Black Law Student Association: Creating a Safe Place for Students to Exist

by Margaret Beccavin | February 21, 2023

The Toledo Law Black Law Student Association (BLSA) provides academic resources, networking opportunities, and guidance to minority students, especially students of color. “We are building tomorrow’s culturally sophisticated lawyers, today!” says Bobby Curry, 3L and President of BLSA.

BLSA has an active presence at Toledo Law and in the community. They are engaged throughout the college with students, faculty and staff, are heavily engaged with alumni, and with local bar associations – especially the Thurgood Marshall Law Association. One of BLSA’s goals is to engage with the city of Toledo more as well.

The organization works to address salient systemic issues and cultural barriers for minorities. “We pursue our mission by fostering a safe place for students to exist,” says Curry. “We have been working harder given the current social climate. BLSA has contributed vastly to diversity initiatives at the college level and continually remains responsive to student concerns and career interests.” As future lawyers, they are preparing individuals to advocate for themselves and others in ways that can help shape the future of our society.

“The organization has made tremendous strides in the past three years,” says Curry. As a soon-to-be graduate of Toledo Law, Curry believes BLSA continues to have a bright future. He plans to remain active with the future leaders and members of BLSA, just as alumni have been there for his generation of BLSA to provide hope and support. “I desire for the organization to fight – the good fight – even when it is hard. There will be thankless days, and thankless people, but I want them to remember that they are capable and equipped. When times get hard, push on and push hard, and be steadfast and unmovable.”

BLSA will be celebrating Black History Month with a luncheon next Monday, Feb. 27 from noon – 2 p.m. in the Shumaker, Loop, and Kendrick Lounge of the Law Center. The event is open to all faculty, staff, and students who RSVP by Saturday, Feb. 25.

Other upcoming events that BLSA is planning for later in the semester include “Food for Thought: Food Packing Event” in partnership with the Toledo Bar Association on April 14, where they will prepare and pack meals for those in need. They will also be hosting the Torrence Greene Scholarship Banquet at the Toledo Zoo, with a date and details being announced soon.

If you would like to support the Black Law Student Association at Toledo Law, you can give to one of the funds listed below, or reach out to Curry at bobby.curry@utoledo.edu to discuss ways to be involved and support their members and mission.

To give, visit the UT Foundation website and search for one of the following scholarships that directly supports black law students.

Barbara Hall-Foley Black Law Scholarship
Black Law Student Association/Torrence Greene Memorial Scholarship
Eddie M. Cole Minority Scholarship
Judge Myron and Nicole Duhart Scholarship
Professor Benjamin Davis Black Law Student Association Guest Speaker Fund
William N. Thomas Memorial Scholarship

Q & A with Bobby Curry

Why did you choose to study at Toledo Law?
The University of Toledo law program was attractive to me from the start! Prior to law school, I led a busy professional life, but I knew that I needed my J.D. to get to the next level in my career. Fortunately, the College of Law’s part-time program was an easy decision for me; the program is designed for working students. I eventually converted to full-time and the transition was seamless.

Why did you decide to join BLSA?
Honestly, my best friend, now a College of Law alumni, Tre Hogue inspired me.

What made you pursue a leadership position in BLSA?
I realized that a lot of work needed to be done to bring BLSA back to the forefront at the college. Because I have a strong relationship with the College of Law Administration, I felt it incumbent upon me to share those relationships with BLSA. I want to be clear, being a leader is challenging, to say the least, and as a law student, my time is nearly always committed to a task. At the same time, I believe in the work of BLSA and always want what’s best for it.

What would you like to see for the future of BLSA/its members?
The organization needs members of the Toledo community to wrap their arms around us. Because we are not as big as other affinity groups, we often don’t get priority when it comes to funding. But in total transparency, that has changed lately, and I’m so thankful. Moreover, I want to see our members succeed in every area of their lives.

What are your plans after graduation in a few months?
Well, first thing first, I need a long nap! But, after that, I will be studying for the July bar exam. Post-licensing, I will practice criminal defense, civil rights litigation, and employment law. I am excited about the future, and I definitely hope to make a positive difference in my community with my law degree.