Five students from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff attended the 12th annual National HBCU Pre-Law Summit in Atlanta for the first time in nearly a decade.
The event, founded by lawyer and educator Evangeline M. Mitchell, Ed.M., is the nation’s only pre-law event dedicated exclusively to empowering HBCU students interested in pursuing careers in law, according to its website.
Representing UAPB at the summit were:
Brianna Butler — a sophomore majoring in political science;
Deshabrion Ezell — a graduating senior majoring in criminal justice;
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McKenna Luckett — a junior majoring in political science;
Keylon Polk Jr. — a graduating senior majoring in criminal justice; and
Keyanna Shorter — a senior majoring in criminal justice.
The summit featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions with experienced lawyers, judges, law school administrators and other professionals, according to a news release.
Students had the opportunity to engage in dialogue, gain insights about law school admissions and build connections that will support their journey into the legal profession.
Tanya S. Walker, interim dean of University College and director of Academic Advancement Programs, and Henry Brooks IV, political science coordinator, accompanied the students.
Ezell said that she received words of wisdom and encouragement from attorneys and law school students.
“We were informed about the admissions process and what to expect,” Ezell said. “We gained knowledge about the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and toured Georgia State University College of Law. While at the summit, we were able to meet with actual students, recruiters, professors and deans from over 130 law schools, some of whom I already wanted to apply to. They were able to answer questions and concerns that we had.”
A pinning ceremony for the students took place at the conclusion of the summit, Ezell said.
“The attorneys present pinned each of us with a golden eagle and the pledge ceremony was led by the president of the National Bar Association, Ashely Upkins, Esq. This conference was a very special moment for me in my career. I was able to meet people who looked like me but came from different backgrounds and had different obstacles they had to overcome. It was the assurance that I needed, and their support uplifted me even more. I am grateful for the opportunity. I hope to see more students from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff attend to get the information and encouragement that I received,” Ezell said.
After graduating from UAPB, Ezell plans to take the LSAT and pursue her Juris Doctorate and master’s degree in criminal justice. Her goal is to become an attorney, then work her way into politics and become a legislator.
“Always dream big because the sky is truly the limit,” she said. “Know what you want and take intentional steps towards achieving those goals. No dream is too big, and no vision is unattainable. Redefine what greatness and excellence look like. Inspire others never to give up. Encourage them to follow the desires of their hearts and become a beacon of change, hope and resilience!”
Walker shared the positive impact that the summit had on the students.
“This summit was a transformative experience for our students,” Walker said. “They not only gained practical knowledge and exposure but also saw firsthand the importance of representation and advocacy in the legal field. We are proud to support their growth and aspirations.”
Brooks said that the last time he and UAPB students attended the summit was in the fall of 2016. He added that since that time, several of those students have become lawyers.
“One of the reasons that we haven’t attended is because it is in Atlanta and because you want to take as many pre-law students as possible, but it’s an expensive trip. Dr. Walker’s program was able to provide funding for us to attend this year,” Brooks said.
He discussed how the summit has expanded and the benefits that students receive.
“It has grown significantly in terms of the number of participants and the number of speakers. It’s becoming a must-attend event for pre-law students, especially those who attend HBCUs. I think that our students gain a lot of inside knowledge about admissions and funding opportunities that may not be widely advertised. It was an amazing experience, and I believe our students had a great experience and learned a lot,” Brooks said.
Walker said that the trip was sponsored by UAPB’s Academic Advancement Program (Title III), which continues to create opportunities for students to explore diverse professional pathways and prepare for graduate and professional school success.
This event was financially supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, Strengthening Institutions, Title III, Part B, Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program.
More information can be found at the National HBCU Pre-Law Summit website.