04/18/08--The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) held its annual Heritage Dinner on April 5, 2008, in the Heights Dining Room on the Chestnut Hill Campus. The night opened with a social hour where students were given the opportunity to socialize with Deans Garvey, Wylie and West, and was followed by a dinner honoring several exceptional law students and an outstanding professor.

D'Andre Fernandez was recognized as an Outstanding 1L for his community outreach and programming for high school students in Roxbury. The Outstanding 2L award was given to Gaelle Simeon-Lauriston, this year's BLSA Treasurer & Heritage Dinner Planning Committee member. Bianca Ford, recognized as Best Oralist of the NBLSA Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition in Detroit, and a member of this year's LSA Diversity Committee, was named Outstanding 3L.

Professor Susan Maze-Rothstein '85 installed the in-coming officers of the organization. With the exception of President Classie Davis 3L, all officers were rising 2Ls.

The Anthony P. Farley Award for outstanding teaching went to Assistant Clinical Professor Maritza Karmely, who, in addition to excellent teaching, coached this year's Frederick Douglass Moot Court Team to victory in the Northeast Regional Competition and went on to the national competition in Detroit.

Judge Leslie E. Harris '84, gave a riveting, candid speech in which he spoke about "Why [He's] an Angry Man." In the absence of notes or a written text, Harris spoke eloquently about current social, political, and economic inequities that prevent all Americans from equally participating in the "pursuit of Life, Liberty and Freedom." His inspirational speech served as a reminder to BLSA students and BAN alumni of their duty and obligation to "make a positive difference" in the lives of the less fortunate.

Following Harris' speech, he was given the final award of the night. The Ruth-Arlene Howe Award was presented to him in recognition of his steadfast and continuing support of BLSA students as a mentor and advocate, for his work as a Juvenile Court Judge and his contributions to the legal profession that have set an example for all to follow.

The successful night was concluded with the recognition of this year's 3L BLSA graduates who were draped with the traditional Kinte Stoles by outgoing BLSA president Christina Weaver and given a token BC Law key ring by BAN president Bernard W. Green '81.