February 2023 General Body Meeting

On February 9, 2023, BWL held a virtual February General Body Meeting with long-time BWL supporter, Karen A. Clark of City National Bank, on the topic of “Financial Confidence.” As always, Ms. Clark provided priceless information regarding setting financial goals and establishing financial independence.

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BWL Statement on the Killing of Tyre Nichols

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2023

On behalf of Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Inc., we are disturbed by the footage showing the heinous acts of officers that led to the death of 29 year old Tyre Nichols. We extend our sincerest condolences to Mr. Nichols’ parents, son and loved ones.  As an organization of Black women, we agree that when Mr. Nichols cried out for his mother with his dying words, we were all personally summoned. 

The despicable actions of these officers only further erode trust between police and the communities they’re called to protect and serve, not just in Memphis but nationwide. Year after year, case after case, we continue to see the utter disregard and devaluation of Black lives. There is a fundamental, institutional problem in the policing of Black and brown communities that needs to be addressed.  While the swift action of the Memphis district attorney in bringing murder charges against the officers involved and the police chief’s disbandment of the Memphis SCORPION unit is a first step, we call upon government officials at every level to critically evaluate the current practice of law enforcement in America and take concrete measures to implement widespread systemic reforms to prevent the callous disregard of Black lives.

 

BWL, founded in 1975, is a non-profit corporation created to address the needs and concerns of African-American women in the legal profession and whose mission is dedicated to charitable, educational, and community-based services.

 

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January 2023 General Body Meeting

BWL’s January General Body Meeting took place on January 19, 2023 at Raines Feldman, LLP in Century City. The topic covered litigation skills with experienced employment law practitioners, Leticia M. Kimble, Angela Reddock-Wright and Twila S. White. The discussion was moderated by BWL President, Jasmine S. Horton. The panel discussion was engaging and informative. A special thank you to Leticia Kimble for hosting the event.

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Toy Drive Exchange

On December 22, 2022, BWL Past President Eulanda Lynn Matthews delivered donated toys collected at the Annual Holiday Party to the Children Youth & Family Collaborative on behalf of BWL’s Pro Bono Committee.

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Toy Drive Exchange

On December 19, 2022, Community Action Chair Latrice Hemphill delivered over 100 donated toys collected at the Annual Holiday Party to Prototypes.

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Holiday Party & Toy Drive

On December 16, 2022, BWL and John M. Langston Bar Association co-hosted their Annual Holiday Party and Toy Drive at the beautiful residence of Past President Carla Pitman and Alvin Pitman. The evening was well-attended and festive with a hosted bar, large outdoor Christmas tree, dancing with DJ Paradise, desserts, custom photobooth, and taco bar. Over 100 donated toys were collected. During the evening, BWL presented Past President Shirley Henderson with a painting by Errol Cook, Esq. depicting the historic BWL group photo on the stairs. A special thank you to co-chairs Taisha Brown and Tatianna Metters.

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Annual Thanksgiving Eve Cocktail Sip 2022

This year our Annual Thanksgiving Eve Cocktail Sip Fundraiser returned to Cicada Restaurant & Lounge in Downtown LA on November 23, 2022.

The theme was “Harlem Nights” and many attendees came dressed to impress. The Moody Brothers and DJ R-Tistic provided non-stop music while Sahara Nights created a fun, casino gaming experience. Co-chairs Heather Horn and Holly Parker along with their Sip committee worked tirelessly to make the evening memorable and fun while raising funds to support the 2022-23 BWL Board agenda.

The official photo gallery, courtesy of R. Duronslet Photography and Party Starter Photo Booth are available at BWLCocktailSip.com.

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November 2022 General Body Meeting

BWL’s November General Body Meeting took place on November 17, 2022 at Reed Smith, LLP in downtown Los Angeles. The topic was “Diversity Equity and Inclusion: Where Do We Go From Here?” and the panelists were: Leah Wilson (State Bar of CA Executive Director), Camilla Gear Rich (USC Law Professor), Tia S. Strozier and Nicole Gougis (LA City Attorneys), Lavinia Osilesi (Reed Smith, LLP Associate), and Carol Ross-Burnett (CEO of CRB Global LLC). A special “thank you” to BWL Past President, Amber Finch, Managing Partner of Reed Smith, LLP for hosting the event.

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