TALLAHASSEE —The Florida State University College of Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) has been named 2010-2011 Regional Chapter of the Year by the Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA). Florida State’s student-led organization received the award Saturday, January 15 at the SRBLSA convention in Raleigh, North Carolina. BLSA President G.C. Murray and Vice President Lorraine Young accepted the award. 

The honor is given to the chapter that has made the greatest difference in its community and has improved the quality of its law school by enhancing social awareness and activism. Florida State’s association was selected from more than 40 chapters at law schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. 

During the fall 2010 semester, the Florida State Black Law Students Association held more than 25 events on topics including youth empowerment, criminal justice reform and homelessness. The group also increased its membership by 150 percent and increased member unity under its theme, “More than an Organization, We’re a Family.” During the spring semester, BLSA plans to partner with the Palmer Munroe Restorative Justice and Youth Activity Center and Raa Middle School. BLSA also will host a reunion weekend in the spring. 

“We are thrilled that our Black Law Students Association was recognized for its excellence,” said Dean Don Weidner. “Congratulations and thanks go to the entire BLSA board and especially president G.C. Murray for bringing this honor home to Florida State.” 

Winning the regional award qualifies Florida State’s BLSA chapter to compete for the National Chapter of the Year award. The national award will be presented in March by the National Black Law Students Association at its convention in Houston. Florida State was selected the Black Law Students Association national chapter in 2006.