On October 29, 2022, BWL’s Pro Bono Committee led by its Chair, Sherry Patterson, partnered with First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles (FAME) Legal Clinic for the first of series of 4 free legal clinics staffed by dedicated volunteer attorneys, paralegals and law students to provide legal services in a variety of practice areas to the community.
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In keeping with our 2022-23 Board Year theme “BACK TO OUR ROOTS: Engaging Our Communities To Inspire Change and Chart the Path Forward ,” BWL’s first general body meeting took place on October 27, 2022 at the beautiful Wlifandel Club where BWL historically held many of its meetings and social events.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2022
The Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Inc. (“BWL”) and the John M. Langston Bar Association of Los Angeles, Inc. (“Langston”) denounce the racially insensitive and inappropriate remarks made by Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez and call for an immediate investigation and action by the Council to formally censure and expel Martinez and councilmembers Kevin DeLeon and Gil Cedillo, if they fail to resign their seats. All three councilmembers are duly elected officials, put in a place of public trust to represent all people, and they have broken that trust by making discriminatory remarks about Black people, and others who supported Black people, in the recently released audio recordings. The comments are offensive, especially the remarks directed at a young black child. Further, as allies of other diverse communities in Los Angeles and of voting rights, BWL and Langston are disappointed that public officials like councilmembers DeLeon and Cedillo were engaging in discussions to undermine the voting rights of Angelenos while strategizing how to redistrict to increase their power to the detriment of their fellow councilmembers. These are important issues for the legal community and the citizens of Los Angeles, and BWL and Langston call for Ms. Martinez’s resignation from the City Council along with the resignation of Messrs. DeLeon and Cedillo.
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. Founded in the 1920s as the Blackstone Law Club, Langston seeks to empower leadership, advance the professional development of its membership, and promote the administration of justice in the Black community and the community at large.
Both BWL and Langston are committed to using their platforms to advocate for justice and equality and our civic leaders should be committed to the same.
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The 2022 Black Women Lawyers / Langston 10th Annual Summer Soiree at Beverly Hills estate was a spectacular event and was well attended. Attendees enjoyed beverages and light fare while socializing and celebrating the last days of summer.
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The 2022 BWL Installation was an elegant celebration of BWL’s legacy and another successful bar year. The event took place at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles and the room was vibrant and full of energy. Thank you to our outstanding honorees Shawn White, General Counsel of Smith Family Circle, Professor Michele Goodwin, and George Fatheree, III and the Bruce’s Beach Legal Team. Congratulations to President Jasmine S. Horton and the 2022-2023 Board of Officers and Committee Chairs.
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The Black Women Lawyers 46th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Ceremony, took place June 4th, 2022 at the Beverly Hilton. The theme was Amplifying Black Voices. Honorees included Prentice Penny, Executive Producer and Showrunner of Insecure; Karen Grant- Selma, SVP, Business and Legal Affairs, The Oprah Winfrey Network; and California Black Women’s Health Project. Four scholarships were given this year to law school students. Recipients attended the event. The fundraiser was a success as the monetary goal was exceeded.
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Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles and the Association of Black Women Physicians held a joint meeting/networking event with a pre-networking reception prior to viewing Phylicia Rashad’s Blues for an Alabama Sky.
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The first general meeting of the year was an in person event, the October General Meeting Welcome Back Brunch. Everyone enjoyed their time together.
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The 2021 BWL Installation was a success. The event took place on the rooftop of the Marina Marriott. It was well attended. Congratulations to President Lisa McLean.
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Times Magazine recently described the ongoing 2020-2021 pandemic as an event that has not only touched, but remade, every corner of society. No matter where you were situated in the world, no one was immune from this evolving reality, including the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Incorporated (“BWL”).
As such, we wanted to provide you with a 2021 Spring Newsletter that not only recognizes the realities of our “new normal,” but also demonstrates that you are not alone. From pandemic reflections to health and wellness suggestions to financial forums, this year’s Newsletter contributions provide a variety of tools, tips and insights for our BWL community to stay afloat and encouraged.
We hope that by reading this Newsletter, you not only learn more about BWL’s efforts and accomplishments, but that you also feel inspired to support our mission and share in our vision. Help BWL continue to make a difference and change our society for the better.
