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THE HISTORY OF WRBLSA

EARLY NBLSA BEGINNINGS

In 1968, Algernon Johnson (“AJ”) Cooper, former mayor of Prichard, Alabama, founded the first Black American Law Students Association (“BALSA”) at the New York University Law School responding to the need for continued educational encouragement, professional development, and community enrichment for Black Law Students.  In 1983, BALSA revised its name, and the word “American” was deleted to encompass all Blacks, including those not of American nationality. Later, the word “National” was added to reflect the organization’s national expansion. Today, NBLSA is a 501(c)(3) corporation and is one of the nation’s largest student-run organizations. NBLSA represents over 6,000 minority law students from over 200 chapters across the United States, and six other countries.

OUR NATIONAL MISSION

To increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.

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