Who Are We?
Black Law Students Association at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law
The Black Law Students' Association at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law ("BLSA Lincoln") was created in 2020 and has now become one of the largest BLSA chapters in Canada.
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We are a community of diverse, vibrant and curious innovators & advocates and our strength lies in supporting and uplifting each other while building bridges for future Black lawyers.
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We aim to break down generational barriers that Black professionals face in joining the legal field and intend to build not only a strong community of future Black lawyers, but to do our part to transform the legal field into a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for all all BIPOC individuals, and Black law students of all intersecting identities.
Vision
We will create a strong and resilient community for current and prospective Black students at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and those who have demonstrated a vested interest in advancing the goals of the Black community. Through leadership and mentorship, we promulgate access to justice that is equitable and inclusive.
Mission Statement
We aim to connect, inform and support Black students at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law through the powers of community, inclusivity, and opportunity.
A Message From Our Co-Presidents
"BLSA isn't just a student organization; it's a family, a home away from home. We're a dynamic blend of minds, lived experiences, identities, and aspirations, all united by our shared love for the law and the pursuit of a profession that equitably serves our community. Here, you'll find friends who become family, mentors who become champions, and experiences that become the sweetest of memories."
Jeremiah Bowers and Teni Odetoyinbo,
BLSA Lincoln Co-Presidents
Our History
Founded in 2020, BLSA Lincoln was one of the first student associations founded at the newly established Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Our founding co-presidents, Shanelle Dover and Safia Thompson, members of Lincoln Law's inaugural class and now our first alumni, began BLSA alongside a fierce team of advocates with a desire to create opportunities for Black students to feel empowered, validated, and supported to pursue their boundless career potential. Now in our third year, BLSA Lincoln is one of the largest chapters in the country. As each year goes by, we grow stronger. Our legacy starts now, as we continue on into the future, we position ourselves to be the Blackprint--a model of excellence that inspires other chapters, students and our broader community and demonstrates to the legal profession how we can collectively generate the lawyers of tomorrow.
Awards & Recognition
April 2024
Student Association of the Year at LASL (2023-24)
For the second year in a row, BLSA Lincoln has taken home the 'Association of the year' Award, presented by the Lincoln Alexander Law Students' Society (LALSS). This year this award was presented to two associations, being awarded to both BLSA and the Lincoln Alexander Muslim Law Student's Association (MLSA).
February 2024
Runner Up, BLSA Canada Large Chapter of The Year (2023-24)
Heading into our 4th year, we exceeded our work from the previous year. With a term jam packed with events, we were able to connect with pre-law students, collaborate with student groups and other BLSA Chapters and have done our part to inspire the next generation of lawyers, both BLSA Lincoln members and non-member students at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
April 2023
Student Association of the Year at LASL (2022-23)
At Lincoln Law's inaugural Law Ball, BLSA Lincoln was awarded the 'Student Association of the Year Award for being the most engaged student organization at Lincoln Law.
February 2023
BLSA Canada Large Chapter of The Year (2022-23)
After a year of growth and stride in our impact, with only 3 years since our establishment, BLSA Lincoln was awarded the Large Chapter of the Year Award at the Black Law Students' Association of Canada's National Conference.