On May 8th, the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) University of Ottawa Chapter was awarded the Large Chapter of the Year at the 30th Annual BLSA Canada Conference!
As stated in BLSA Canada’s call for nomination:
"The COVID-19 crisis has created a lot of uncertainty for Black law students at almost every juncture of their journey through law school. Most critically, its disproportionate effect on Black lives may create additional strains for members of our BLSA family. The theme for this year is Together We Thrive; Together We Strive. BLSA Canada and its chapters at law schools nationwide are concerned by the challenges faced by the black community in the legal profession. Promoting increased representation of black students in law schools and law firms is our primary mission. The winner will have contributed to advancing the organization’s mission, and the contributions the chapter has made to its local community."
The BLSA Ottawa tackled the challenges of the first full academic year taught remotely in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. They successfully transformed their ambitious on-site programming to virtual events. The team launched a website providing resources, connection opportunities and much more to allow the members of the community to access key information and started a digital magazine, BLCK. They also created strong ties with the faculty administration to contribute real changes within the institution to address challenges faced by the Black community of law students.
"While advocacy work is both crucial and fulfilling, it can often be thankless. This award represents an official recognition of our tireless and endless efforts throughout this challenging academic year. This award represents Black excellence. It represents the 2020-2021 BLSA Ottawa executive team. It is a testimony to our work ethic, our passion, and our commitment to creating academic, educational, and professional development opportunities for Black law and pre-law students in Ottawa and across Canada. It recognizes our determination to make the University of Ottawa - Faculty of Law a safe place for Black students. Winning the BLSA Canada Large Chapter of the Year award means the world to our team. To all of the BLSA Ottawa members, to all of the uOttawa students who attended our events, to all of our collaborators, to our sponsors, and to the professors and staff who have supported our mission throughout the year, thank you for everything.”
- Chanèle Couture & Elizabeth Adeseha, BLSA Ottawa 2020-2021 Co-Presidents
The BLSA Ottawa is committed to creating academic and professional development opportunities for Black students in order to promote diversity and inclusion within law school and the legal profession. They have greatly contributed to the uO Common Law community and successfully created many student-led initiatives.
The Black Law Students’ Association of Canada (BLSA Canada) is a national student-run non-profit organization founded in 1991 and is committed to supporting and enhancing academic and professional opportunities for black law students in both official languages.
Congratulations to BLSA Ottawa and its team members for this recognition!