Message from the National Chair

Greetings,

On behalf of the National Executive Board of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), it is my sincere pleasure to invite you to join NBLSA in Washington, DC from September 19-23, 2012 for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference.

The Congressional Black Caucus celebrates its 42nd anniversary this year, calling upon both local leaders and students alike to become servants of our communities. As NBLSA continues developing talented, socially conscious Black lawyers, we must also be willing to answer the call to lead and serve.

NBLSA's 2012-2013 theme, Enhancing the Dream, embodies our commitment to our history, our legacy of advocacy, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of a better tomorrow. We will continue to seek opportunities to make positive social change, serve our communities by developing student leaders, diversify the legal profession, and serve as a voice for the voiceless.

Through our collective efforts, NBLSA has once again renewed its dual commitment to lead and serve. We hope that you will use this year's CBC Conference as an opportunity to discover your own leadership and service paths. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you at our events and sincerely hope that you will take advantage of the numerous leadership development and networking opportunities that NBLSA has lined up for you.

• Stand Your Ground Symposium | Thursday, September 20th NBLSA will discuss various Stand Your Ground laws and their implications for the doctrine of self defense. Panelists include esteemed attorneys, professors, and community members.
• Washington, DC School Visits | Friday, September 21st NBLSA visits Washington, DC public schools to educate students about democracy, the importance of exercising one's right to vote, and how to fully participate in the political process.
• Congressional Kids Day | Friday, September 21st Washington, DC students will come to Capitol Hill and meet with Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton as they learn about the legislative process and how laws are made. They will also journey to Georgetown Law School for lunch with NBLSA members.
• College Accessibility & Affordability Forum | Friday, September 21st NBLSA recognizes and understands the challenges students face in obtaining funding for higher education. This forum will feature members of the Obama Administration, a member of Congress, attorneys, and agency officials.
• Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat | Saturday, September 22nd NBLSA's Charles Hamilton Houston Chapter Leadership Retreat provides an opportunity for current and future chapter leaders to connect with national leadership and discuss best practices for fundraising, chapter management, and implementing NBLSA programming. Our panels addressing career paths and professional development help participants explore programming possibilities.
• DC Monument Tours | Saturday, September 22nd NBLSA students will embrace the history of our Nation's Capital by visiting the monuments along the National Mall.
• Networking Events | Wednesday - Friday, September 19th - 21st NBLSA is partnering with CLEO and other organizations to continue to build the pipeline of diverse students in the legal profession. The networking events are meant to assist students as they build relationships and expand their professional network. Wednesday, September 19th features a networking social at MIA. Network with students and professionals on Thursday, September 20th as NBLSA partners with CLEO at Bar 7. Finally, the 9th Annual CBC Networking and Alumni Reception will take place on Friday, September 21st allowing students to interact with members of Congress, attorneys, and alumni.

For additional information about these events, registration, or the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, please visit http://www.nblsa.org/cbc2012 or give us a call at (202) 618-2572.

In service,
Kendra Brown
George Washington School of Law
National Chair, 2012-2013
National Black Law Students Association