Each February, Catholic University observes Black History Month, and the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at Catholic Law leads an impactful series of events and programs to honor the occasion. In 2025, BLSA hosted a diverse and enriching lineup of activities, delving into the historical significance of Black History in the U.S., the Black Catholic experience, personal storytelling, law school success strategies, and a book drive featuring works by Black authors to benefit Children's National Hospital.
BLSA’s programming invited the entire Catholic Law community to participate and engage. By the end of the month, BLSA successfully gathered a collection of books by Black authors, which were donated to Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. The month began with an engaging session featuring Catholic Law's Professor Roger Hartley and Chima Okoli ’20, Director of Associate Recruiting at Major, Lindsey & Africa. Together, they provided advice to current law students on how to excel in law school and build a path to success.
Following this, three unique events explored the Black experience in the United States through distinct perspectives. The first focused on Black Catholic History, presented by Catholic University’s Assistant Professor of American Church History, Professor Maria Urickson, Ph.D. The second was an inspiring visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C. The third event, a fireside chat with Franklin Biggins ’74, featured personal reflections on his journey to law school, his time at Catholic Law, his professional career, and advice for students.
From L to R: Marcus Williams, William T. Newman Jr., Tiffany Hanna Anderson, and Rainey Brandt
The month concluded with an impressive alumni panel featuring Catholic Law graduates who serve in the judiciary. The panel included Judge Tiffany Hanna Anderson ’97, Associate Judge of Prince George’s County Circuit Court; Judge Rainey Brandt ’95, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; Judge William T. Newman Jr. ’77, Former Chief Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit in Arlington, VA; and Judge Marcus Williams ’77, Former Circuit and District Court Judge in Fairfax County, VA. Rebecca Regis (2L), BLSA’s Black History Month Chair, skillfully moderated the discussion, which covered the panelists’ motivations for attending law school, their experiences at Catholic Law, the paths they pursued in their careers, and their advice for current students. The panel concluded with a reception in the law school’s atrium.
Reflecting on the success of the month-long programming, Rebecca Regis shared:
"Being the Black History Month Chair for the 2024-2025 academic year was both a challenging and rewarding experience. It would not have been possible without the support of my incredible BLSA executive board members: Katiah Scott (3L), Jay-Jay McCargo (3L), Jasmine Rountree (3E), and Ryan Ferebee (3L). I am especially grateful to Professors Veryl Miles and Regina Jefferson for their guidance.
I cannot thank our speakers enough for taking time out of their busy schedules to share their insights as part of our programming. I am also deeply appreciative of my friends Raifle Demetrius (2L), Michael Kaiser (2L), Samantha Winter (3L), Annie Pierce (3L), Joe Nazzaro (2L), and Alexander Rosalbo, whose unwavering support meant so much.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my parents, Jennifer and Emmanuel Regis, for their endless encouragement."
BLSA’s Black History Month events in 2025 exemplified a thoughtful celebration of Black culture, history, and contributions, fostering engagement and reflection within the Catholic Law community.