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FEBRUARY, 2022
Newsletter
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Happy Black History Month!
As we celebrate the contributions of Black Americans, both this month and all year, I continue to be encouraged by the work of the John M. Langston Bar Association in our community. Within the past few weeks, the Langston Bar Association hosted a bar preparation course, installed new officers (including yours truly), and awarded $92,000 in scholarships to deserving law students. And this is just the beginning -- a new beginning!
For those who attended the Langston Gala on February 5, 2022, whether virtually or in-person, you will recall that I discussed Langston’s theme for this year – Leaning In To New Beginnings. That theme is grounded in the history and legacy of our namesake, John M. Langston. In the late 1800s, Langston cast an important vision about the future of American democracy, which he described as a “new birth of freedom.” While we live in different times, I remain inspired by Langston’s courage in imagining a “new birth” for our country and identifying principles that would help make his vision a reality, such as hard work, the unabashed pursuit of justice, and leadership with class, dignity, and determination. These principles will continue to guide the Langston Bar Association in 2022.
After nearly two years of isolation, we are committed to reengaging our community more broadly and deeply. This is our opportunity to build on the Langston Bar Association’s rich tradition of service, to develop the next generation of leaders, to pursue justice, and to celebrate our accomplishments (in safe and creative ways).
Thank you for your support of the Langston Bar Association. We look forward to serving alongside you as we lean in to a new beginning!
Daniel Prince
2022 President
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2022 Langston Installation & Scholarship Awards Gala @ Sony Pictures Studios
On February 5, 2022, on a beautiful, clear, crisp night, Langston's Black & White Ball Under the Stars was a black-tie Gala like none other before it. With a limited in-person pre-verified and vaccinated Guest List of 150, and numerous safety protocols in place, the 2022 Gala set the bar for in-person safe programs.
Starting with a 40-yard red carpet entrance, every in-person Gala guest was a VIP! The Gala was also streamed LIVE via Zoom and, with the help of Langston Gala Zoom Host Holly Parker, our virtual guests also received VIP treatment. Combined with cuisine by Wolfgang Puck Catering, 4-year Gala Chair Valarie Dean and her "Dream Team" (aka Gala Committee and all Gala Volunteers) pulled out all the stops. Stars covered the sky and graced the Gala Stage as the Black National Anthem was performed by 8-time Grammy Winner Philip Lawrence and his siblings, Gospel sensations Shane Lawrence and Devonna Lawrence (the Lawrences) - - a rendition that will not soon be forgotten.
CONGRATULATIONS 2022 OFFICERS AND BOARD!
Sworn in by Langston Past President the Honorable Allen Webster, the 2022 President, Officers and Board Members took their oath of office together, safely in-person and virtually at the Gala.
THANK YOU to every sponsor, Gala ticket holder, for every Ad purchased, and all donors, without whom the Gala would not be possible, and most importantly, Langston would not have been able to award $92,000 in scholarships to incredible Black Law Students at the Gala!
To learn more about the 2022 Scholarship Recipients, Gala Honorees, and Sponsors, among other things, view our Gala Digital Program Book (Here)
View the 2022 Gala Photo Gallery (Here)
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2/5/22 Virtual CA Bar Prep Seminar
The first Langston Bar Prep of 2022, Co-Hosted with our sisters at Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, was a huge success! More than 50 law students registered for the early Saturday morning program to receive helpful tips and strategies for the California Bar Exam. Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor of the Los Angeles Superior Court shared a few words of wisdom and encouragement, and Mr. DeAndre Aubry of Legally Fit, conducted the seminar, which included a Live Q&A Session, participation prizes, and a free one night stay, sponsored by Hotel Indigo.
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2/12/22 COVID-19 Pop Up Vaccine & Testing Clinic
On Saturday, February 12, Langston's Criminal Law Committee and the Outreach and Community Action Committee participated in a Valentine's Day-themed Covid-19 Vaccine Equity Event at the Chase Bank on Crenshaw Blvd. and Vernon Ave. Members of the community were offered vaccinations, boosters, testing, community resources, and even chair yoga while Langton attorneys offered information on obtaining criminal expungements, resentencing information and recent legislation involving criminal law.
The Pop Up Clinic will take place again on Saturday, February 19, 2022, same place and time.
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FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH | | |
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The John M. Langston Bar Association began as the Blackstone Law Club, which was founded in the 1920s because Black lawyers were not allowed to join other bar associations at that time. The Blackstone Law Club was renamed the Langston Law Club in 1943, and in 1968, we became the John M. Langston Bar Association. In 1990, our name was again changed - this time to the John M. Langston Bar Association of Los Angeles, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The langston Bar is arguably the largest and oldest organization of Black attorneys, Judges, law students and legal professionals in the Western United States. The Langston Bar has a respected history of leadership rooted in the Los Angeles legal community.
In February 2022, the Langston Bar will celebrate Black History Month by remembering and recognizing the history of our members, whose forefathers left their mark and made a difference, some stepping outside of the box, to pave the way for many others to follow.
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LANGSTON'S BLACK HISTORY
Celebrating Mrs. Mary Felton
(Mother of Langston Officer/ Treasurer, Melvin Felton, Esq.)
Sunrise: May 16, 1947 • Sunset: December 8, 2021
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Mrs. Mary Felton was a dedicated public servant with a vibrant personality. Notably, she served in prominent positions, including Chief Accountant and Director of Grants in three successive municipal administrations in Gary, Indiana. She was so beloved in the community that the current Mayor, the immediate past Mayor, and a Mayor Mrs. Felton worked under all spoke at her funeral.
Mrs. Felton spent decades in local politics as the Precinct Committeeperson in her East Glen Park neighborhood where she was instrumental in registering thousands of voters over the years. She also held several prominent board seats on the Board of Trustees of the Gary, Indiana Public Library and on the Gary Community School Corporation’s Advisory Board. In her retirement, Mrs. Felton continued to work at the polls during local and national elections.
Mrs. Felton was taken from us much to soon due to a tragic act of violence. Mrs. Felton was a loving mother, doting grandmother, friend and mentor to many, and she will be forever remembered.
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LANGSTON IS INVITED
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The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) invites all John M. Langston Bar Association members to join WLALA via a complimentary one-year membership. This membership provides outstanding networking opportunities, free or discounted access to CLE programming and opportunities to speak or otherwise participate in WLALA programs.
WLALA’s goal is to create a Board and membership that reflects the rich diversity of the Los Angeles community we represent and serve. WLALA is committed to building relationships and increasing collaboration with bar associations representing communities of color and believe that we can accomplish far more when we unite.
To register for the complimentary membership, please go to WLALA Membership and select “Affinity Bar”.
Question? Contact Mary McKelvey, WLALA President (310-874-7696) or Janet Hong, WLALA President-Elect (424-258-4337).
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LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT NEWS, GENERAL ORDERS & HELPFUL TOOLS | |
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS | |
LANGSTON'S MISSION
To empower leadership, advance the professional development of its membership, and promote the administration of justice in the Black community and the community at large.
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Support Black law students!
Donate to our Scholarship Fund Today
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