OU Law Black Law Students Association Named Chapter of the Year

NORMAN — In a record year, the University of Oklahoma College of Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) won both the regional and the national Chapter of the Year Award for 2015-2016 among small chapters. The awards were presented by the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). This year marks the group’s third consecutive win for Regional Small Chapter of the Year.

“The regional and national recognition earned by our BLSA students makes OU Law extremely proud,” said OU College of Law Dean Joseph Harroz Jr. “Our students have devoted extensive time outside the classroom to build an engaged and active chapter focused on supporting our minority groups and increasing diversity at the school. We’re proud of their efforts and grateful they have received such a well-deserved honor.”

To be eligible for the award, a chapter must demonstrate social-political awareness, and a commitment to community service, education and career development. Examples of this year’s activities include leadership in OU Law’s diversity programs, service in Oklahoma City’s Make a Will Program and providing legal assistance to veterans. OU Law’s BLSA Chapter is named in honor of Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, the first African-American admitted to the OU College of Law.

“It’s an honor and privilege to serve as president of a BLSA chapter that exhibits the zeal of our national founder, attorney Algernon Johnson (“AJ”) Cooper,” said OU Law BLSA President Marcelo Pendleton-Moreno. “The 2015-2016 Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Chapter stands on the shoulders of the giants that came before it. We are honored to receive these awards.”

In addition to the recent awards, OU Law’s Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher BLSA Chapter has a strong history of success, including ten consecutive years of placing in the Regional Moot Court Competition and a number of qualifications for the national competition.