We would like to welcome all to the Kemet Chapter of the Black Law Student Association ("BLSA"); 2012-2013 will be an exciting year and we are honored and privileged to serve as the BLSA Co-Chairs. The BLSA Executive Board is thrilled to welcome our returning members as well as the incoming Class of 2015. Throughout the summer, the Executive Board has worked diligently to create programs and activities that cater to our membership.

In terms of goals for this year, one of our initiatives is professional development. We as Co-Chairs will strive to increase the professional skills of the Kemet Chapter, not just for the Chapter as a whole, but also for the individual members within Kemet. With this in mind, we plan to host several events that will strengthen the Chapter. Specifically, we would like to work with our members on their interview and networking skills, particularly in preparation for job fairs and interviews. We will also be working with our alumni to provide guidance on navigating the legal profession and life after law school.

Additionally, we will continue our long-standing commitment to community building and outreach, both within our NUSL community and beyond. Already this year we have hosted our annual Diversity Luncheon, along with the other Affinity Organizations on campus, and have volunteered at the Codman's Square Farmer's Market in Dorchester, MA. In terms of new initiatives we will be partnering up with Northeastern undergraduates and local high schools in Boston, to mentor students in developing and achieving their aspirations in higher education.

Our mission statement states: "The Kemet Chapter is committed to maintaining a safe-space and preventing the silencing of the voice and vote of students of Black-African descent that is inevitable with an integrated body. It is our mission to serve the NUSL and legal community by increasing educational and career opportunities for students of Black-African descent . . . It is also our mission to support an environment of social camaraderie and preserve the rich cultural history of those members who came before us." As Co-Chairs, we are dedicated to achieving this mission, as we understand the importance of unity among the Black community at NUSL. The Kemet Chapter has always served the needs of the Black community and this year will prove no different. We will strive to increase the relationship between Kemet members and the faculty/staff of NUSL and Kemet members and alumni.

We look forward to leading the Kemet Chapter and hope to see you at Kemet events. We will continue to build our Kemet family and hope you will join us.

With BLSA Love,

Tiffany Malcolm- Co-Chair Summer/Winter

Desiree Murphy- Co-Chair Fall/Spring