Kristin A. Turner

The membership of the Harvard Black Law Students Association has elected Kristin A. Turner, ’17, as its president.

The membership of the Harvard Black Law Students Association has elected Kristin A. Turner, ’17, as its president. As the organization nears its 50th anniversary, Turner says she is committed to ushering the organization into a new age by “shaping its future while honoring its past.”

Turner will take the reins from the current HBLSA President, Leland S. Shelton, ’16. During his tenure, the Harvard Black Law Students Association advocated for greater diversity, inclusion, and equality at Harvard Law School.

HBLSA’s General Body also elected a new slate of officers to the Executive Board, including: Jillian M. Simons, ’18, succeeding Danielle Pingue, ’16, as External Vice President; Adabelle U. Ekechukwu, ’18, succeeding Shay N. Johnson, ‘16 as Internal Vice President; Cortney R. Robinson, ’18, succeeding Robin A. Ladd, ’17, as Secretary; and Abraham J. Williamson, ’18, succeeding Mustafa Abdul-Jabbar, ’16, as Treasurer.

The Harvard Black Law Students Association was founded in 1967. Today, HBLSA has grown to become the largest chapter in the National Black Law Students Association. Numbering over 160 members annually, HBLSA reflects the strong black community that is so integral to the diversity of Harvard Law School. HBLSA exists for the support, guidance and direction of black students in their academic, professional, and social endeavors. The organization’s main function is to assist members in the development of their legal careers and to provide opportunities for exposure to various areas and aspects of the legal profession.