The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at Catholic Law celebrated Black History Month with a series of events that highlighted Black excellence, fostered community, and encouraged meaningful dialogue. The month began with a day of service as BLSA members volunteered at the NW Food Pantry alongside members of the University of District of Columbia’s BLSA chapter, showcasing their commitment to service. Additionally, students organized a donation drive, collecting items for the Pantry guests throughout the month.
They also hosted a “Hot Topics in the Law” discussion, which explored pressing issues such as recent legal challenges that threaten protections of the Voting Rights Act, ICE shootings in Minnesota, attacks on the press—including the charges involving Don Lemon—and the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Metro Surge. On another evening, BLSA, in partnership with the Students for Public Interest Law (SPIL), held a special screening of Becoming Thurgood, a film that chronicles the life and legacy of the first Black Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall. Afterwards, Professor Carl Hobbs' 16 led a discussion exploring themes from the film. The racial violence Marshall experienced throughout his legal career prompted students to reflect on his pursuit of justice for Black Americans. Students remarked on the professional courage required of Marshall back then to dismantle Jim Crow in schools, at the ballot box, and in the courtroom, and how such courage is still required today.
From L to R: Dean Stephen Payne, Naomi Churchill Earp, Thomas Hicks, Tamika D. Jones, Esosa Ruffin, and Jasmine Rountree
The month’s celebrations concluded with two events: an alumni-student networking happy hour at Busboys and Poets in Brookland and a powerful panel discussion on Black leadership in law and public service. Moderated by BLSA’s Black History Month Chair, Esosa Ruffin ’26, the panel featured distinguished alumni, including Naomi Churchill Earp, Esq. ’82, former Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Thomas Hicks ’99, Commissioner of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission; and The Honorable Tamika D. Jones ’08, Judge of the Fairfax General District Court. The panelists reflected on their paths to law school, from financial struggles and the challenges of being a first-generation law student to the profound joy of breaking barriers and the enduring importance of giving back, illustrating how that mission has shaped their respective careers in public service.
"As the only Black person in the third-year evening division, BLSA has been a safe haven and source of support throughout my law school journey. As Chair of Black History Month, it was really important that we not only honor the national theme of A Century of Black History Commemorations, but also bring together our membership, alumni, and the greater Catholic and D.C. community to be part of this historic moment through service, dialogue, and fellowship,” Ruffin said.