Greetings, NBLSA family,

​

I greet you all in pure joy and excitement for the future of our beloved Association. My name is Nastassia “Tazzy” Janvier, a rising 3L at the Howard University School of Law, hailing from the State of Florida. On behalf of the 57th National Board of Directors for the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), I am excited to lead us with a servant's heart and dedicated spirit, and guide us through a successful year as your 58th National Chairwoman and CEO.

​

Each choice we make is an investment in today’s commitment and tomorrow’s outcome. My commitment to each and every member of our Association rests within our theme for this year: Investing in Our Future: NBLSA’s March Towards 60 – Mobilizing Our Voices Through Strategy, Advocacy, and Power. Though we may hold these positions for a short time, let us never forget the impact we have in maximizing this crucial moment and ensuring that a few years from now when our dear NBLSA celebrates 60 we fortify our strength as change agents of the Association.

​

In a polarized society, we have no choice but to ensure NBLSA leads courageously and remains here for tomorrow. In three concrete ways, we will help expand our Association's reach and prepare our members for the realities of the legal landscape, while empowering and preparing us to shift necessary culture and become innovative reconcilers in every room we step into.

​

Through (1) Diversifying the Legal Profession, we look to increase recruitment and enrollment efforts for Black law students. We will accomplish this through intentional leadership programs, mentorship, and financial support for pre-law students. The goal is simple: give pre-law students more tools in their toolbox to maximize their opportunity and experience by the time they get to law school. Through leadership calls with our pre-law chapter leaders, outreach recruitment tours with LSAC, and ensuring more access to resources like discounted LSAT prep courses, NBLSA will uplift the next generation of law students to understand why their presence is vital in the legal profession. As current law students continue to take the mantle in enhancing their legal skills, we will increase the number of pipeline programs available to our members and expand academic success through study opportunities nationwide. I promise to ensure more access to different areas of law including but not limited to civil rights, public interest, corporate, government and many more. To cement our commitment we celebrated Juneteenth launching our economic justice program which provided an opportunity for Black students to learn about building Black wealth through estate, trust, and wills planning in partnership with the District of Columbia Bar Association. Through intentional partnerships with the American Bar Association and local Bar Associations, we look to support members as they matriculate from Black law students to Black attorneys.

​

I see a need for us to invest in (2) Building Sustainable Infrastructure around financial stewardship, increased opportunities for bulk membership, and stronger development for the association’s operations. The Association’s well-being relies on our membership. Accordingly, I will work to ensure the affordability of membership dues. As a leader who has managed various boards and budgets, I understand the crucial need to strengthen our financial operations and serve as stewards of financial resources by implementing accountability systems and metrics from a national, regional, and local level. Our team hit the ground running with our Joint Board Retreat in Atlanta, Georgia. We brought over 80 student leaders to be trained on corporate governance, policies, procedures, and built communities through team-building exercises, all while launching this year’s strategic plan.

​

Last but certainly not least, I am committed to leading our Association to invest in (3) Fighting for the Civil Rights of Black Law Students and the Black Community. As we all know, to whom much is given, much is required. As Black scholars, strategists, and advocates, it is up to us to hold universities accountable for attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion. After bringing together over 150 chapter leaders for our first Chapter Presidents Leadership Call, it was clear that the heartbeat of our Association is in good hands. The obligation rests with us to protect Black law students and the educational rights afforded to us in Brown v. Board of Education. As such, our Charles Hamilton Houston Symposium this year grounds us in the importance of safeguarding Black education. Simultaneously, we must protect and fight for our access to democracy to remain uninterrupted in a vital election year by engaging in poll monitoring and get-out-to-vote campaigns. Lastly, we will ensure that Black identity is not weaponized after the rollbacks of affirmative action. We will amplify the stories of Black law students and not shy away from showcasing all that we have to offer. As Charles Hamilton Houston informed us, a lawyer is “either a social engineer or a parasite on society.”

​

Thank you, and may our work continue unto the liberation of all Black people everywhere.

​

Sincerely,

​​

Nastassia "Tazzy" Janvier

58th National Chair & Chief Executive Officer