[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 35 (Tuesday, March 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E501-E502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, in 1968, a small group of law students came 
together for the purpose of forming an organization that would be 
responsive to the needs of Black Law Students. Determined to rock the 
foundation upon which the legal system rested, those visionaries 
proclaimed themselves the Black American Law Students Association 
[BALSA]. The signers of the charter were A.J. Cooper, LeSeur Stewart, 
Joseph Porter III, Ronald Mitchell, Robert Holmes, and Barry Robinson. 
The first annual convention was held in the spring of 1969 in Chicago, 
IL and approximately 30 chapters were represented. BALSA focused its 
energies on those issues relevant to black people and black law 
students, and was able to use its influence to improve the positions of 
both.
  In 1983, the word ``American'' was removed from the organizations 
name in order to encompass all blacks, including those not of American 
origin, ``National'' was added to reflect the extent to which the 
organization had expanded. The organization is now known as the 
National Black Law Students Association.
  This week, the National Black Law Students Association will hold its 
29th annual convention in Las Vegas, NV. Since its inception in 1969, 
its numbers have grown significantly. Currently, NBLSA is comprised of 
over 200 chapters, representing nearly 6,500 law school students 
throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. NBLSA stands alone as the 
primary symbol and mouthpiece of black law students across the United 
States. It continues to encourage excellence and success among

[[Page E502]]

black law students by providing scholarships and job opportunities.
  Capitol Hill has also witnessed the spirit and dedication of the 
organization. Just last fall, during the Congressional Black Caucus' 
Legislative Weekend, NBLSA's national chair spoke on a panel I 
sponsored entitled: ``Literacy: The Cornerstone of African-American 
Achievement.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the 
National Black Law Students Association on their 29th annual 
convention.

                          ____________________