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THE 58TH ANNUAL
The Wolverine Bar Foundation
Servant Leadership: BE N.I.C.E.
NOBLE ~ INNOVATIVE ~ COLLABORATIVE ~ EMPOWERING
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019
9:00PM - 1:00AM
DETROIT MARRIOTT
RENAISSANCE CENTER
Originally Founded in 1919
as the Harlan Law Club
Celebrating 100 Years of
Leadership in the Legal Community
BETTER
TOGETHER
Ogletree Deakins proudly supports
the 58th Annual Barristers’ Ball
presented by The Wolverine Bar Association
and The Wolverine Bar Foundation
With more than 850 attorneys in 53
offices in the USA, Europe, Canada, and
Mexico, Ogletree Deakins is one of the
nation’s largest labor and employment
law firms, exclusively representing
management.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT OGLETREE DEAKINS’ INCLUSION EFFORTS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Michelle P. Wimes, Chief Diversity and Professional Development Officer
michelle.wimes@ogletree.com | Phone: (816) 471-1301 | www.ogletree.com
A Message To Our Supporters Welcome to Hollywood in the D! Any marquee awards ceremony, such as the Oscars, is known for the red carpet, fanfare, star appeal, high honors, and exceptional achievements. We could not think of a better theme to commemorate the 58th Annual Barristers’ Ball! The Wolverine Bar has had a longstanding impact in the legal community and community at large for 100 years. Dedicated to the principle Equal Justice and Equal Access Under Law, we strive to achieve diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and support the community through outreach and education. Your patronage of this flagship event, among others, is absolutely vital and helps us to continue these efforts. Thus far in the 2018-19 bar year, we have continued our impactful programming for minority law students. Tonight, we are awarding 7 Damon J. Keith scholarships and 1 Wolverine Bar Foundation scholarship to well deserving, highly qualified minority students. Last month, we selected over 30 students to participate in our Judicial Externship Program at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and our Summer Clerkship Program, which places students at esteemed firms and corporations. For years, both programs have launched and sustained the careers of many attorneys; I can personally attest to the power of these programs having been a fortunate participant nearly 10 years ago. Recognizing the importance of ensuring minorities successfully progress through the pipeline, the Wolverine Bar has also bolstered programming to positively build into grade level students. Specifically, we have continued our partnership with Pretty Brown Girl to sponsor a club geared at empowering young girls and garnering an early interest in a legal career and, new this year, we instituted an initiative directed toward male youth entitled “Mighty Young Men” with SDM2 Project Education. Pretty Brown Girl was ranked by NBC News as one of the top seven organizations dedicated to empowering girls of color, with a mission to educate girls of color and encourage self-acceptance by cultivating social, emotional and intellectual well-being. SDM2 connects with students through homework and literacy support after-school programming, youth mentorship, food distributions, a community garden, and an inner-city camp experience; monthly sessions under our Mighty Young Men moniker are held at SDM2’s headquarters right in the local neighborhood. And the Wolverine Bar is also gearing up for our routine work with students in urban area schools to promote future careers in the law via Just the Beginning’s Summer Legal Institute for students. JTB offers free education pipeline programming for students, with a mission to inspire the underrepresented, underserved and at-risk populations and increase the diversity in the legal profession. As public servants and officers of the court, our civic duties extend to the community at large. To that end, we teamed up with Street Democracy for the Street Outreach Court Detroit initiative at 36th District Court; Wolverine Bar has committed to 4 cases per month primarily focused on low-level misdemeanors, traffic issues, and civil infractions. Staying in the lane of pro bono work, yet again we are excited to partner with Lakeshore Legal Aid, State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section, and D. Augustus Straker Bar Association for Dela Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Detroit Alumnae Chapter’s annual expungement clinic in April 2019. This truly remarkable event anticipates impacting over 300 citizens and will provide services such as application preparation, free fingerprinting, fee waivers, and no-cost court representation. This year’s Bar Theme is “Servant Leadership: BE N.I.C.E. (Noble, Innovative, Collaborative, Empowering)”. With a distinct focus on these four pillars, my aim has been to return us back to our roots and remember our why. Each of us are standing on the shoulders of giants that have come before us, so it is critical that we always lift as we climb. Let us all move forward with this powerful premise in mind, realizing that while much has been done, there is so much more to do. Tonight, we will celebrate under the flashing lights. Thank you for your continued support and enjoy this spectacular evening among the best of Southeastern Michigan! Warmly, Jerome Crawford, Esq. President, 2018 – 2019 Wolverine Bar Association and Wolverine Bar Foundation SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9
Acknowledgements
2018-2019 WBA/WBF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jerome Crawford, President Alex Simpson, Immediate Past President Jessica Herron
Terrence J.L. Reeves, President-Elect Fallon Booth Diane Hutcherson
Macie Tuiasosopo-Gaines, Treasurer Tiffany Boyd Eric M. Mathis
Kim Ward, Assistant Treasurer Randal Brown Shanta S.W. McMullan
Jasmine Rippy, Secretary Jehan Crump-Gibson Randall Tatem
WOLVERINE BAR FOUNDATION STAFF
Tim Davis
2019 BALL COMMITTEE
Tiffany Boyd • Jessica Herron • Diane Hutcherson • Eric Mathis • Terrence J.L. Reeves
Alex Simpson • Samantha Smith • Randall Tatem • Kim L. Ward
2019 FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Randal Brown • Jehan Crump-Gibson • Randall Tatem • Kim Ward • Terrence J.L. Reeves
2019 BALL PROJECT CONSULTANT
Tonette Bryant-Carter, The Bryant Agency LLC
2019 BALL PHOTOGRAPHER
Rogers Wm. Foster – Rogers Wm. Foster Photography
2019 BALL VIDEOGRAPHER
Kory Woods
2019 BALL GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Colleen Harrower, Graphic Design Divas
2019 BALL SIGNAGE
Persuasive Design Group
2019 BALL SOCIAL MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Tiana Starks, TS2 Consulting
2019 PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT
Herb the Artist
2019 STAGE MANAGER
Taffeka Williams
2019 BALL ENTERTAINMENT
Bruce Bailey • Angela Davis • DJ Jinx • DJ Steady Rock • Ted Thomas • Sundiata • Brandon Clay Rose
2019 BALL BISTRO ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Breeze • DJ Yeezy
2019 AFTERGLOW ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Epik
2019 AFTERGLOW PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER
Herman Jenkins Flysho Creative Group
2019 BALL AV AND LIGHTING
Dorian Price, Kustom Sounds Detroit • Allen Carter, Carter’s Sound & Sight Events and Design
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9
Thank You
The Wolverine Bar Association and Wolverine Bar Foundation thank the following event sponsors for their generous support
Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
President’s Reception Sponsor
Media Partners
DPTV • IHeart Radio • Michigan Chronicle
Native Detroit, Greg Dunmore and Rolling Out Magazine • Radio One • WDIV
Evrod Cassimy
WDIV Morning Host
President's Reception - Master of Ceremonies
2019 Pipeline to Practice Honorees
Pretty Brown Girl, Sheri Crawley
SDM2 Mighty Young Men, Willie and Jacqueline Moore
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9
2019 Wolverine Bar Foundation
Scholarship Recipient
The Wolverine Bar Foundation Scholarship
Awarded to law students that have exhibited leadership and
dedication in the community. The award is based on need and merit.
Debani Gordon attends Michigan State University College of Law. Attended undergrad
at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw Georgia where she graduated Summa Cum
Laude with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She currently serve as the President of the
Women’s Law Caucus, the Treasurer of the Black Law Students Association, the VP of
Operations for the Christian Legal Society, and as a MSU Law Ambassador. Plans to serve
as a litigator.
2019 Damon J. Keith Scholarship Recipients
The Damon J. Keith Scholarship
Established in 1995 to commemorate Judge Keith taking senior status on the Sixth Circuit Court
of Appeals. The scholarship is based on merit and is awarded to law students that emulate the type
of commitment to social equality and combating racism that has been demonstrated by
Judge Keith throughout his career.
Kristoffer Butler is currently in his third year at Detroit Mercy School of Law where
he is the SBA Executive President, founder of the Detroit Mercy Mental Health Alliance,
member of BLSA and host of the ABA national Law student podcast. Before law school,
I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in International
Relations and a minor in Spanish. He graduates with his JD this May.
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9
2019 Damon J. Keith Scholarship Recipients
Jailah Emerson is a second-year law student at Detroit Mercy Law. She received a
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. Jailah currently serves
as Women’s Law Caucus Vice President, 2L Class Vice President, and she is a member
of Moot Court, and Law Review. She is also a current extern for the Honorable Victoria
Roberts. Jailah was recently elected as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association
and Managing Editor of Detroit Mercy Law Review. Jailah is a first-generation college and
law students to join and succeed in the legal profession. She will graduate with her Juris
Doctor degree this May.
Monique Eubank is a 2020 J.D. candidate at Wayne State Law School. She is President
of the Wayne State chapter of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and a member of
the Women’s Law Caucus. She earned both her BBA and MBA at Wayne State University.
Currently, Monique teaches Law in High School at her alma mater Cass Technical High
School. Monique is a mother to one son, Cameron.n, her favorite and most accomplished
role has been being a mother to her son, Cameron.
Keshava Kirkland is the mother of a beautiful 6-year old boy and a third-year student
at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and proud alumnus of Michigan
State University. She is currently the president of UDM’s Black Law Students Association
(BLSA).
Keshava received the Dean’s Scholarship for Excellence, Dean’s Social Justice Scholarship,
and was recently given a service award. Keshava serves as an Associate Board Director for
Moot Court.
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9
2019 Damon J. Keith Scholarship Recipients
Herman Moncure, Herman Moncure, is a 3L year, attending Western Michigan
University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is currently on Honor Roll and the Dean’s List
for his academic performance. He is an at-large member of both local and national Black
Law Students Association organizations.
He graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business
Administration degree in Economics. Herman Moncure is currently the Senior Real Estate
& Asset Management Analyst for Wayne State University’s Real Estate & Asset Management
Department.
Cheryl Mitchell Cheryl Mitchell is a 2020 J.D. candidate at University of Detroit Mercy
School of Law. She is currently a member of the Law Review, Moot Court Board of Advocates,
and Secretary for the Black Law Students Association. Cheryl has co-founded a pipeline program
that will assist minorities and underprivileged individuals gain the resources to pursue law
school.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, Cheryl taught English
in Madrid, Spain. She later returned to work at an immigration firm in Metro Detroit.
"Lanita’s proudest accomplishment is becoming a mother to her beautiful daughter, Amara Wesley.
Alexis Smith-Scott Alexis Smith-Scott graduated from Wayne State University, with
a B.A. in Public Relations and Marketing. Following her stint as VP of Marketing and
Business Development with the State of Michigan Secretary of State Television Network,
Alexis co-founded a Public Relations and Marketing firm in Birmingham, Michigan.
While at Wayne Law School, Alexis is a Governor-at-large for the Wayne Law Student
Board of Governors. She was appointed to the law school’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
committee. She also serves on the Executive Board of the Wayne Law Black Law
Student Association as the Community Chair . Alexis is a devoted Wife and Mother to her
supportive husband and their two young children.contributed expertise to community based
advisory boards, and engaged in fundraising to support a variety of initiatives. Alexis is a devoted Wife and Mother to her
supportive husband and their two young children.
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9
2018-2019 Wolverine Bar Association Financial Members Laurie Aaron Charity Renee Dean Clayton V. Johnson Chantez L. Pattman Knowles Fatima Youssef Abdallah Raymond D. Diggs Linda D. Johnson Nashara A. L. Peart Anthony Abro Godfrey J. Dillard James Johnson Todd Russell Perkins Jean-Vierre T. Adams Theresa Doss David W. Jones Edwin Piner Moriam M. Aigoro Arthur Dudley, II Morgan Jones Yasmine Isshak Poles Ayanna Alcendor Prentis Edwards Donovan Jones Leanna D. Poole Hend M. Alhakam Ralph El Badaoui Alicia A. Jones-Coleman Harold D. Pope, III Laura Alton Tanya Renae Elzy Shirley A. Kaigler Choi T. Portis Ahmed Amin Jailah D. Emerson Neema Katibai Jabari V. Prempeh, II Janet Anderson-Davis Roeiah A. Epps Joseph Marcus Kemp Roshunda L. Price Geaneen M. Arends Taylor Leeanne Ester ChristinaV. Kennedy Terrence G. Quinn Gladys L. Ayala Monique S. Eubanks Kanza Hareem Khan Mary Rabban Lauren Ayoub Kunle A. Fadipe Livia Khemmoro Terrence J. L. Reeves Chandra W. Baker Matin Fallahi Isra Khuja Shirley Marilyn Rivas Joseph Leonardo Barroso Jocelyn C. Flemons Celeste C. Kinney Portia L. Roberson Brenda T. Bates Dandridge Floyd Keshava A. Kirkland Marlo J. Roebuck Jynnifer E. Bates Robbie J. Gaines, Jr. Lynda S. Krupp Danielle Denise Rogers Lorena Victoria Bejan Pamela R. Galloway Deborah Lewis Langston Larry Justin-Gian Sanders Linda D. Bernard Austin W. Garrett Daryl Kim Lawrence Charles R. Scales, Jr. Ali Ayad Berro Antonia Rae Giles Calyssa D. Lawyer Taylor L. Seals Angeline Billups Lea Glenn Morgan L. Lear Deanthony D. Shaw Fallon B. Booth Debani Tanay Gordon Loren Lee Matthew Shina Jewuel Monet Boswell Keyana M. Gosa Lauren Lemonious Midhet Shkoukani Arial L. Bouie Leslie T. Graves Qiana D. Lillard Sherwin Shushtari Jeremy Darnell Bowie Donovan E. Greening Edward J. Littlejohn Alexander Simpson, II Tiffany A. Boyd Mazen Hajali Jennifer L. Long Samantha Mary-Rae Smith Ulysses W. Boykin Verkeydia S. Hall Michele Lucas-Narcisse Alexis Smith Erron Boykin Rayan H. Harajli Nancy Maarraoui Gina L. Smith-Gallant Rejanae Brooks Lauren Debra Harrington Brittany M. Mackie Cassandra Lynn Sollitto Ka’Nea K. Brooks Freyja Harris Charles Edward Mahone II Khalilah V. Spencer Margaret L. M. Brown Terrence Randall Haugabook Eric Michael Mathis Craig S. Strong Randal M. Brown Ron L. Haywood Jacquelyn A. McClinton Ronda L. Tate Truvillion Demetria Brue Lindsay Hazen Robyn L. McCoy Grace M. Thomas E. Lynise Bryant James W. Heath Khadijah McFadden Lisa Whitney Timmons Briaunna Elaine Buckner Norrel D. Hemphill Shanta S. W. McMullan Macie D. A. Tuiasosopo-Gaines Harold W. Bulger, Jr. Paige Alexandra Henry Beatrice K. Pennie Millender Ethan Vinson Kristoffer Butler Nadine Ali Hessi Nicole Miller Michael E. Wagner Michelle A. Carter Pierce Matthew High Cylenthia LaToye Miller Shannon N. Walker Alexander Choi Adrienne L. Hinnant-Johnson Cheryl J. Mitchell Kimberly L. Ward Ponce D. Clay Nhan Ho Catherine Mitchell Stephanie Renee Watkins Ayanna C. Clinton Denise Page Hood Edward C. Mitchell Adrienne C. Watts Brandi A.Collins Jenifer Horn Dustin Patrick Morris Arius M. Webb Margaret A. Costello Katila L. Howard Denise Langford Morris Jason R. Webber Jerome Crawford Lynden Howard Abdallah Majed Moughni Rhonda D. Welburn Jehan G. Crump-Gibson Keyontay Humphries Brandon Mungo Teri D. Whitehead James P. Cunningham Monica N. Hunt James A. Murray Sharae’ L. Williams Nadine M. Dabaja Shannon W. Husband David Murray Eric Christopher Williams Mustapha Daher Diane Hutcherson Fadel M. Nabilsi Larry D. Williams Ann Malayang Daley Henry E. Ibe Ayat Nizam Solomon Furious Worlds Eakta Dave Mark Janssen Sherry Dionne O’Neal Renee Wright Deja M. Davis AliReda Basam Jeafar Naomi N. Oglesby Benjamin Wu Edmon Adam Dawood Patricia L. Jefferson Linda V. Parker Mohamad Adnan Zawahra SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9
2018-2019 Wolverine Bar Association Sustaining Members
Ponce D. Clay
Godfrey J. Dillard
Arthur Dudley, II
Michelle D. Johnson Tidjani
Cylenthia LaToye Miller
Linda V. Parker
Todd Russell Perkins
Harold D. Pope , III
Alexander Simpson, II
Craig S. Strong
Ronda L. Tate Truvillion
Rhonda D. Welburn
Wolverine Bar Association Past Presidents
*Hon. Donald Hobson *William B. Daniel Hon. Linda V. Parker
*Willis Graves George R. Ashford Alison R. Nelson
*Chester Smith Charles Pierson Kenneth T. Watkins
C. Beth Duncombe *Willa Mae King Sheila Y. Walker
*Harold E. Bledsoe Elliott S. Hall *Kelvin W. Scott
*William A. Bell Stanley R. Kirk Linda D. Johnson
*Samuel C. Gardner Hon. Sylvia A. James Hon. Cylenthia L. Miller
*Wynne C. Garvin *Myzell Sowell Aretha L. Glover-Bohannon
Hon. Dennis W. Archer Hon. Sharon McPhail Lionel C. Sims, Jr.
*Edward W. Peterson Charles R. Scales, Jr. Diane Hutcherson
*Hon. Louis F. Simmons, Jr. Hon. Victoria A. Roberts David B. Cade
*Francis Dent Saul A. Green Sherrie L. Farrell
Samuel L. Simpson *Kenneth L. Lewis Michelle A. Carter
*Judson B. Powell Leslie T. Graves Brandy Y. Robinson
*Perceival R. Piper Camille Stearns Mille T.L. Summerville
*Hon. Myron H. Wahls Darwyn P. Fair Niesa Trent Fagan
*Fred K. Persons John E. Johnson, Jr. Ronda L. Tate-Truvillion
*Edward F. Bell Reginald M. Turner, Jr. Chantez Pattman Knowles
*Ernest Richards Etta L. Lipson Randal M. Brown
Hon. Craig S. Strong Julie A. Gibson Jehan G. Crump-Gibson
BOLD - Gold Sustaining Alexander Simpson, II
* Deceased
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9Wolverine Bar Association / Wolverine Bar Foundation
2019 Harlan Award Honorees
Myra L. Anderson, Generational Leadership Recipient
Myra Anderson was born and raised in Detroit and, like her son, attended Cass Technical High School.
She holds a BA in economics from the University of Michigan and received her Master’s Degree from
New York University. She has been employed as a public middle school teacher, in programs for adults
returning to obtain diplomas or GED’s, and in a number of supplemental educational programs. Prior
to motherhood, Myra worked as an actress in numerous television commercials, industrial films, and
off Broadway theater, and as a senior flight attendant for a major airline. For the past nine years, Myra
has served as the Sean Anderson Foundation’s Executive Director and President.The recent event was a
success and Mari helped over 1,000 Flint students head back to school with the supplies they needed!
Sean Anderson, Generational Leadership Recipient
Sean Anderson, raised in Detroit since he was an eight week old infant, attended the Detroit Waldorf
School where as a young child he told everyone that he wanted to be a rapper. Later, as a student at Cass
Technical High School, a nationally recognized college preparatory school, despite being laughed at and
ridiculed, Sean still clung to his dream of being a rapper. He religiously competed every Friday night for
almost two years on a local radio station’s Friday Night Cypher, which ultimately lead to his being discov-
ered by Kanye West. It was the contact of a lifetime, which led to Sean’s signing with G.O.O.D. Music in
late 2007, and his subsequent signing to Def Jam in 2008.
As they say, the rest is history. To date, Big Sean has sold over 15 million records, has numerous gold and
multi-platinum recordings, has won a slew of awards – including, MTV’s “Hottest MCs” List of the Year, BET’s Rookie of the Year,
MTV’s Video With a Social Message Award, and in 2014 became the first rapper to ever perform at The White House. While his pro-
fessional work as a music artist keeps him extremely busy, Sean always makes time to use his resources and his voice to give back to the
community and those in need through his Detroit based non-profit, the Sean Anderson Foundation.
Captain Mildred V. Leonard (Posthumously),
Generational Leadership Recipient
She was a black female Captain in World War 2 (one of the 1st), got her degree at West Virginia State
University, and her Masters degree at U of M. After school she became a Police Officer in Detroit, which
at the time was very rare for women to be officers in Detroit. She then became a caring school teacher and
counselor. Big Sean references her as the best grandma anyone could ever ask for. From the Sunday din-
ners, home cooked meals, and how special she made family feel on our birthdays by baking us the cakes
we loved most. She put her heart and more into anything she was involved in.
She gave as much as she could to her family and the world! She completely made something out of nothing. When I was growing up,
there were people interviewing my grandma about her life because she¹s done and seen so many amazing things. She supported me
so much in every aspect and part of my life, even when I went against what was becoming a tradition in our family, and I didn¹t go to
college to pursue music. She made a better life for me and the rest of my family, and I will forever be grateful I got to know and be loved
by such an amazing woman! I¹m so proud of her. She was truly a treasure to this world and everyone she came in contact with. She¹s
the reason why I¹m so passionate about giving back.
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9Wolverine Bar Association / Wolverine Bar Foundation
2019 Harlan Award Honorees
Hill Harper, Community Investment Recipient
Hill Harper is an award winning actor, best selling author and philanthropist. Harper starred on the CBS
TV drama CSI NY from 2004to 2013. He most recently starred on USA's "Covert Affairs" and returned to
CBS as Agent Boyle in the new drama "Limitless". Harper is the author of four New York Times best-sell-
ers and has earned seven NAACP Image Awards for his writing and acting. Harper is the founder of the
Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, dedicated to empowering underserved youth through mentorship,
scholarships and grant programs.
Harper graduated magna cum laude as valedictorian of his department with a bachelor's degree from
Brown University and cum laude with a Juris Doctorate degree from Harvard Law School. He also holds
a master's degree with honors from Harvard's University's Kennedy School of Government and has an Honorary Doctoral Degrees
from Winston-Salem State University, Cheyney, Westfield State College, Tougaloo College, Dillard University, LeMoyne-Owen College
and Howard University. Harper travels frequently as a motivational speaker, addressing a wide range of audiences, including youth,
adults, couples and business leaders. 2014, People Magazine named him one of their Sexiest Men Alive.
Leuitenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, II, Civic Service Recipient
Lt. Governor-Elect Garlin Gilchrist has dedicated his career to fixing problems for hardworking families.
From spearheading campaigns for equality and justice to harnessing technology to solve everyday prob-
lems for Detroiters, his focus has consistently remained on serving the public by getting things done.
Bringing Michigan’s state government fully into the 21st century is a top priority for Lt. Governor-Elect
Gilchrist. He brings a lifetime of experience to the task, receiving his first computer at age five and setting
up a computer lab in the community recreation center using computers that he built himself at age 16. Lt.
Governor-Elect Gilchrist studied computer engineering and computer science at the University of Michi-
gan, graduating with honors, and later had a successful career as a software engineer at Microsoft, helping to build SharePoint into the
fastest growing product in the company’s history.
During his time in Seattle, Gilchrist served as Social Media Manager for the 2008 Obama campaign in Washington, where he helped
launch a national text message program to recruit volunteers. He later served as the first Director of New Media at the Center for
Community Change in Washington, D.C., and spent three years as National Campaign Director at MoveOn.org, where he spearheaded
equity and justice campaigns, including fighting to expand Medicaid in states with Republican governors, like Michigan.
Portia Roberson, Civic Service Recipient
Roberson has spent the past four years as Group Executive of the City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion
and Opportunity Department, worked to ensure all major economic developments projects within the city
adhere to hiring Detroit-headquartered or Detroit-based businesses, allowing Detroit workers opportu-
nities for employment. During her tenure, Portia lead the charge on how Michigan and Detroit-based
businesses can work together to enhance local employment. Prior to this position, she served as Corpo-
ration Counsel for the Law Department, White House Domestic Policy Council for “Strong Cities, Strong
Communities” and Director, Office of Intergovernmental and Public Liaison, under Eric Holder, Attorney
General.
Roberson is a well-known public speaker, serving as an on-camera analyst on WDIV’s Flashpoint and Court TV and has extensive
volunteer experience throughout the Metro Detroit area, serving as a Board Member for Michigan Political History Society, Habitat
for Humanity, ACLU and Delta Manor. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Wolverine Bar Association. Roberson is
a graduate of Cass Technical High School, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor where she majored in English and holds a JD from
Wayne State University Law School.
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9Wolverine Bar Association / Wolverine Bar Foundation
2019 Harlan Community Partner Awards
Pretty Brown Girl
Our volunteer women attorneys interact on a weekly basis during a 15-week curriculum to
provide exposure and insight into a career in the legal field. Ranked by NBC News as one of the
top of seven organizations dedicated to empowering girls of color, Pretty Brown Girl’s mission
is to educate girls of color and encourage self-acceptance by cultivating social, emotional and
intellectual well-being. This WBF-sponsored club is geared at helping Pretty Brown Girl achieve
this mission and garnering an early interest in law.
SDM2 (Mighty Young Men)
Jacqueline Moore is a community advocate, youth supporter, motivational speaker, accomplished
trainer and transformer, and lover of Detroit. As a champion for our youth, Jacqueline
is committed to ensuring that each young person that crosses her path is presented with
opportunities to help them reach their full potential. ‘You can’t build a community without
investing in the growth and development of youth.’
Through her non-profit organization, SDM2 Project Education she has implemented a homework
and literacy support after-school programming, youth mentorship, food distributions, a
community garden, and inner-city camp experience. Jacqueline uses each of these to push youth to
eliminate acceptance of mediocrity, combat stereotypical branding, bust generational barriers, and
all other obstructions that would prevent youth from transcending to greatness.
2019 Golden Gavel Recipients
April Miller Boise ~ Tonit Callway ~ Latrina Edwards
Kiffi Ford ~ Tamika Frimpong ~ Bradley Gayton
Angelique Strong Marks ~ Michelle Carter Pierce
Joni Thrower ~ Michelle Johnson-Tidjani ~ Ronald Torbert
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 92019 Entertainment
President’s Reception
Herb the Artist
Barristers’ Ball
DJ Bruce Baily Angela Davis DJ Jinx
Ted Thomas DJ Steady Sundiata Brandon Clay Rose
Bistro Afterglow
DJ Breeze DJ Yeezy DJ Epik
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9Pipeline Initiative
The Judicial Externship Program (JEP) seeks to increase the representation of minority law school gradu-
ates among the ranks of judicial clerks. The JEP Program achieves this goal by helping well-qualified minority
law students gain valuable experience as judicial externs in the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Michigan (federal) and the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan (county). The program at the feder-
al court typically takes place during the students’ summer break, while the program at the county court will
take place during the school year. Program participants have the option of either receiving a modest stipend
of $1,500.00 or law school credit (most students choose the stipend). To date, there have been over nearly 300
Program participants and the Foundation has provided over $400,000 in stipends. The JEP Program is a pow-
erful mechanism for externs to establish relationships with judges and federal law clerks, further their analyt-
ical reasoning and legal writing skills, and become comfortable with the decision-making process that judges
employ. In addition, externs are exposed to the practical application of the law.
The Scholarship Program provides deserving minority law students with financial awards. The Foundation
administers two scholarships. Law students of all ages, ethnic, gender and racial backgrounds are encouraged
to submit applications for these prestigious awards. The Damon J. Keith Scholarship was established in 1995
by the Wolverine Bar Foundation to commemorate Judge Keith taking senior status on the Sixth Circuit Court
of Appeals. The Damon J. Keith Scholarship is based on merit and is awarded to law students that emulate
the type of commitment to social equality and combating racism that has been demonstrated by Judge Keith
throughout his career. Based on need, the Wolverine Bar Foundation Scholarship is awarded to law students
that have exhibited leadership and dedication to the community. Last year at the Ball, we awarded five area
law students with scholarship awards, with top awards at $5,0000.
The Summer Clerkship Program: In partnership with several law firms and corporations, the WBF places
first-year, minority law students in clerkship positions that will provide opportunities to establish a network of
contacts, develop practice skills, and acquire other intangible benefits. Working in a challenging professional
environment will allow the participants to gain the skills to launch a successful legal career. The Program pro-
vides participating employers an additional mechanism to accomplish individual diversity goals and express
their commitment to, and underscore the importance of, diversity in the legal community.
Pretty Brown Girl: This year, the WBF has sponsored the first Pretty Brown Girl club at MacArthur School
in Southfield, Michigan. In addition to financial support, our volunteer women attorneys interact on a weekly
basis during a 15-week curriculum to provide exposure and insight into a career in the legal field. Ranked
by NBC News as one of the top of seven organizations dedicated to empowering girls of color, Pretty Brown
Girl’s mission is to educate girls of color and encourage self-acceptance by cultivating social, emotional and
intellectual well-being. This WBF-sponsored club is geared at helping Pretty Brown Girl achieve this mission
and garnering an early interest in law.
SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9Pipeline Initiative Mumford High School Justice Project: The WBF was contacted by Ryan Ferguson of Flyback Productions to craft a fact pattern for the students participating in the Justice Project at Mumford High School on Detroit’s west side. Two civics classes were chosen to present a case regarding an officer-involved shooting (one for the pros- ecution, one for the defense). They practiced for weeks with two skilled volunteer attorneys guiding them. The students ultimately tried the case before a jury of their peers with the Honorable Denise Page Hood of the United States District Court presiding. The students’ experiences throughout this process were filmed- as was the trial - and a documentary will be created. The WBF has supported this project in many ways- including financially. Going forward, Mumford and the WBF will be partnering on an annual mock trial project for Mumford students to participate in. The Principal of Mumford, Nir Saar and Ryan Ferguson of Flyback Productions will be honored at this year’s President’s Reception immediately preceding the Barristers’ Ball. Cornerstone Partner/Friends Program is an unforgettable experience with an opportunity to leave an indelible mark on a child’s life forever. WBA members who volunteer as mentors for this program come on as “Friends.” Partners and Friends attend four, two-hour mornings throughout the school year and spend time with the same student(s) or classroom thus, developing lasting relationships. A Partner and Friend’s role are to encourage, sup- port, and inspire a student while broadening his or her vision of what is possible in life. In return, the Partners and Friends receive the grace and fulfillment of being a positive example to a child. Wolverine Bar Association Advocating, Inspiring & Mentoring (AIM) Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters part- nered members with approximately 15-20 students at Osborne High School allowing them to gain exposure of mock trial, critical thinking, decision making, listening skills. Lewis & Munday PC in downtown Detroit hosted monthly mentor sessions. The focus of the program is aimed at engaging high school youth with adult mentors in educational and fun activities that explore various themes of career development. Students from Osborn High School were matched with mentors on a monthly basis. Just The Beginning is a Pipeline Organization (JTB) ® offers free educational pipeline programming for stu- dents in middle school, high school, college, and law school with a mission to inspire under-represented, un- der-served and at-risk students and increase the diversity in the legal profession. The WBF has supported JTB fi- nancially and has served as “ambassadors” for JTB. In the future, we will be going into urban area schools talking to students about future careers in the law and encouraging them to participate in JTB programming, namely, the Summer Legal Institute (SLI) program for high school students. The goal of the SLI is to enhance skill sets that are essential for students to progress successfully through high school, college and law school. Scholars experience interactive sessions that will develop skills such as reading, writing, critical thinking, professional etiquette, financial literacy and public speaking. Community Outreach: The WBF coordinates and provides free legal education programs, pro bono services, and charitable events focused on helping metro Detroiters. Our outreach ranges from financial literacy program- ming, voter education programs, expungement workshops, lunch and learns at local homeless shelters, and much more. Recently, we have partnered with Mariners Inn in Detroit. Our members have served meals and provided free legal advice to the residents in need. SAT URD AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 9
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COLLEGE OF LAW commends Spartan
lawyer Jerome Crawford, ’12, for his service
as President of the Wolverine Bar Association,
(WBA). The MSU Law community also proudly
recognizes alumni Jessica Herron, ’13, and
Randall Tatem, ’14, for their service on the
WBA’s Board of Directors.
Since our founding in 1891, the Law College has produced
outstanding advocates from a wide range of backgrounds.
By recruiting and retaining a diverse student body, the
Law College continues its century-long commitment
to providing a superior legal education to talented
individuals from all communities.
MSU Law Diversity & Equity Services Office law.msu.edu/students/diversity.htmlBAR ASSOCI
LV E RI N E ATIO
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Thank You to the following
PAST PRESIDENTS AND DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS
for your contribution towards law student programs and the
Celebration of 100 Years!
The Wolverine Bar Association was founded in 1919 as the Harlan Law Club.
Names and donations accepted through June 1st.
Name will be engraved and memorialized on a Commemorative Plaque.
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Visit us online at law.udmercy.eduYou can also read
