Boston College BLSA Spring Conference

885 Centre Street,Newton MA 02459

09 April, 2022

Description

Our Canvas: Painting a New Boston The next next generation of Boston must blossom with the rich culture of each of the city’s diverse communities. The Boston College Law BLSA Spring Conference will provide space to reflect, interrogate, and chart our own course as we envision our place in this city. Each of us holds a brush to paint a significant stroke towards a more inclusive and complete Boston. Conference Agenda: 10:15- 11:30: A New Canvas: Painting a New Boston Why We Should Stay: Building up the Black Community of Boston Boston overflows with rich Black history that shaped the city from its earliest colonial period to modern times. Black pioneers such as Phyllis Wheatley, Prince Hall, and Crispus Attucks laid the foundation for heroes like Frederick Douglass, David Walker, and, later, W.E.B. Dubois. Laurence Banks, Doris Bunte, and Bill Owens blew open the doors for leaders such as Deval Patrick, Ayanna Pressley, and Rachael Rollins. All of these individuals, and many, many more, committed themselves to improving the experience for Black Bostonians. Yet, in 2022, Boston is not the same shining “city upon a hill.” Each year thousands of Black students come to Boston for its educational opportunities only to leave shortly after for a more comfortable, opportunity-filled location. The question we must ask ourselves is: WHY? 11:45-1:15: Luncheon: How to attain racial progress in an ever-polarizing society? Race, racism, and inequality have never been more salient in America than over the past few years, particularly in the aftermath of the police murder of George Floyd. Yet, many argue that racial progress has stalled. Conceivably, momentum slowed with complacency in response to the election of President Barack Obama in 2008. Perhaps, more recently, while social consciousness rises, greater challenges materialize and obstruct any progress. Regardless of the source, our society has grown more polarized across political and social issues. As future lawyers and change agents, how do we influence reform and healing in this every-divisive political climate? 1:30-2:30: Black Mental Health: Taking Care of Ourselves The practice of law is one of the most stressful careers that one can attain. The weight of double-consciousness as a Black American intensifies this pressure, particularly for individuals dedicated to institutional changes. Recent research has indicated that Black attorneys struggle with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, at greater rates than other groups. It is critical that we examine ways to care for our mental well-being while striving for personal career goals and advocating for social change.