The Black Law Student Association (BLSA) is one of the affinity groups at Moritz College of Law and provides a network of support to its 34 active members. Building community and creating a space for Black law students are focuses for the group, and they accomplish this through a variety of programming.  

“We host lots of professional development opportunities, from lunch and learns to panel discussions with practicing attorneys,” said BLSA president and 2L Alea Harris. “We also host social events, a yearly retreat, and service events for Ronald McDonald House.” 

A lot of BLSA programming is also geared toward 1Ls making the transition to law school. In addition to workshops on skills like outlining, the group holds community-building events before classes even start. 

“Undergrad and law school are very different, and it can be hard of you don’t know someone who has been through both experiences before,” said Harris. “We just want to bridge that gap and make it a little easier to find friends.” 

As president, one of Harris’ goals for the year was to create more opportunities for members to meet lawyers from the Columbus community. Getting perspectives and insights from local legal professionals is both encouraging and helpful for members. Harris is thrilled with the number of people and organizations outside Moritz who have reached out and want to be involved. Recently, this included The Fredrick Douglass Project for Justice, a national initiative that allows people to visit local correctional facilities and engage in dialogue with incarcerated people.  

“I think it’s a testament to BLSA becoming more well-known and recognizable,” Harris said.  

Another goal for Harris was bringing back Black History Month programming, particularly the Soul Food Luncheon. After it was sidelined for several years following COVID, the luncheon is now planned for Feb. 27.  

“We’re really excited to be able to do this again and celebrate with the Moritz community,” she said.  

Looking ahead, Harris hopes that the investment in BLSA from the college and the greater Columbus community continues well beyond her term.  

The Soul Food Luncheon is Tuesday, Feb. 27 in Saxbe Auditorium. Find out more here.