Spring 2017

Reunion attendees in Honigman Auditorium

@UMICHLAW

African American Alumni Reunion: Reconnecting with Classmates and Michigan Law

The second African American Alumni Reunion, held March 24–26, increased the size of 2014’s inaugural run, while retaining the same spirit of excitement to be home in the Law Quad and eagerness to stay connected.

The Honorable Harry Edwards, ’65, delivered Saturday’s luncheon keynote address, “Reflections on Racial Stigmas and Stereotyping.” Judge Edwards, who is senior circuit judge and chief judge emeritus on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, reflected on the ongoing quest for racial justice in today’s America. “We can point to significant numbers of African Americans in prominent legal roles. Yet, with all the progress, racial injustices still stain the landscape of our country.”

Connections bridged generations at Saturday’s Alden J. “Butch” Carpenter Gala—sponsored annually by the Black Law Students Association to award scholarships through a fund that classmates established in the wake of Carpenter’s sudden death as a student nearly 40 years ago. 

“It was amazing to meet the esteemed alumni who paved the way for us,” says event chair Omotunde Okesanya, a 2L.

Broderick Johnson, ’83, gave the gala’s keynote address, and discussed the importance of using one’s position and stature to help young people think broadly about their future. 

“A central motivation of my life’s work has been to raise expectations and provide African American children with opportunities and resources to succeed so they too can make the improbable probable,” said Johnson, who was assistant to the president and cabinet secretary under President Obama and also chaired the president’s My Brother’s Keeper Task Force.

“Without question, the 2017 African American Alumni Reunion demonstrated its worth as a resource and tool,” says reunion executive co-chair Elizabeth Campbell, ’78. 

“I am very proud that we have started something that is both valued and sustainable by the Law School.” —JP

Reunion executive chair Curtis Mack, LLM ’73, talks with Laurel Pyke Malson, a former clerk for Judge Edwards. Reunion executive chair Curtis Mack, LLM ’73, talks with Laurel Pyke Malson, a former clerk for Judge Edwards.
Butch Carpenter Scholarship winners Morgan Brown, Edna Turay, and Peter McDaniels—all 1Ls. African American alumni who are retired or sitting judges pose together at Saturday’s luncheon. Butch Carpenter Scholarship winners Morgan Brown, Edna Turay, and Peter McDaniels—all 1Ls. African American alumni who are retired or sitting judges pose together at Saturday’s luncheon.
Broderick Johnson, ’83, laughs while being introduced as the keynote speaker at the Alden J. “Butch” Carpenter Gala. Broderick Johnson, ’83, laughs while being introduced as the keynote speaker at the Alden J. “Butch” Carpenter Gala.
Reunion attendees in Honigman Auditorium Reunion attendees in Honigman Auditorium
J. Danielle Carr, ’89, (left) and Sharon Barner, ’82. J. Danielle Carr, ’89, (left) and Sharon Barner, ’82.
African American alumni who are retired or sitting judges pose together at Saturday’s luncheon. African American alumni who are retired or sitting judges pose together at Saturday’s luncheon.
The Hon. Mark Randon, ’92, (left) catches up with fellow alum James Humphries, ’84. The Hon. Mark Randon, ’92, (left) catches up with fellow alum James Humphries, ’84.
The Hon. Gershwin Drain, ’72, the Hon. Harry Edwards, ’65, and Michele Mayes, ’74, share a laugh during Saturday’s luncheon, where Edwards delivered keynote remarks. The Hon. Gershwin Drain, ’72, the Hon. Harry Edwards, ’65, and Michele Mayes, ’74, share a laugh during Saturday’s luncheon, where Edwards delivered keynote remarks.
Reunion executive chairs Elizabeth Campbell, ’78, and Saul Green, ’72, stand with Broderick Johnson, ’83, (center), during welcoming remarks on Friday. Reunion executive chairs Elizabeth Campbell, ’78, and Saul Green, ’72, stand with Broderick Johnson, ’83, (center), during welcoming remarks on Friday.
Panelists Aaron Lewis, ’05, Leslie Overton, ’94, Laura Kupe, ’13, and Broderick Johnson, ’83, discuss their roles in the Obama administration. Panelists Aaron Lewis, ’05, Leslie Overton, ’94, Laura Kupe, ’13, and Broderick Johnson, ’83, discuss their roles in the Obama administration.

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