The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at WashU was recently honored as the Midwest Chapter of the Year by the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). This prestigious recognition reflects the chapter’s longstanding commitment to uplifting Black law students and serving the Black community.
Since its founding in 1973, BLSA has focused on the concerns and well-being of Black students in their pursuit of success in law school. Ashrakat Hassan, the chapter’s current president, has aligned the chapter’s efforts with three goals: fellowship, outreach, and advocacy. Under her leadership, the chapter has strengthened its community by fostering meaningful relationships, expanding mentorship opportunities, and championing academic initiatives.
“Our mission is to ensure the doors we open as law students remain open for our pre-law peers, and the privileges we enjoy as Black law students remain for many future Black law students to come,” Hassan said.
This year, BLSA revived annual traditions like the BLSA Retreat and Black & Better BBQ, offering moments of fellowship and community to members. The chapter was also quick to respond to moments of adversity for its members, hosting gatherings in response to the 2024 presidential election results and the execution of Imam Marcellus “Khalifah” Williams.
Beyond WashU, BLSA’s outreach efforts have connected pre-law students with valuable mentorship and financial resources. The chapter recently published a pre-law handbook, which offers a firsthand overview of the law school application process, including helpful tips for navigating admissions, preparing for interviews and applying for financial aid. The BLSA also hosted a themed scholarship banquet uniting past and present members to award $5,000 in funds to Black pre-law students.
The BLSA continues to be a steadfast advocate for its members on and off campus, a role Hassan finds particularly fulfilling. After a racial incident at WashU Law in April 2024, Hassan and her fellow leaders worked with faculty and students to create the school’s first Community Expectations Policy, ensuring accountability and a clear path forward for the entire WashU community. BLSA also advocates for its members through real-world interview experience, bar exam preparation, and mentorship opportunities — ensuring everyone has the skills and experience they need to reach their goals.
As Midwest Chapter of the Year, BLSA will earn national recognition on the NBLSA website and receive a monetary donation to aid in future programming. For Hassan, the honor is a welcome validation of the chapter’s deep and enduring impact on her community.
“BLSA is an institution designed to uplift and advance Black law students in all their forms. We’ve built a strong, supportive community that will continue to thrive for years to come,” she said. “And we’re just getting started.”
