Ms. McKenzie is currently assistant general counsel in the legal department of Wal-Mart, Inc.
Charles F. Crutchfield Award, Faculty Member of the Year – Judith Fox (’93)
In her work at the Legal Aid Clinic, Professor Fox concentrates on poverty law, family law, debtor/creditor issues, and public-benefits law. Her professional and volunteer activities reflect this commitment to providing an opportunity for people without financial means to be treated justly and according to the law. She is a member of the Domestic Violence Committee of the Michigan State Bar Association (since 1996), a member of the Family Law Task Force for State Court Unification Project of the Berrien County (Michigan) Bar Association (1996-97), and vice president of the Board of Directors of the St. Joseph County (Indiana) Literacy Council.
BLSA Appreciation Award – Prof. Richard Pierce
Professor Pierce is the chair of the Africana Studies Department at Notre Dame. Prof. Pierce has consistently contributed time and assistance to enhance BLSA’s mission at the law school. Prof. Pierce often participates in panel discussions alongside NDLS faculty to allow for a dialogue about the intersection of race and the law. These cross-discipline discussions are helpful for drawing together the university community.
Dwight King Service Award – Krishna Thomas (’08)
Ms. Thomas has been an active BLSA Board member for the past two academic years in addition to participating on the Jessup International Moot Court Team, the Client Counseling Team, and achieving a place on the Dean’s List during the 2006-2007 school year.
For more information about BLSA Weekend, visit the BLSA web site.
