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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

EMAIL: scblsa.president@gmail.com

2011-2012 Executive Board:

• Sutania Radlein, President
• Cheslyne Brighthop, Vice President/Historian
• Jessica Wilson, Treasurer
• Simone Martin, Secretary
• Willie Peters, Community Service Coordinator
• Katherine Myers, Coordinator of Social Events
• Felicia Spears, Moot Court Manager
• Cedric Cunningham, Mock Trial Manager
• Jason Ward, Parliamentarian

Read biographies of the Executive Board.

Faculty Advisor:

• Professor Eboni Nelson

“Advancing to the Next Level,
Fulfilling the Dream,
Advocating for the Future.”