Contributed by Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati

The Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati (BLAC) announces Adreanne Stuckey as its new President. With a deep commitment to service, equity, and justice, Stuckey steps into this leadership role with a vision of increasing engagement among legal professionals and uplifting the greater Cincinnati community. Stuckey has been involved with the BLAC since 2016 and brings years of legal expertise and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, professional development, and community outreach.    

Under her leadership, BLAC aims to foster stronger connections among Black attorneys, enhance resources for aspiring legal professionals, and expand initiatives that support underrepresented communities. During a time when justice and equality are being attacked on all sides, it is important to take a stand, strengthen our network, and provide opportunities for growth.    

Stuckey’s tenure will focus on collaborative partnerships, mentorship, and advocacy efforts that address key issues affecting Black professionals and marginalized communities in Cincinnati. She invites all members, allies, and supporters to join in this mission of progress and unity.

The new Executive Board includes Vice President Jada Colon; Corresponding Secretary Jordan McSayles; Recording Secretary Whitney Glover; Parliamentarian Brandon Craig; Community Service Chair Angela White; Law School Liaison Ihsan Walker; Membership Chair Jeremy D’Abreau; Banquet Chair Saria Lattimore.

The association’s Scholarship & Awards Banquet Gala is Saturday April 26 in downtown Cincinnati.        

For more information on BLAC’s upcoming initiatives and ways to get involved, email cincyblac@gmail.com.

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By Remington Jackson

Banquet Committee Chair

The Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati Banquet is April 15 at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Cincinnati.

Judge Jeffery Hopkins is the event’s Distinguished Service Awardee. Winners of the BLAC scholarships to be honored are that will be presented at this year’s banquet:

Rokhaya Niang, Theodore M. Berry Scholarship; Alexandria Anderson, William A. McClain Scholarship;  Shantya Goddard, Shanda L. Spurlock Scholarship; Jarvis Graham, Jack Sherman Jr. Scholarship; and Travis Hardee, Judge Nathaniel R. Jones Memorial Scholarship.

Tables and tickets are available and can be purchased via Eventbrite (https://blac30thbanquet.eventbrite.com) or by contacting the Black Lawyers Association. 

A Brief History of the Banquet

Each year, hundreds turnout to support the important work of the The Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati (BLAC) Annual Scholarships & Award Banquet. Attendees attend to recommit to building relationships and embracing diversity, and recognize those making a difference in the legal profession, specifically with respect to issues impacting people of color. BLAC awards an individual or organization with our Distinguished Service Award to recognize their contributions and commitment to the Cincinnati community. 

In addition, BLAC awards the following scholarships to deserving law students:

• Theodore M. Berry Scholarship, awarded to an African-American law student attending the University of Cincinnati in recognition of the former mayor’s political, civic and legal achievements.
• William A. McClain Scholarship, awarded to an African-American Hamilton County resident attending any accredited law school who demonstrates leadership potential and dedication to the community. This scholarship is awarded jointly by the Cincinnati Bar Foundation and BLAC.
• Jack Sherman, Jr. Scholarship, awarded to a worthy African-American law student attending the Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law. This scholarship is awarded jointly by BLAC and the Federal Bar Association, John W. Peck Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter.
• Shanda L. Spurlock Memorial Scholarship, awarded to an African-American law student attending the University of Cincinnati, NKU, or University of Dayton Law schools who demonstrates leadership potential and dedication to the community.  This scholarship is funded by Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP and administered by BLAC.

The Judge Nathaniel R. Jones Memorial Scholarship, awarded to an African American student attending either the University of Cincinnati College of Law or the Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law who has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service. The scholarship is awarded in conjunction with Procter & Gamble and the Cincinnati Bar Foundation.

The post Back Lawyers Association to honor Judge Jeffrey Hopkins, scholarship winners appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Herald Contributor

Cincinnati City Councilmember Chris Seelbach along with DJ J.Dough will host an expungement clinic in partnership with Ohio Justice and Policy Center, New Prospect Baptist Church and the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati in Roselawn on Thursday, December 5 from 3 to 6 p.m.

The event will provide people with old criminal records in Ohio, who are interested in expunging their records, the opportunity to meet with attorneys, paralegals and volunteers who are trained to help them navigate the legal process.

Rather than allowing old records to hold people back from getting a job, finding housing, or from pursuing an education, expungement can allow eligible citizens to move forward with a clean slate.

“Rehabilitation means someone is ready to become a contributing member of society again, and often minor, old offenses on their record can drag someone down and shut out opportunities,” Seelbach said.

“I’ve seen a lot of my family and friends come home after paying their debt to society, and, because of their records, finding a job and providing for their families is a difficult challenge.” said DJ J.Dough. “I wanted to help provide a way for them to have hope for the future and start a new life and not have door’s closed on them because of their past.”

A person is eligible to pre-register for the Expungement Clinic if they have a criminal record in Ohio and no open cases (not currently on parole, probation, or other community corrections). Services available to eligible registrants include record sealing, expungement, and Certificates of Qualification for Employment.

To pre-register, text the word “Justice” to (833) 520-0714.

Additionally, local non-profits and organizations will be participating to boost and support opportunity for those receiving expungements.

Walk-ins are welcome based on time/availability

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