| February is Black History Month, an annual observance of the accomplishments of African Americans and the contributions they have made and continue to make for the betterment and enrichment of our country. Its origins started in 1926 as a weekly celebration in February coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Becoming a month-long celebration dates to 1970, when it was organized by black educators and students at Kent State University. It spread to other universities, cultural and community centers until it was officially recognized by President Gerald R. Ford in 1976 during the nation’s bicentennial celebration. The Law Center and the University of Houston annually observe the month with guest lecturers, presentations and special events. On Feb. 14, the Law Center hosted Harvard Professor Annette Gordon-Reed who discussed Confederate iconography and racial bias.
The Law Center has made great strides toward diversity since James Lemond became the first black graduate in 1970. The 2018 entering class comprises 46.3 percent of students from minority groups, a record high. We have launched several successful programs to encourage greater diversity in the legal profession, including our award-winning Pre-Law Pipeline Program and various school outreach and mentoring programs. Our African American alumni are strong supporters of the Law Center and the University and have had successful careers.
I would like to single out just a few and encourage you to take a minute to scroll through link to our slide show to learn more.
- James Lemond '70: First African American graduate and first African American equity partner at the Winstead law firm
- Wilma Cupp Stroughter ’72: First African American woman graduate
- Meredith Duncan ’93, George Butler Research Professor of Law: First tenured African American woman law professor, and first African American woman law professor with a named professorship
- Hon. Vanessa Gilmore ’81: First graduate to be appointed federal court judge (1994-present) and at the time, the youngest federal judge appointed in the U.S.
- Sen. Royce West ’79: One of two African American Texas State Senators (1993-present)
- Xavier Lemond ’73: First African American Law Center graduate on the Board of Regents (1984-1991)
- Star Jones ’86: President, Professional Diversity Network, Former New York City Homicide Prosecutor, Emmy-Award Nominated TV Host
- Tamecia Glover ’12: First African American to serve as student regent on the Board of Regents (2011-2012). First recipient of the BLSA Alumni Scholarship
- Jarvis Hollingsworth ’93: UHLC’s first African American Law Center graduate to serve as chairman of UH Board of Regents (2013-2014)
- Victor Wright ’98: First African American president-elect of Law Alumni Association
Other African Americans have played key roles in the success of the Law Center and university, including:
- Dr. Elwyn Lee: Vice President, Neighborhood and Strategic Initiatives, UHLC’s first tenured African American law professor
- Marcilynn A. Burke: First African American associate dean for Academic Affairs, current dean of University of Oregon School of Law
- Sondra Tennessee: First African American associate dean of Student Affairs
Some have said African American history, heritage, and contributions should not be celebrated in a single, designated month, but should be incorporated and appreciated year-round as a major part of history. I agree, in part. While black history is UHLC history, it is also important once a year to focus on how big a part African Americans have played in the making of our great Law Center.
Sincerely,
Leonard M. Baynes
Dean & Professor of Law
University of Houston Law Center
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