SRBLSA Members,
Please register via our website at www.nblsajobfair.org ASAP.
Theregistration period will end Wednesday Aug. 9, 2006 at 9:00 pm. Prior tothis deadline once registered you can immediately bid on the listedemployers.
As of today our list of employers include:
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz (www.bakerdonelson.com) All offices
Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrere & Denegre LLP(www.joneswalker.com)
New OrleansAshe, RAfuse & Hill (www.asherafuse.com) Atlanta office
Parker Poe (www.parkerpoe.com)
NC & SC officesCook County Public Defender (www.cookcountygov.com)
Chicago & SurroundingareaPublic Defender Service of DC (www.pdsdc.org)
Bradley Arant Rose & White (www.bradleyarant.com) Birmingham Office
Jag Navy
Florida rural Legal Services
Maynard Cooper (www.maynardcooper.com) Birmingham Office
Lightfoot & Franklin (www.lfwlaw.com) Birmingham office
Burr & Forman (www.burr.com) Birmingham office
Congressional Research Services, American Law Division
Hand Arendall (www.handarendall.com) Birmingham Office
IRS
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan (www.sablaw.com) Atlanta Office
FBI
Smith Gambrell & Russell (www.sgrlaw.com) Atlanta Office
Lord Bissell & Brook (www.lordbissell.com) Atlanta Office
More information will be posted via the website in the near future. SRBLSA,please take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to us because of our great organization. Remember that with continued participation our region and organization becomes more impressive year after year.
Thank you.
Mu'min IslamCumberland School of Law, 2L
Southern Region Black Law Students Association,
Corporate Relations Co-Chair
Job Fair Coordinator
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
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Thursday, July 13, 2006
The National Urban League is excited to invite you to Atlanta, July 26-30 for the 2006 National Urban League Conference. Our tradition of bringing together news-making speakers, chart-topping entertainers and the most dynamic and enterprising group of people in the country, continues again this year.
NBLSA Family,
The National Urban Leauge needs 300 volunteers. If you are interested, please contact me for more information.
It should be a good time.. and a preview of the exciting calendar of events offered in the Southern Region.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Florida Coastal School of Law Rules Moot Court
Congratulations to Emilia Walker, Florida Coastal BLSA Member and a rising 3L, for winning the Orseck Moot Court Competition held at the 2006 Annual Florida Bar Convention in Boca Raton, FL. Competition was stiff this year as Oral Advocate Teams from the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida International University, Stetson School of Law and the University of Miami School of Law all competed in this prestigious event. Emilia Walker and her partner, Lawrence Perron, also won Best Oral Advocates Awards.*
Judging the competition were Florida Supreme Court Justices: Chief Justice Barbara J. Pariente, Justice R. Fred Lewis, Justice Peggy A. Quince, Justice Kenneth B. Bell, and Justice Raoul G. Cantero, III. According to Justice Pariente, who spoke for the entire bench, picking the best advocate was just to hard a decision.
Florida Coastal had two teams in the final round. I would look for a strong showing in January 2007 at the Southern Regional Convention since Emilia will be a strong contender.
*The teams brief writer: Grant Zacharias.
Judging the competition were Florida Supreme Court Justices: Chief Justice Barbara J. Pariente, Justice R. Fred Lewis, Justice Peggy A. Quince, Justice Kenneth B. Bell, and Justice Raoul G. Cantero, III. According to Justice Pariente, who spoke for the entire bench, picking the best advocate was just to hard a decision.
Florida Coastal had two teams in the final round. I would look for a strong showing in January 2007 at the Southern Regional Convention since Emilia will be a strong contender.
*The teams brief writer: Grant Zacharias.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Announcements:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THE T.J. REDDICK BAR ASSOCIATION
Sidney C. Calloway
and
Shutts & Bowen LLP
Cordially Invite You To A Special Reception
For Young Professionals, Lawyers And Law Students
“21st Century Call of the Professional”
Thursday, June 29, 2006
5:30 p.m. -- 7:30 p.m.
200 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 2100
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
RSVP Jessica Bracho 954-524-5505
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Academic Retreat for Florida & Puerto Rico
Septempber 8-9, 2006
Miami, Florida
We have an exciting retreat planned for Florida and Puerto Rico
this year, so don't miss out. Would you like to be on the
Retreat Committee?
Please email me interest letters: uzolaw@gmail.com.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2006
5-9PM – MIAMI ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
444 SOUTHWEST SECOND AVENUE
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
SPONSORED BY:
THE CITY OF MIAMI
&
DELANCYHILL, P.A.
5-9PM – MIAMI ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
444 SOUTHWEST SECOND AVENUE
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
SPONSORED BY:
THE CITY OF MIAMI
&
DELANCYHILL, P.A.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday, June 11, 2006
36TH Annual Southern Regional Convention
National Black Law Students Association
Southern Region
Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Puerto Rico
June 4, 2006
Southern Region
Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Puerto Rico
June 4, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Gabriel McGaha, Public Relations Co-Chair: (502) 330-6110
Marisa Darden, Public Relations Co-Chair: (919) 699-6959
National Black Law Students Association Southern Regional Conference to be held in Miami
MIAMI, FL----The Southern Region Executive Board of the National Black Law Student’s Association (NBLSA) has chosen Miami, Florida as the site for its 2007 Regional Conference. The Conference will be held January 17-21, 2007 at the newly renovated Radisson Hotel Miami located in the heart of downtown Miami’s new Arts District. The conference will occur just weeks before the city hosts Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium.
At its annual May meeting in Birmingham, Alabama the Board heard proposals from representatives from several regional law schools, but was most impressed by the culture, historic perspective and overall attraction that Miami will offer its conference participants. The University of Miami School of Law and St. Thomas University School of Law will co-host the Region’s 36th annual convention.
The conference’s most notable events will include the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial and the Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competitions which attract competitors throughout a region comprised of 42 law schools across nine states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This year’s Southern Region winners received top honors at the NBLSA Convention in Washington, D.C.
NBLSA is the largest student-run organization in America, and represents over 6,000 Black law students at over 200 law schools across the country. The Southern Region (SRBLSA) is the largest of six regions within NBLSA and was the first recipient of the “Region of the Year” award at the 2006 NBLSA Convention. Recently the NBLSA established international links with Black law students in Canada, England and South Africa who modeled their student organizations after NBLSA.
For more information contact Public Relations Regional Chairs, Gabriel McGaha: (502) 330-6110; Gpmcgaha@olemiss.eduor Marisa Darden: (919) 699-6959; Marisa.darden@law.duke.edu
###
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Gabriel McGaha, Public Relations Co-Chair: (502) 330-6110
Marisa Darden, Public Relations Co-Chair: (919) 699-6959
National Black Law Students Association Southern Regional Conference to be held in Miami
MIAMI, FL----The Southern Region Executive Board of the National Black Law Student’s Association (NBLSA) has chosen Miami, Florida as the site for its 2007 Regional Conference. The Conference will be held January 17-21, 2007 at the newly renovated Radisson Hotel Miami located in the heart of downtown Miami’s new Arts District. The conference will occur just weeks before the city hosts Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium.
At its annual May meeting in Birmingham, Alabama the Board heard proposals from representatives from several regional law schools, but was most impressed by the culture, historic perspective and overall attraction that Miami will offer its conference participants. The University of Miami School of Law and St. Thomas University School of Law will co-host the Region’s 36th annual convention.
The conference’s most notable events will include the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial and the Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competitions which attract competitors throughout a region comprised of 42 law schools across nine states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This year’s Southern Region winners received top honors at the NBLSA Convention in Washington, D.C.
NBLSA is the largest student-run organization in America, and represents over 6,000 Black law students at over 200 law schools across the country. The Southern Region (SRBLSA) is the largest of six regions within NBLSA and was the first recipient of the “Region of the Year” award at the 2006 NBLSA Convention. Recently the NBLSA established international links with Black law students in Canada, England and South Africa who modeled their student organizations after NBLSA.
For more information contact Public Relations Regional Chairs, Gabriel McGaha: (502) 330-6110; Gpmcgaha@olemiss.eduor Marisa Darden: (919) 699-6959; Marisa.darden@law.duke.edu
###
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Jobs Jobs Jobs Jobs Jobs
Dear SRBLSA Members,
The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA ) has consolidated 8 job fairs coast-to-coast through http://www.nblsajobfair.org/. There will be 8 job fairs nationwide (Birmingham, AL; Washington, DC, New York, NY; San Francisco, CA, Portland, OR; Cleveland, OH; Los Angeles, CA ; Houston, TX). The jobfairs will be free for BLSA members and non-BLSA members will be charged a fee to attend. Students can sign up for more periodic information on the site in order to be kept updated of when student bidding will begin.
Please feel free to contact your Career Placement Office at your school for further information or see http://www.nblsa.org/.
The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA ) has consolidated 8 job fairs coast-to-coast through http://www.nblsajobfair.org/. There will be 8 job fairs nationwide (Birmingham, AL; Washington, DC, New York, NY; San Francisco, CA, Portland, OR; Cleveland, OH; Los Angeles, CA ; Houston, TX). The jobfairs will be free for BLSA members and non-BLSA members will be charged a fee to attend. Students can sign up for more periodic information on the site in order to be kept updated of when student bidding will begin.
Please feel free to contact your Career Placement Office at your school for further information or see http://www.nblsa.org/.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
*Calling All Stars*
We need to approve out budget this year and so we are looking for a few good representatives for the Way and Means Committee for our Sub-Region.
This Committee is responsible for constructing the budget for the Region. The Regional Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member and chair of this committee.
Please email me asap if you are interested.
This Committee is responsible for constructing the budget for the Region. The Regional Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member and chair of this committee.
Please email me asap if you are interested.
THANK YOU!
Thanks to all the young professionals I met the other night at a UM Med-Mixer at Mansion on SoBe.
Many cities truly represented:
Chicago
New Orleans
L.A.
N.Y.
Atlanta
New Jersey
Kansas City
I hope you guys keep checking the site for more information to come.
Many cities truly represented:
Chicago
New Orleans
L.A.
N.Y.
Atlanta
New Jersey
Kansas City
I hope you guys keep checking the site for more information to come.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Networking Opportunity
Brought to you by:
Darick C. Morton
Rocky Mountain Regional Chair (2006-2007),
National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA)
J.D. Expected May 2007, University of Tulsa College of Law
The ABA Section of Business Law along with the ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession is pleased to announce The National Conference for the Minority Lawyer, to be held June 22-23,2006 in Philadelphia, PA.
For a brochure of the conference click here: Minority Lawyer
This important conference, in it's eighth year, is designed specifically for the minority lawyer and continues it's commitment to keeping the minority lawyer abreast of key diversity initiatives as they impact the minority lawyer community. With a stellar line-up of industry leaders, this widely regarded conference, recognized and cosponsored by leading minority bar associations, will present a wide array of topical programming, all offering concise, practical training sessions for minority business lawyers, litigators, government attorneys and law students. With networking receptions, luncheons and other fellowshipping opportunities, attendees will share with and learn from major diversity facilitators in the legal community.
One of the speakers highlighted during the meeting will be William T. Coleman, Jr. Mr. Coleman's remarkable career has been an inspiration for generations of minority lawyers; he has helped to shape the course of American history for more than half a century. His many accomplishments reflect the pinnacle of both achievement and public service - as law clerk to Justice Felix Frankfurter, he was the first black law clerk for the nation's highest court; he was a civil rights lawyer in Brown v. Board of Education; he is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom; and, served as Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation.
The National Conference for the Minority Lawyer is a wonderful opportunity to acquire valuable tools for lawyers seeking to enhance the skills they will need to position and promote themselves in the current environment. Do not hesitate to contact me at (312) 988-5506 with any questions you may have or to request brochures for the conference.
For complete information regarding the conference, to register online or to download a copy of the brochure visit the web site at:
www.abanet.org/buslaw/2006minoritylawyer/.
Donald Quarles
Meetings Marketing Coordinator
American Bar AssociationSection of Business Law
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
(312) 988-5506
(312) 988-5578
dquarles@staff.abanet.org
Darick C. Morton
Rocky Mountain Regional Chair (2006-2007),
National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA)
J.D. Expected May 2007, University of Tulsa College of Law
The ABA Section of Business Law along with the ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession is pleased to announce The National Conference for the Minority Lawyer, to be held June 22-23,2006 in Philadelphia, PA.
For a brochure of the conference click here: Minority Lawyer
This important conference, in it's eighth year, is designed specifically for the minority lawyer and continues it's commitment to keeping the minority lawyer abreast of key diversity initiatives as they impact the minority lawyer community. With a stellar line-up of industry leaders, this widely regarded conference, recognized and cosponsored by leading minority bar associations, will present a wide array of topical programming, all offering concise, practical training sessions for minority business lawyers, litigators, government attorneys and law students. With networking receptions, luncheons and other fellowshipping opportunities, attendees will share with and learn from major diversity facilitators in the legal community.
One of the speakers highlighted during the meeting will be William T. Coleman, Jr. Mr. Coleman's remarkable career has been an inspiration for generations of minority lawyers; he has helped to shape the course of American history for more than half a century. His many accomplishments reflect the pinnacle of both achievement and public service - as law clerk to Justice Felix Frankfurter, he was the first black law clerk for the nation's highest court; he was a civil rights lawyer in Brown v. Board of Education; he is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom; and, served as Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation.
The National Conference for the Minority Lawyer is a wonderful opportunity to acquire valuable tools for lawyers seeking to enhance the skills they will need to position and promote themselves in the current environment. Do not hesitate to contact me at (312) 988-5506 with any questions you may have or to request brochures for the conference.
For complete information regarding the conference, to register online or to download a copy of the brochure visit the web site at:
www.abanet.org/buslaw/2006minoritylawyer/.
Donald Quarles
Meetings Marketing Coordinator
American Bar AssociationSection of Business Law
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
(312) 988-5506
(312) 988-5578
dquarles@staff.abanet.org
Monday, April 17, 2006
WANTED: Hosts for Academic Retreats
Are you tired of always having to head here or there just to attend the retreats or meetings?
Did you miss the last one because it was just too far?
Did you miss the last one because the funds just weren't there?
Did you ever wonder, "Why can't we host Region 4 meeting here?"
Well BLSA chapters, now you can. I am looking for a chapter interested in hosting this years Academic Retreat for Florida and Puerto Rico. Is your chapter ready, willing and able? Please contact me if you are interested in hosting the retreat.
Did you miss the last one because it was just too far?
Did you miss the last one because the funds just weren't there?
Did you ever wonder, "Why can't we host Region 4 meeting here?"
Well BLSA chapters, now you can. I am looking for a chapter interested in hosting this years Academic Retreat for Florida and Puerto Rico. Is your chapter ready, willing and able? Please contact me if you are interested in hosting the retreat.
President's Roundtable & Kozyak Minority Mentoring Picnic
BLSA General Membership:
The date has been set for the annual Minority Mentoring Picnic. Mark your calendars BLSA chapters for October 21, 2006.
Every year, this event is hosted by John Kozyak of the firm Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, P.A. The picnic attracts over 200 lawyers and judges in the South Florida area alone. The opportunities to find mentors and to mingle with lawyers and judges excited to speak with current law students is immeasurable. BLSA Presidents, please contact me if you have any questions about the picnic.
BLSA Presidents and Vice-Presidents:
This is also the date for our first Presidents Roundtable. The dates are October 20-22. So there is no reason for anyone not to come. Please check back for further updates.
The date has been set for the annual Minority Mentoring Picnic. Mark your calendars BLSA chapters for October 21, 2006.
Every year, this event is hosted by John Kozyak of the firm Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, P.A. The picnic attracts over 200 lawyers and judges in the South Florida area alone. The opportunities to find mentors and to mingle with lawyers and judges excited to speak with current law students is immeasurable. BLSA Presidents, please contact me if you have any questions about the picnic.
BLSA Presidents and Vice-Presidents:
This is also the date for our first Presidents Roundtable. The dates are October 20-22. So there is no reason for anyone not to come. Please check back for further updates.
Friday, April 14, 2006
SRBLSA Regional Job Fair
Save the Date!!!! SRBLSA will hold its annual job fair in Birmingham, AL on September 15, 2006. There will be a weekend of events for students to get to know employers and have an opportunity to display their personalities throughout a weekend of impersonal activities. Below is the tentative list of activities scheduled:
Friday, September 15, 2006
All events on this day will be held at Burr & Forman’s office at the Wachovia Tower.
9am – 2pm
Employers will be available for students to walk up and discuss opportunities with them.
We anticipate over 50 employers and there will be firms/non-profits and government opportunities present
2pm – 3pm
Panel discussion with lawyers relating to issues dealing with opportunities and the real issues with minorities seeking employment. (speakers – TBD)
3pm – 6pm
Individuals who have been pre-selected for on-site interviews will have their interviews during this time.
We anticipate at least 30 employers to participate in the on-site interview process.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
12pm – 5pm
Golf tournament held at Highlands Park Golf Course.
5pm – 6pm
Brief award ceremony for winners of Golf tournament
7pm-11pm
Cocktail reception meet & greet (site TBD)
Members please anticipate a great weekend of opportunities and networking. Please be prepared to travel for the entire weekend if you wish to take full advantage of the opportunities presented. Also, please check your email throughout the summer for deadlines and additional updated information. If you have further questions please contact the Job Fair Directors at srblsajobfair2006@yahoo.com. We'll see you there!
Friday, September 15, 2006
All events on this day will be held at Burr & Forman’s office at the Wachovia Tower.
9am – 2pm
Employers will be available for students to walk up and discuss opportunities with them.
We anticipate over 50 employers and there will be firms/non-profits and government opportunities present
2pm – 3pm
Panel discussion with lawyers relating to issues dealing with opportunities and the real issues with minorities seeking employment. (speakers – TBD)
3pm – 6pm
Individuals who have been pre-selected for on-site interviews will have their interviews during this time.
We anticipate at least 30 employers to participate in the on-site interview process.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
12pm – 5pm
Golf tournament held at Highlands Park Golf Course.
5pm – 6pm
Brief award ceremony for winners of Golf tournament
7pm-11pm
Cocktail reception meet & greet (site TBD)
Members please anticipate a great weekend of opportunities and networking. Please be prepared to travel for the entire weekend if you wish to take full advantage of the opportunities presented. Also, please check your email throughout the summer for deadlines and additional updated information. If you have further questions please contact the Job Fair Directors at srblsajobfair2006@yahoo.com. We'll see you there!
Saturday, April 01, 2006
To: Black Law Students Association in Florida and Puerto Rico
March 30, 2006
Greetings Florida and Puerto Rico!
I AM VERY EXCITED! The Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association is poised for the new school year. As the largest sub-division within SRBLSA, I greet you Florida and Puerto Rico. I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities before us. I encourage everyone to take ownership within this Region. Let’s consider how we can make great things out of the connections we have with one another, our respective universities and all of their students. There is no other time but now to make the presence and voice of current BLSA members, friends and students prevalent throughout the southern and national region. My name is Nneka Uzodinma and I am your new Southern Regional Director for Florida and Puerto Rico.
When I ran for the position of SRBLSA Director for Region 4, I told the honorable delegates at the Southern Regional Convention that I would start with a simple letter. One of the biggest concerns from our members and within the Southern Region is the lack of communication available to all 14 schools that we represent. I have to tell you that while at the convention, I was hit with exactly what AG (on the BLOG of the national site 6/15/05) meant when he/she stated “It’s Bigger Than You.” Well folks, we are here for a purpose and indeed, it is bigger than all of us. My plan is to keep you informed about what the National Black Law Students and the Southern Region have in store. To that endeavor, I have created a Blog site dedicated to the Southern Region for Florida and Puerto Rico. The web address is: http://srblsaregion4.blogspot.com/.
I would like to welcome every member of the each individual chapter within Florida and Puerto Rico to check out the site. The site is filled with great links to each school and also professional organizations. I will be updating the Blog with more information as it becomes available. I encourage all BLSA local presidents to please send me information that you would like to see added to the Blog. This is just the beginning in my approach to keep the communication lines open. I want each chapter to know that I am available to each individual member.
Some of my goals for this year will mirror those of other regions and follow in line with the goals of the National organization. They include the following: (1) increasing the amount of attendees at Southern Regional activities, especially the Southern Regional Convention, (2) increasing the overall participation in the Marshall and Douglass competitions, (3) bridging the gap between local chapters and the national organization, (4) building community amongst NBLSA members in the Southern Region, and (5) to that extent making an affirmative move to connect with our four sister schools in Puerto Rico- Eugenio Maria De Hostos School of Law, Inter American University School of Law, Pontifical Catholic University School of Law, and University of Puerto Rico School of Law.
A special message for our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico:
WE MISS YOU! One of my main goals is to have you join us at the Southern Regional Convention and the President’s Roundtable. Please contact me as soon as possible so what we can assist you in whatever way that we can. We hope to hear from you soon!
A bold new initiative I intend to implement is the SRBLSA Region 4 President’s Roundtable. The tentative destination: Miami, Florida. The main purpose of the roundtable is 1) to provide presidents of 14 chapters of BLSA an opportunity to meet their counterparts in order to provide a forum for sharing ideas and suggestions between student leaders within the Florida and Puerto Rico region and 2) to ensure open communication and enhance and improve the quality of student life. The president’s roundtable will facilitate discussions on scholarships, minority student and faculty recruitment and retention, innovative academic programs within the region and local chapters, special capital projects, and other needs and opportunities that are vital to each local BLSA chapter. The president’s roundtable shall follow similar formatting to the Academic Retreat; however, it will be limited to either Presidents and/or Vice-Presidents of the local BLSA organizations only. (Please feel free to suggest dates.)
Speaking of dates, they are fast approaching and we want to hear from you, our local chapters. The first meeting date for the new e-board of SRBLSA is scheduled for May 26-28 in Birmingham, AL. The date for the Southern Region’s job fair is currently being scheduled and planned. Please visit the Blog listed above for future updates and of course you are always welcome to contact me directly. Also please send me as soon as possible the following:
· The new 2006-2007 board with specific contact information
· Your address listed for your local BLSA
· Your advisor and their email.
If you have sent this information to me directly, then ignore this request. We have great plans for the Region and I have wonderful ideas for Florida and Puerto Rico. Please feel free to use me as a source to aid in anything you need.
Let me reiterate, I am excited!
I honestly believe that WE can move Region 4 and the association as a whole. Prove me right by your actions during this up coming year. I look forward to working with each of you. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any SRBLSA business, or need further information please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Nneka Uzodinma
University of Miami School of Law
2L
SRBLSA Sub Regional Director
(Florida, Puerto Rico)
March 30, 2006
Greetings Florida and Puerto Rico!
I AM VERY EXCITED! The Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association is poised for the new school year. As the largest sub-division within SRBLSA, I greet you Florida and Puerto Rico. I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities before us. I encourage everyone to take ownership within this Region. Let’s consider how we can make great things out of the connections we have with one another, our respective universities and all of their students. There is no other time but now to make the presence and voice of current BLSA members, friends and students prevalent throughout the southern and national region. My name is Nneka Uzodinma and I am your new Southern Regional Director for Florida and Puerto Rico.
When I ran for the position of SRBLSA Director for Region 4, I told the honorable delegates at the Southern Regional Convention that I would start with a simple letter. One of the biggest concerns from our members and within the Southern Region is the lack of communication available to all 14 schools that we represent. I have to tell you that while at the convention, I was hit with exactly what AG (on the BLOG of the national site 6/15/05) meant when he/she stated “It’s Bigger Than You.” Well folks, we are here for a purpose and indeed, it is bigger than all of us. My plan is to keep you informed about what the National Black Law Students and the Southern Region have in store. To that endeavor, I have created a Blog site dedicated to the Southern Region for Florida and Puerto Rico. The web address is: http://srblsaregion4.blogspot.com/.
I would like to welcome every member of the each individual chapter within Florida and Puerto Rico to check out the site. The site is filled with great links to each school and also professional organizations. I will be updating the Blog with more information as it becomes available. I encourage all BLSA local presidents to please send me information that you would like to see added to the Blog. This is just the beginning in my approach to keep the communication lines open. I want each chapter to know that I am available to each individual member.
Some of my goals for this year will mirror those of other regions and follow in line with the goals of the National organization. They include the following: (1) increasing the amount of attendees at Southern Regional activities, especially the Southern Regional Convention, (2) increasing the overall participation in the Marshall and Douglass competitions, (3) bridging the gap between local chapters and the national organization, (4) building community amongst NBLSA members in the Southern Region, and (5) to that extent making an affirmative move to connect with our four sister schools in Puerto Rico- Eugenio Maria De Hostos School of Law, Inter American University School of Law, Pontifical Catholic University School of Law, and University of Puerto Rico School of Law.
A special message for our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico:
WE MISS YOU! One of my main goals is to have you join us at the Southern Regional Convention and the President’s Roundtable. Please contact me as soon as possible so what we can assist you in whatever way that we can. We hope to hear from you soon!
A bold new initiative I intend to implement is the SRBLSA Region 4 President’s Roundtable. The tentative destination: Miami, Florida. The main purpose of the roundtable is 1) to provide presidents of 14 chapters of BLSA an opportunity to meet their counterparts in order to provide a forum for sharing ideas and suggestions between student leaders within the Florida and Puerto Rico region and 2) to ensure open communication and enhance and improve the quality of student life. The president’s roundtable will facilitate discussions on scholarships, minority student and faculty recruitment and retention, innovative academic programs within the region and local chapters, special capital projects, and other needs and opportunities that are vital to each local BLSA chapter. The president’s roundtable shall follow similar formatting to the Academic Retreat; however, it will be limited to either Presidents and/or Vice-Presidents of the local BLSA organizations only. (Please feel free to suggest dates.)
Speaking of dates, they are fast approaching and we want to hear from you, our local chapters. The first meeting date for the new e-board of SRBLSA is scheduled for May 26-28 in Birmingham, AL. The date for the Southern Region’s job fair is currently being scheduled and planned. Please visit the Blog listed above for future updates and of course you are always welcome to contact me directly. Also please send me as soon as possible the following:
· The new 2006-2007 board with specific contact information
· Your address listed for your local BLSA
· Your advisor and their email.
If you have sent this information to me directly, then ignore this request. We have great plans for the Region and I have wonderful ideas for Florida and Puerto Rico. Please feel free to use me as a source to aid in anything you need.
Let me reiterate, I am excited!
I honestly believe that WE can move Region 4 and the association as a whole. Prove me right by your actions during this up coming year. I look forward to working with each of you. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any SRBLSA business, or need further information please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Nneka Uzodinma
University of Miami School of Law
2L
SRBLSA Sub Regional Director
(Florida, Puerto Rico)
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