On Saturday, May 3, 2025, several BWL members gathered with members of our sister bar associations (e.g., WLALA and APAWLA) for a morning of service at the Los Angeles Food Bank in the City of Industry. We laughed, sang, and danced, as we bagged and boxed nearly 24,000 pounds of mandarin oranges for families suffering from food insecurity.
Continue reading50th Anniversary Celebration Reception
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, BWL celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the Scenic Arts Event Center on the Sony Pictures Studio backlot. Nearly 200 people gathered for the celebration, which was a reception format with a short program. Attendees viewed a selection of BWL memorabilia, shared their BWL memories, and were treated to a panel of speakers featuring past presidents from each of the past five decades. Thank you to all who attended our milestone celebration.
Here’s to 50 more years of BWL!
Continue readingCulture & Connection
On March 8, 2025, we gathered for BWL’s second membership event of the 2024-2025 board year – Culture & Connection. About 20 of us visited the latest exhibitions at CAAM, then walked over to Mercado La Paloma, where we talked, played card games (UNO), and sampled the market’s offerings. Some of us even braved the lines to try the well-deserved Michelin star restaurant, Holbox. Many thanks to CAAM and Esperanza Community Housing Corporation for creating spaces to experience culture and connect.
Continue readingBWL Hikes LA
On February 1, 2025, we gathered for BWL’s first wellness program of the 2024-2025 board year – a group hike at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. About 20 of us tackled the trails (or the stairs) and met at the summit (i.e., the Overlook) for a restorative meditation led by BWL Historian Hayley Tharpe (also of Legally Well)!
On March 29, 2025, we gathered for a second group hike, this time in Fryman Canyon (Studio City). The “Valley Edition” hike was also a resounding success with 15 people participating, and half that group gathering for brunch after the hike!
Continue readingBWL & Langston Annual Holiday Party & Toy Drive
On December 13, 2024, BWL and Langston hosted their Annual Holiday Party and Toy Drive. The anticipated seasonal event sold out with over 150 people in attendance. Attendees exceeded expectations with donations. We received items such as bikes, scooters, and video games. In BWL and Langston fashion we mixed, mingled, and danced the night away!
Continue readingCocktail Sip
On November 27, 2024, Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Inc. hosted our 49th annual Thanksgiving Cocktail Sip Fundraiser. Held at the former Conga Room, now Brickroom LA, guests arrived in glamorous masks and playful spins on our “Masquerade Royale” theme. The Cocktail Sip stands as an integral piece of BWL’s yearly fundraising efforts—an evening where purpose meets celebration. We deeply appreciate the support from our sponsors and volunteers who helped make this year’s Sip a memorable success.
Continue readingInstallation & Awards Gala 2024
On September 28th, the Black Women Lawyers, Inc. hosted our 49th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. The evening was inspirational and elegant, bringing together legal professionals, bar association leaders, esteemed community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of the outgoing board and welcome the incoming board. This year, BWL will be led by its 50th President, Shardé Skahan. The theme for this year is “Architects Of Progress: Shaping The Future And Honoring Our Legacy Through Service And Leadership”.
Continue readingAbroad Trip: Switzerland
From June 10-June 16, 2024 Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Inc. traveled abroad to the historic Château d’Hauteville in Switzerland. We are thrilled to share highlights from our Inaugural Abroad Trip. Built in the 1760s, this magnificent castle set the stage for a truly unforgettable experience, combining breathtaking views of the Swiss landscape with rich cultural immersion and top-tier professional development.
Continue readingBWL Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon 2024
On June 1, 2024, BWL’s charitable arm, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation held its 48th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon at the Marina del Rey Marriott. The theme was “Visionaries: Making Good Trouble” where exceptional law students were awarded scholarships and Charisse Bremen Weaver, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alfred Jenkins and Wonya Lucas received awards for excellence in advocacy, arts and community service. A special “thank you” to BWL Scholarship Luncheon Chair, LaKeisha Dorsey, and BWL Scholarship Selection Co-Chairs, Kathiana Aurelian and Tiffanie Spivey, for your outstanding work.
Continue readingBWL Annual 5K Run/Walk
On Saturday May 18, 2024 Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Inc. held our 2nd Annual 5K Run/Walk through the historic Leimert Park corridor. This Wellness event allowed us to engage our bodies and mind while also connecting with our community. The race began at 7am and culminated with fellowship and celebration at local Black-Owned art gallery Aziz Gallerie!
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