Black Future Lawyers co-founders Kasai Major-Browne and Emmanuel Adjepong-Akosah, both Artsci’26, meet with Black Law Students’ Association co-presidents Madison Shearer and Ryyan Elgalal, both Law’26, on campus.
Black Future Lawyers co-founders Kasai Major-Browne and Emmanuel Adjepong-Akosah, both Artsci’26, meet with Black Law Students’ Association co-presidents Madison Shearer and Ryyan Elgalal, both Law’26, on campus.

With support from the Black Law Students’ Association – Queen’s (QBLSA) and the leadership of two Arts and Science students, a new undergraduate initiative is taking shape at Queen’s University.

Kasai Major-Browne and Emmanuel Adjepong-Akosah, both Artsci’26, have co-founded a Queen’s chapter of Black Future Lawyers (BFL) — a national initiative that empowers Black students interested in law through mentorship, workshops, and professional development.

“We saw a growing Black community at Queen’s, but no space for undergrads interested in law,” says Major-Browne. “We wanted to create a community where students could explore their interests in law while being supported and inspired by QBLSA students who have blazed a trail before them.”

The idea gained momentum after an early meeting between the co-founders and QBLSA co-president Ryyan Elgalal and Madison Shearer, both Law’26. “There was an immediate spark,” says Adjepong-Akosah. “QBLSA showed a genuine desire to support us —not just with advice, but with mentorship, events, and a warm welcome into their community.”

Elgalal, who was once a general member of Black Future Lawyers, says the impact of mentorship was personal. “It made a real difference for me. When I met Kasai, I recognized the gap that Black undergrads face when pursuing law. After speaking with my co-president, Madison, we knew that building a BFL chapter with QBLSA’s support would be incredibly meaningful. QBLSA understands how powerful it is to feel seen and encouraged when exploring law as a career, and we wanted to give these students the same sense of community and guidance that has supported us.”

QBLSA has helped guide the new chapter through bi-weekly meetings, feedback sessions, and connections to Queen’s Law staff. “We wanted them to feel confident in building a strong chapter,” Elgalal says. “And we’ll continue to be involved — collaborating on events, offering mentorship, and serving as a bridge between the undergraduate chapter and the law school community.”

For Major-Browne and Adjepong-Akosah, that ongoing support is key. “It’s about more than launching a club,” they say. “It’s about building a future where Black students at Queen’s can explore law with confidence, resources and community.”

The Black Future Lawyers group is already active at Queen’s, with an Instagram account (@bfl.queens) and email (queens.bfl@gmail.com) for undergraduate students seeking information or opportunities.