In 2021, LexisNexis cast a new Fellowship project from its African Ancestry Network and LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation focused on solutions to eliminate systemic racism in legal systems. To be considered for this privilege, each law school student was given the opportunity to create a project that could provide solutions to eliminate systemic racism in the legal system while advancing the rule of law. I was fortunate to be one of the twelve Fellows chosen from the six HBCU law schools.

I presented the idea of increased communication between people of color and those not of color in the legal community to combat systemic racism. During these nine months, with the devoted guidance of LexisNexis and the African Ancestry Network, I was able to bring my vision to life. My idea, once a kitchen table conversation, is now Legal Vision, an interactive web series.

This web show opens the doorway for those in the legal community to have hard conversations, become educated, and find solutions to “Keep Shutting the Door on Systemic Racism.” I hope this platform will continue to provide access for those in the legal community to become challenged, cognizant, advised, and enlightened about pivoting the scales, thereby promoting equality. I am beyond blessed and thankful for the opportunity, skills, lifelong friendships and connections this Fellowship program has gifted me.

I am proud to call myself a published author with a featured article in Eliminating Systemic Racism In The Legal System and a guest on a podcast called LawNext, a weekly podcast that interviews innovators and entrepreneurs in the legal industry. These opportunities were given to fellows to help broaden our connections and allowed us to bring awareness to the innovations we were developing.

The LexisNexis African Ancestry Network LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation 2022 Fellowship has been announced and is seeking law students in their second year or greater to apply and become a part of this prestigious program. Fellows will engage in a unique experience where they will have the opportunity to identify and address the challenge of systemic racism in the legal system. Fellows will spend nine months accelerating their careers, developing their leadership skills, and making a difference in the world.

To learn more about the LexisNexis African Ancestry Network LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation 2022 Fellowship, please click the following link: https://lexisnexis.shorthandstories.com/AANLNROLFFellowship/index.html#group-section-About-the-Program-a4nmgNIp6Q.

If you attend an HBCU law school and plan to apply, please submit your application at https://forms.gle/UMKes2KTfgBtzwnc6 including all documents, and send any related questions to Adonica Black at [email protected] by January 18, 2022 at 9 p.m. EST.

January 11, 2022/by NCBA YLD