By Remington Jackson
Banquet Committee Chair
The Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati Banquet is April 15 at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Cincinnati.
Judge Jeffery Hopkins is the event’s Distinguished Service Awardee. Winners of the BLAC scholarships to be honored are that will be presented at this year’s banquet:
Rokhaya Niang, Theodore M. Berry Scholarship; Alexandria Anderson, William A. McClain Scholarship; Shantya Goddard, Shanda L. Spurlock Scholarship; Jarvis Graham, Jack Sherman Jr. Scholarship; and Travis Hardee, Judge Nathaniel R. Jones Memorial Scholarship.
Tables and tickets are available and can be purchased via Eventbrite (https://blac30thbanquet.eventbrite.com) or by contacting the Black Lawyers Association.
A Brief History of the Banquet
Each year, hundreds turnout to support the important work of the The Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati (BLAC) Annual Scholarships & Award Banquet. Attendees attend to recommit to building relationships and embracing diversity, and recognize those making a difference in the legal profession, specifically with respect to issues impacting people of color. BLAC awards an individual or organization with our Distinguished Service Award to recognize their contributions and commitment to the Cincinnati community.
In addition, BLAC awards the following scholarships to deserving law students:
- Theodore M. Berry Scholarship, awarded to an African-American law student attending the University of Cincinnati in recognition of the former mayor’s political, civic and legal achievements.
- William A. McClain Scholarship, awarded to an African-American Hamilton County resident attending any accredited law school who demonstrates leadership potential and dedication to the community. This scholarship is awarded jointly by the Cincinnati Bar Foundation and BLAC.
- Jack Sherman, Jr. Scholarship, awarded to a worthy African-American law student attending the Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law. This scholarship is awarded jointly by BLAC and the Federal Bar Association, John W. Peck Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter.
- Shanda L. Spurlock Memorial Scholarship, awarded to an African-American law student attending the University of Cincinnati, NKU, or University of Dayton Law schools who demonstrates leadership potential and dedication to the community. This scholarship is funded by Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP and administered by BLAC.
The Judge Nathaniel R. Jones Memorial Scholarship, awarded to an African American student attending either the University of Cincinnati College of Law or the Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law who has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service. The scholarship is awarded in conjunction with Procter & Gamble and the Cincinnati Bar Foundation.
