BLSA and La Raza Welcome BBQ

On a warm summer weekend, the Black Law Students Association and La Raza Law Students Association held a wonderful bienvenida BBQ in the King Hall courtyard. The BBQ, an annual event that I have been attending for many years, welcomes the incoming and returning student groups. I was pleased to introduce Professors Stacy-Ann Elvy and Irene Joe to some of their new students.

The two groups represent the best at Martin Luther King Jr. Hall.

Founded in the early 1970s, La Raza Law Students Association is dedicated to increasing the number of Chicanos and Latinos in law school and the legal profession. To further this goal, La Raza actively engages in the recruitment of undergraduate students, academic and professional support for our current students, and the hiring process of faculty of color. La Raza sponsors several events and activities throughout the year to promote awareness of issues facing the Latino community and to share the Latino culture and identity.

BLSA is a charter member of the National Black Law Students Association, dedicated to increasing the number of lawyers sensitive to the unique problems and needs of the Black community. BLSA assists prospective applicants during the admission process, is active in the concerns of the Black community, and has developed ties with the Northern California legal community.

We had a great group of students as well as faculty in attendance. BLSA and La Raza board members welcomed the group. A wonderful meal was provided.

Faculty in attendance included Amagda Pérez (who I met as a student at the very first La Raza welcome BBQ that I attended), Irene Joe, Stacy-Ann Elvy (and her beautiful infant daughter), Clay Tanaka, Robert Miller, Dean Emily Scivoletto, and Andrea Chandrasekher. Alexis Elston of the Admissions Office joined the festivities.

What a wonderful way to begin the new academic year!