About Us
Keith J. Williams Chapter of the
National Black Law Students Association at Charleston School of Law
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The Keith J. Williams Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association, Inc., strives to promote the success of future Black attorneys both in law school and in society by supporting our members on an academic, professional and social basis. In order to accomplish this goal we focus on five major areas:
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VOICE - We provide our members with a forum for expressing their unique needs and concerns by holding regular meetings and actively engaging the administration to make them aware of these concerns.
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DEVELOPMENT - We provide a local support mechanism for chapter members through a mentoring program and academic/career guidance.
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NETWORK - We promote activities, which encourage both internal BLSA bonding, Alumni and collaboration with other individuals and organizations within the Charleston legal community.
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COMMUNITY - We stay involved in the local Charleston community by staying abreast of current concerns and needs of the low country community members. We then utilize this knowledge to influence both BLSA members and the larger Charleston legal community to meet the needs of the Charleston community through community service.
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RESOURCES - We utilize the collective resources of the chapter to effectuate the goals of the National Black Law Students Association.
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The Chapter was named after past Chapter President Keith KJ. Williams on March 11, 2017, by unanimous vote of the general body. KJ was a 3L student, he also served as a SBA Senator, Member of the Honor Council, and an advocate on the Trial Advocacy Board. He was always dedicated to community service and helping others in need. On February 18, 2018 KJ passed away after a hard fought battle with leukemia. The Chapter will continue to uphold his legacy of compassion, kindness and service before self.
National History
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The first Black Law Students Association was founded at New York University School of Law in 1968 by Algernon Johnson (“AJ”) Cooper. Over 40 years later, the National Black Law Students Association is the nation’s largest student-run organization, representing nearly 6,000 minority students from over 200 chapters throughout the United States and six other countries, including the Bahamas, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The KJW chapter of BLSA strives to develop the future leaders of the legal profession through scholarship, professional development, and social responsibility. KJW BLSA exists to address the unique needs and concerns of the black law students; promote diversity and social awareness within the Charleston School of Law community; promote diversity and encourage change within the legal profession; and address social issues within the Charleston community and our society at large.