2016 KENNETH COX CEREMONY

The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Black Law Students Association (BLSA) recently honored law students at The Kenneth Maurice Cox Donning of the Kente Ceremony which was held Friday, May 13th, 2016. This ceremony was initiated in 2007 and recognizes each graduating BLSA member for their contribution to the law school's academic, cultural, and professional environment. It is also named in honor of one of the law school's first African-American graduates, Kenneth Maurice Cox. This year's ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of Kenneth Cox's graduation from the then Memphis State University School of Law. The guest speaker for this event was Attorney Ricky Wilkins.

In the photo above is each of this year's honorees. The honorees are (first row/from left) Rodrequez Watson, Lani Lester, LaKevia Perry, Crystal Johnson-Cathey, Regina Thompson, Jakeva Dotson, Faith Sanford, Erica Perry, (second row/from left) Brandon Boykin, Charlesa Stoglin, Angellika Campbell, and Corbin Carpenter. Not pictured is honoree Brittany Neal.
Graduation was held Saturday, May 14th, 2016 at the Orpheum Theatre.

The National Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is the nation's largest student-run organization representing nearly 6,000 minority law students from over 200 chapters and affiliates throughout the United States. Since its foundation in 1966, BLSA has sought to promote the professional needs of African-American and minority law students by promoting professional competence and increasing awareness of the needs of the community.

The Benjamin L. Hooks Chapter of BLSA at the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law is devoted to providing opportunities and benefits for students and the community. BLSA membership is available to all University of Memphis School of Law students and provides its members with professional networking opportunities, professional and academic mentorship, social engagement, and the opportunity to participate in community service and pro bono activities. In addition, the BLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Team and Frederick Douglass Moot Court Team continue to succeed and compete in the Southern Region BLSA competitions, as well as in national competitions.