“In Excellence, We Stand; In Power, We Rise,” was the theme of this year’s national conference hosted by the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) of Canada. Members of BLSA Queen’s reflect on their main takeaways from the conference and on the events they hosted as part of Black History Month. 

The conference demonstrated how imperative it is to study law through a comparative lens. “I found it enlightening to hear how the same issue manifested so differently for lawyers practicing in different regions of Canada,” says Caroline Marful, Law’23, BLSA-Queen’s Partnership Coordinator. “I also now have a greater understanding of how expansive the community of Black law students across the country is! I look forward to connecting with the community throughout my legal journey.”

Equity, diversity, and inclusion representatives from various law firms across the country addressed students. “[It was interesting to hear them] speak on the work being done in their firms to address the lack of diversity in the field,” says Micah Zierer-Clyke, Law’23, BLSA-Queen’s Finance Secretary. “They also acknowledged that the change must start within the schools and spoke highly of the work done in BLSA chapters across the country.”
 
For Jodeen Williams, Law’24, BLSA-Queen's President/Mentorship Coordinator, the conference highlight was the Violet King Henry Women of Excellence Inaugural Luncheon. “Speakers touched on the realities of breaking down barriers and excelling in traditionally ‘white spaces’,” she says. “Charlene Theodore (Chief Inclusion Officer with McCarthy Tétrault LLP) found that as our power increases in predominantly white spaces, we face backlash. However, leaning on and contributing to our community is key to our success.”

In addition, the women speakers explained how more diversity will only serve to benefit the legal profession because it allows for better access to justice as well as academic freedom. “It was great to hear from women in leadership positions and see how far they have come despite the nay-sayers and challenges,” says Williams.

BLSA-Queen’s also organized and hosted two events in February. “We celebrated important moments and persons in Canada’s Black communities, from Black Olympians competing in this year’s Winter Olympics to Black justices trailblazing in our courtrooms,” says Dainelle Barham, Law’23, BLSA-Queen’s Events Coordinator. “We recognize that these great moments and persons are not often the products of overnight success but are the result of hard work and perseverance coupled with strong support systems.”
 
On Movie Night, attendees watched a film that is not only a Marvel blockbuster but also important culturally: “Black Panther.” “We found ourselves reciting iconic lines from the film and marveling at the talented cast, particularly Chadwick Boseman, who was gone way too soon,” says Anna Ndegwa, Law’23, BLSA-Queen’s Social Media Coordinator. “We had a great time.”

At the virtual Block Party, students enjoyed songs performed by Black artists from different decades. “The Block Party was a fun opportunity to unwind and reminisce on our younger years with throwback Hip-Hop, Dancehall and R&B tunes,” says Williams. “The trivia game was a big hit and got competitive as everyone wanted to claim that first-place spot.”
 
This month, in an effort to help create strong support systems for new Black law students at Queen’s, BLSA-Queen’s held an information session for Black-identifying students in the incoming first-year cohort. About that session, Barham says, “We introduced the club and its initiatives, shared our tips and tricks on navigating law school, and laid the foundation for mentorship and friendship – all of which will support these students as they work towards their own greatness.”