Black Law Student Association

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History of BLSA

In 1968, Algernon Johnson "A.J." Cooper, former mayor of Prichard, Alabama, founded the Black American Law Students Association (BALSA) at the New York University Law School. BALSA's purpose was to effectuate change in the legal system. The association endeavored to sensitize the law and legal profession to the ever-increasing needs of the Black community. This commitment has never wavered.

In 1983, BALSA revised its name. The word "American" was deleted to encompass all Blacks who were not of American nationality. Later, the word "National" was added to reflect the extent to which the organization had expanded.

Contact Information:

Black Law Student Association
University of South Carolina School of Law
Room 330
Main and Green Streets
Columbia, South Carolina 29208

PHONE: 803-777-6052
EMAIL: BLSA@mailbox.sc.edu

2008-09 Executive Board:

• Yvonne Murray-Boyles, President
• Omeeka Loggins, Vice President
• Sophia Amaker, Treasurer
• Miranda Patterson, Recording Secretary
• Miranda Patterson, Corresponding Secretary
• Amanda Bruton, Parliamentarian
• Charlene Burton, Historian
• Chris Davis, Community Service Coordinator
• Joseph Dickey, Moot Court Manger
• Brooke Johnson, Mock Trial Manager
• Ryn Jordan, Social Coordinator

Faculty Advisor:

• Professor Danielle R. Holley-Walker