NCCU School of Law publishes Of Counsel Magazine. The publication is supported by the Title III Program. Approximately 4,000 copies of this issue were printed at a cost of $3.03 each. A total of $12,131.00 is supported by Title III funding with the remaining $11,166.50 paid for by private donations.
Cover: This edition Of Counsel Magazine commemorates the 85th Anniversary of North Carolina Central University School of Law.
p. 42
p. 22
p. 18
Message
Dear
nCCU law CoMMUnity,
I am delighted to announce the release of our fall edition Of Counsel Magazine, celebrating the 85th anniversary of North Carolina Central University School of Law. This significant milestone reflects our commitment to legal excellence, diversity, and service.
froM Dean PatriCia tiMMons-gooDson
We take immense pride in honoring the legacy of our founders, and the diverse generations of students who have shaped the fabric of our institution. Their collective contributions have transformed them into leaders in the legal profession. The indelible impact of NCCU School of Law on the legal landscape cannot be overstated — one out of every five judges in North Carolina is a proud graduate of our school.
Our nation would be markedly different without the invaluable contributions of lawyers who graduated from NCCU School of Law.
Since its establishment in 1939, NCCU School of Law, one of only six Historically Black Law Schools remaining in the country, has produced a lineage of lawyers, judges, policymakers, and scholars. Founded during a time when African Americans were barred from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, our institution emerged as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring African American lawyers.
Over the years, our alumni have excelled as pioneers in the legal field, embodying the principles instilled by our institution. Their influence resonates across communities, courtrooms, and society at large.
Recent Supreme Court rulings on key issues such as affirmative action and reproductive rights underscore the continued relevance of NCCU School of Law in shaping legal discourse, and advocating for marginalized and
underrepresented communities.
Embracing progress, we have welcomed new faculty members, a diverse administrative team, and innovative program initiatives that uphold our core values of social justice, innovation, and public service. Our institution continues to lead in equity and diversity, with the Technology, Law and Policy Center (TLPC) and the Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute, playing pivotal roles in cultivating diverse legal professionals capable of effecting positive change in their communities.
As we navigate an era of rapid technological advancement, collaboration between legal professionals, technologists, and policymakers is paramount to address the evolving landscape effectively. Through the TLPC, students have gained invaluable insights and practical experiences in areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and intellectual property law.
Our partnership with Intel has further enhanced our educational offerings, empowering future lawyers with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of technology law. As we look ahead to the next 85 years, our commitment to advancing legal education, fostering innovation, and serving society remains resolute.
I invite you to delve into the stories, reflections, and insights featured in this edition of Of Counsel Magazine, celebrating the enduring legacy of NCCU School of Law and the transformative power of legal education. Happy 85th anniversary, NCCU School of Law!
Warm regards,
Dean Patricia Timmons-Goodson
nCCU law | leaDershiP aPPointMents
attorney aliCia flowers ’08 | assoCiate Dean of aDMinistration anD external affairs
Alicia Flowers was named associate dean of administration, external affairs, and counsel to the dean. In this role, she advises the dean on operational priorities and oversees the daily operations of the law school. She serves as a member of the law school’s leadership team, and works collaboratively with law school and university partners.
DonalD Corbett | assoCiate Dean of aCaDeMiC affairs
Professor Donald Corbett was named associate dean of academic affairs. In this position, he oversees the design and implementation of the law school’s curriculum to ensure it meets educational standards and addresses student needs. He is also responsible for student academic affairs, faculty support, assessment and accreditation and academic policies and programs.
attorney
savaUn
Perry ’10 | assistant Dean of Career serviCes anD Professional DeveloPMent
Attorney Savaun Perry was named dean of career services and professional development. In this role, she oversees career counseling, job placement, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the career readiness of law students, ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to succeed in their legal careers.
Khalia sPivey | it DireCtor
Khalia Spivey serves as the IT director, and is responsible for managing and overseeing the technology infrastructure and services that underpin the law school’s academic and administrative operations. The department also offers technical support and training to faculty, staff, and students.
attorney riChelle reiD | interiM DireCtor of law library serviCes
Richelle Reid was named interim director of law library services. In this role, her focus is enhancing legal research and educational experiences for students. She is also responsible for curating and maintaining a comprehensive collection of legal resources, including books, journals, and electronic databases, to ensure users have access to current and relevant information. Additionally, the library supports faculty, students, and legal practitioners by assisting with research inquiries, offering guidance on legal research, and familiarizing users with available tools.
Devina sMith | exeCUtive assistant to the Dean
Devina Smith serves as executive assistant to the dean. In this role, she oversees administrative duties, manages the dean’s schedule, and coordinates special projects.
Unveiling History with Geeta N. Kapur
In a recent conversation with author Geeta Kapur, a civil rights attorney in North Carolina and graduate of the uNC School of law, we explored her book, “To Drink from the Well: The Struggle for Racial equality” at the Nation’s oldest Public university.” This compelling work delves into the early history of uNC and the systemic racism that hindered Black students from enrolling there. The book offers a compelling account of the founding of NCCu School of law.
Due to the exclusionary admission policies, Black students were unable to enroll in the law program at uNC, a situation that ultimately contributed to Dr. James e. Shepard’s efforts to advocate for a law school, at what was then known as North Carolina College for Negroes, now North Carolina Central university (NCCu) School of law.
attorney Geeta Kapur offers valuable insight into the topics we explored during our conversation.
Terri Godwin Hyman
Q&a with geeta n. KaPUr
what inspired you to write the book “to Drink from the well: the struggle for racial equality at the nation’s oldest Public University” which documents a tremendous amount of nCCU school of law history?
In 2010, I visited an exhibit at the Wilson Library on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). “We Shall Not Be Moved” covered the history of African Americans in the South from the 18th century to 2010. There were many fascinating artifacts but two black and white photographs shocked me to my core. The first photograph showed three young African American men. The caption beneath said that LeRoy Frasier, his brother Ralph Frasier, and John Brandon were the first African American undergraduates to attend the University of North Carolina after litigation and winning on appeal in the fall of 1955. I realized that
African Americans had only attended the university for fiftyfive years. In fact, when I began my undergraduate studies at UNC in 1995, African American students had only been there for forty years. As though that revelation was not shocking, the next photograph of two African American men dressed in suits walking through the doors of a building said after a lengthy court battle, Harvey Beech and Kenneth Lee were the first African Americans to graduate from UNC’s law school in 1952. I graduated from UNC’s law school in 2003 — roughly 50 years later. In the seven years that I spent at UNC, I had not learned about these men. I felt betrayed by my alma mater. I also wondered why this history had been hidden from me and many others.
I went looking for the court cases, and any stories of the pioneers. As I searched through archives at universities across the nation, the state archives in Raleigh, N.C., and the national
archives, I found a much larger story – one that intertwined UNC (the nation’s oldest public university) with the independent Black community in Durham, with North Carolina Central University (the nation’s first public Historically Black College), and with state officials and the legislature. The story also included two unknown chapters of the NAACP’s long war in Brown v. Board of Education
I felt I owed it to all those who had sacrificed, labored, protested, and litigated for my own admission to UNC, particularly the enslaved workers who built the university brick by brick with their deferred dreams. Durham attorney Conrad Pearson who brought several lawsuits against UNC said it best. Pearson believed the Old Well at the university was a symbol of Africa. “That well over there was dug by slaves who I imagine with each stroke of the pick and each scoop of the shovel, they prayed that someday their descendants would drink from the well of knowledge that was the university.” I also felt a duty to share the history I discovered with younger generations.
what are some key milestones or moments in the history of nCCU school of law that you uncovered during your research?
In December of 1938, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Gaines v. Canada that the state of Missouri could no longer use out-of-state scholarships for African Americans pursuing legal education while the state educated its white
citizens at the University of Missouri law school. The state was not providing equal access to education which constituted unlawful discrimination in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Panic spread like wildfire through the sixteen Southern states — including North Carolina — who had been using out-of-state scholarships for higher education of their Black citizens. North Carolina state officials had been closely following the Gaines case. Just three days after the ruling, the Governor’s Commission to Student Public Schools and Colleges for Negroes drafted a report with a solution that one state official said was “a way out.”
State officials viewed providing equal education as a “problem,” and the issue was the top priority when the legislature convened for its regular session on January 4, 1939. The president of the North Carolina College for Negroes, Dr. James Shepard anticipated a firestorm debate and brought a national figure to convince lawmakers to fund graduate schools at his college — Charles Clinton (C.C.) Spaulding, president of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company which was the largest Black-owned business in the world, and headquartered in Durham. The state legislature debated the issue from January to February, and created House Bill 18. On March 1, 1939 — just two months after Gaines — the legislature passed the bill which authorized the departments of law, pharmacy, and library science at the North Carolina College. The law school at the North Carolina College opened for the
first time on September 23, 1939, at the beginning of World War II as the forces of Adolf Hitler invaded Poland. The school was the second African American public law school to open after the Gaines decision. The first had opened five days earlier at Lincoln University in St. Louis, Missouri, the site of the Gaines case. At the end of the first day, only one student had registered at the North Carolina College — Logan Drummond Delany, the son of a surgeon, and the grandson of the legendary Bishop Henry Delaney who was one of the first Black Episcopalian bishops in the nation. State officials, including the Governor, claimed that taxpayers would not support the expenditure of state funds for just one student despite the Gaines ruling requiring equal education for one student. Five days after its opening, state officials closed the law school. Dr. Shepard channeled his disappointment into recruiting law students for the next school year. In the business department, he found a star student named Robert Bond, a native of Bertie County, in northeastern North Carolina. Dr. Shepard was also hosting a national conference at his school on Black education which was to feature NAACP chief, Walter White who was going to declare a legal war on segregation. When Dr. Shepard re-opened the North Carolina College law school in the fall of 1940, five students — Robert Bond from Lewiston, N.C.; Ellis D. Jones from Durham, N.C.; John Willis Langford from Montgomery, Alabama; Eldon George McLean from Post of Spain, Trinidad; and Walter Brewer Nivins from
Monroe, N.C. — registered. All of the law professors were from UNC, and both schools had identical curriculums. In the fall, students studied Agency, Contracts I, Real Property, Torts, and Administration of Justice. During the spring, they took Contracts II, Criminal Law, Remedies, Torts, and Legal Bibliography. The two schools even shared UNC’s law school dean and its law librarian. The law school was given two classrooms in the administration building, close to Dr. Shepard’s office. During class, it would not have been unusual for the law students to hear his deep, familiar voice saying, “Young man, get off the grass now.” It irritated him to no end.
Used books that did not fit in the library were piled up in stacks ten feet high at the back of one of the two classrooms. When the American Bar Association inspector came to assess the school for accreditation, he said, the school was woefully inadequate, deplorable — one of the worst he had ever viewed.
In 1947, law students at the North Carolina College were closely following two cases at the U.S. Supreme Court. In the case of Sipuel, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the state of Oklahoma had to provide Ada Sipuel with a legal education at the same time that it did so for its white students. Overnight, state officials roped off a small section at the state capitol building and assigned 3 law professors from the University of Oklahoma law school to teach her. In the second case, Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP had sued the University of Texas at Austin for rejecting Heman Sweatt from its law school. Texan state officials
rented three basement rooms of an office building in downtown Austin — across the street from the state capitol and eight blocks from the white law school — hired three part-time faculty members who were full-time teachers at the white law school, and ordered 10,000 books, although few of them arrived.
Based upon the rubric set forth in Sweatt, a committee of law students at the North Carolina College prepared a report highlighting the gross inequalities between their law school and the white law school at UNC. One law student took the report to his state senator who then alerted the governor.
With state officials on notice, thirteen courageous law students from the North Carolina College protested the unequal conditions of their law school at the Capitol Building in Raleigh in March of 1949 while the legislature was in session. The Secretary of State said it was the first civil rights protest at the Capitol in the state’s history.
North Carolina College president Alfonso Elder, Dr. Shepard’s successor as of 1947, alerted Durham representative Robert Gantt, who was the vice chair of the College’s board of trustees. Terrified of the grave consequences, Dr. Elder dispatched law Dean Albert Turner to stop the protest. Dr. Turner got close to each student and quietly said, “I would advise you to leave.” It was the height of irony for Dr. Turner had taught them constitutional law, and now here he was demanding they not exercise their constitutional right to petition the legislature for redress under
the First Amendment. Many of the law students were returning veterans. Undeterred, they continued marching around the state Capitol for an hour. Two days following the protest, three law students (Harold Epps, James Walker, Jr. and Robert Glass) from the North Carolina College applied to transfer to the law school at UNC, and wrote on their application, if they were not eligible for transfer, they were willing to start over again as first-year students. The dean of UNC’s law school told the Chancellor that their records were “superior” to some of the white students UNC had admitted. Even so, the Chancellor directed the dean to reject them. The students appealed in writing to the Board of Trustees and the Governor. Afterward, Conrad Pearson told the press he had conferred with the NAACP – code language for Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP — and they intended to sue the university that fall.
With the threat looming, state officials pressured the president of the North Carolina College to find a better temporary structure for the law school. President Elder found the only space he had on campus — a deteriorated wooden auditorium that had previously been condemned by state inspectors. The legislature released $20,000 from an emergency fund to outfit the building as temporary quarters for the law school. By contrast, UNC’s law school was housed in a sturdy, brick building, Manning Hall, which had been built by Black workers at a cost of $120,000.
On behalf of the NAACP, Attorneys Conrad Pearson, Thurgood Marshall, and Robert
Carter sued UNC in October of 1949. The trial took place in federal district court in Durham over three long summer days in August of 1950. Thurgood Marshall called the same witnesses that he had relied upon in the Sipuel and Sweatt cases. University and state officials wasted tax dollars and resisted desegregation all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. N.C. Governor Kerr Scott told reporters he felt the issue should be taken to the Supreme Court and “settled once and for all,” even though the nation’s highest court had already settled the issue with finality in the Sweatt case.
In the summer session of UNC in June of 1951, five Black law students — Floyd McKissick, Harvey Beech, Kenneth Lee, James Lassiter, and James Walker, Jr. — were finally admitted but they were forced to live in segregated conditions on the third floor of Steele dormitory. They also had to use separate bathrooms in the law school, had separate seating at football games, were prohibited from taking photographs with white students, and they could not attend any of the law school’s social activities.
In the end, what was meant as “a way out” has been used for the greater good. North Carolina Central University School of Law has produced governors, legislators, judges, justices, exceptional lawyers, and civic leaders of both races who have enriched and made significant contributions to North Carolina and the nation.
1939
March 1, House Bill 18 authorizes a statefunded law school at NC College for Negroes (now NCCU)
s c H ool of law
1942
Milestones
Dean Albert F. Turner appointed NCCU School of Law's first full-time and first African American Dean
1940
First student, Robert R. Bond, admitted NCCU School of Law convenes first classes on the top floor of the administrative building
1943
Robert R. Bond becomes the first graduate of NCCU School of Law
1944
First female students, Marcia McDonald and Ruth Norman, admitted
1972
Clinical Legal Education Program established
1950 NCCU School of Law moves to the Jones Building
Received accreditation from the American Bar Association
1949 PiCKeting in raleigh
to 2024
1975
North Carolina General Assembly appropriates $2.5 million for a new law school building
1981 Evening Program opens, the only one between DC and Atlanta
1990
Mary E. Wright becomes the first female dean of the law school
1996
Model Law Clinic opens at Turner Law Building
1980
Albert L. Turner Law Building opens for NCCU School of Law
1985 Performance Based Admission Program (PBAP) established
Class of 1976
1995
National Jurist PreLaw Magazine named NCCU Law School as the best for women
The Charles Hamilton Houston Chair is endowed with one million dollars, thanks to a generous donation from Franklin R. Anderson and his wife, Susie R. Powell, who previously served as a faculty member at NCCU Law
1997
RJR Nabisco Endowed Chair in Business and Law established
2009
2004
Turner Law Building undergoes $9.2 million renovation:
Operations moved for 1.5 years to N.C. Mutual Building
2006 Institutes for Biotech & Pharma Law and Dispute Resolution established
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts visits the law school to conduct an alumni SCOTUS swearingin ceremony and preside over a Moot Court competition
2010 Joined Selective USPTO Pilot Student Clinical Program The Virtual Justice Project established to provide legal information via highdefinition video conferencing; serves rural and remote communities statewide
2012 Elected to Association of American Law School (AALS) membership
U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Administration Agency Grant expands Virtual Justice Project
2014 Clinical Program ranked 5th by National Jurist magazine
2015
John D. Fassett
Endowed Chair established with $500,000 gift
Ranked Top 10 for Faculty and Student Diversity and Top 20 Graduate School by National Jurist magazine
2017
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant expands Virtual Justice Program to more counties in North Carolina
2021
Law & Technology Center established with $5 million pledge from Intel
2016 Intellectual Property Law Institute established with partnership and funding from SAS, Inc.
2018
First alumna, Elaine O’Neal, serves as interim dean
2023
Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute launch
Charles haMilton hoUston leCtUre
As part of the 85th Anniversary celebration, NCCU School of Law hosted the Charles Hamilton Houston Law Lecture featuring Professor Irving Joyner. The spring lecture held in the Great Hall, paid tribute to the visionary Attorney Charles Hamilton Houston Houston served as the first general counsel for the NAACP, and he was a trailblazing legal strategist who played a pivotal role in dismantling racial segregation in the United States. He advocated for the use of law as a catalyst for societal transformation, dedicating his career to combating racial discrimination through legal means.
Celebrating 85 Years of Legal Excellence: The Enduring Legacy of NCCU School of Law
By Terri Godwin Hyman
On March 1, 1939, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted House Bill 18, which authorized a law school at North Carolina College for Negroes, now North Carolina Central University, paving the way for a new generation of African American lawyers in North Carolina. The bill was passed 25 years after Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, closed its law school in 1914, a move that left no instate option for African Americans to receive a formal legal education.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the only state supported law school at the time, and barred the admission of African Americans. The legislation was, in theory, a way to create a separatebut-equal option for African Americans who wanted to become lawyers, without integrating UNC at Chapel Hill.
Since its inception in 1939, North Carolina Central University School of Law, one of only six Historically Black Law Schools remaining in the country, has continued to produce practice-ready lawyers and leaders committed to public service, and to meeting the needs of underserved communities.
As we mark the 85th anniversary, we reflect on the indelible impact the law school has had on
the legal landscape of North Carolina and the world. Eight and a half decades of shaping legal minds, defending justice, serving on the bench, and contributing to the evolution of the legal profession, merits reflection and celebration.
The legal field has undergone remarkable transformations over the past 85 years, and our law school has been at the forefront of adapting to these changes. From case law to incorporating innovative technologies, NCCU School of Law has continually evolved to meet the demands of an ever-changing legal landscape.
Beyond the lecture halls and courtrooms, NCCU School of Law has had a lasting impact on the communities it serves. Pro bono initiatives, legal clinics, internships, externships, and community outreach programs have enabled our students and faculty to contribute meaningfully in access to justice, meeting the needs of the underserved.
The 85 years of the law school’s existence have been marked not only by academic achievement, but by a commitment to the principles of justice and equity.
We have worked to ensure our student body, faculty, staff, and alumni reflect the rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives that make the legal profession vibrant and representative of the diverse society in which we live.
NCCU Law alumni have made history throughout the state and nation. Notable alumni include:
• Wanda G. Bryant (1982), First African American woman to be an assistant district attorney in the 13th prosecutorial district of North Carolina.
• Michael F. Easley (1976), First NCCU Law alumnus to serve as attorney general, and Governor of the State of North Carolina.
• George Kenneth “G.K.” Butterfield, Jr. (1974), Served as U.S. Representative for North Carolina's First Congressional District from 2004 to 2022; First NCCU graduate to serve on the Supreme Court of North Carolina.
• Attorney Willie E. Gary (1974), Named one of the most successful trial lawyers in the country; Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, plays the real-life Willie Gary in the movie, “The Burial,” released in 2023.
• Maynard Jackson (1963), First African American mayor of Atlanta in 1974; Youngest person to be elected to the office at age 35.
• H.M. “Mickey” Michaux (1964), First African American to serve as a United States attorney in the South; Longest serving member of the North Carolina General Assembly upon his retirement; The NCCU School of Education building was named after Representative Michaux on June 15, 2007.
• Floyd B. McKissick (1951), National executive Director of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE); In 1972, he launched Soul City, North Carolina the first new town sponsored primarily by African American enterprise.
• Durham Mayor Elaine O’Neal (1991), First African American woman to be mayor of Durham; Former North Carolina Superior Court judge.
• Clifton Earl Johnson (1967), First NCCU Law graduate to serve as resident superior court judge of Mecklenburg County, and the first to sit on the North Carolina Court of Appeals; He worked as a prosecutor for more than a year before Governor Bob Scott appointed him district court judge of the 26th judicial district in 1969; Johnson was North Carolina’s first African American district court judge; In 1974, North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Bobbit appointed Johnson Chief District Court judge in Mecklenburg County, resulting in him becoming the first African American Chief District Court Judge in the county and state of North Carolina.
Wanda G. Bryant Michael F. Easley George Kenneth Butterfield Willie E. Gary Maynard Jackson
H.M. “Mickey” Michaux Floyd B. McKissick Elaine O’Neal Clifton Earl Johnson
nCCU school of law welcomes a new Cohort from the
PerforManCe-baseD aDMissions PrograM
By Terri Godwin Hyman
It’s not uncommon for one to walk the halls of the law school and see some students sporting a teeshirt that reads, #PBAPNation By invitation only. Although their path to admission was different from that of most of their colleagues, they understand that the shirt they proudly display is a badge of honor as opposed to a scarlet letter.
Established nearly 40 years ago, by Dean Janice Mills and alumnus Glenn Adams, the Performance Based Admissions Program (PBAP), is a conditional admissions program that provides a pathway to legal education for a select group of applicants with admission files that demonstrate resilience and strong potential for academic success, even if their
credentials do not initially qualify them for direct admission. Retired NCCU School of Law professor, and former Dean Mary Wright and Professor Charles Smith served as the first directors of the program. PBAP was designed to be a unique inclusive approach which highlights NCCU School of Law’s commitment to its mission of providing a challenging, practice-oriented, and affordable legal education to historically underrepresented students from diverse backgrounds.
Under the guidance of codirectors, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law, Donald Corbett and Associate Dean of Clinical Education and Experiential Learning and Senior Clinical Professor Nakia C. Davis ’01, participants are provided with a real taste of the unyielding demands of law school. This intense two-week, non-credit program includes instruction in a series of challenging academic exercises designed to sharpen their analytical skills, introduce them to practical skills and enhance their understanding of legal principles. The codirectors also deemed it critical to continuously acknowledge the participants possessing pure grit and determination to have made the decision to accept an invitation of uncertainty as participation in
PBAP does not result in automatic admission. The hope is that by the end of PBAP, the successful participants will emerge not only better prepared for the academic challenges ahead that law students face but solidify that they have displayed the ability to be confident members of a supportive legal community.
Dean Davis, who brings a personal perspective to the program as PBAP alumna herself, entered the program in 1998. She attributes much of her success to the skills and knowledge she gained during those formative weeks. “PBAP played a pivotal role in launching my legal career. It instilled in me a sense of confidence, and the tools necessary to thrive in a rigorous academic environment,” she remarked, emphasizing the program’s lasting impact on her professional journey.
This summer, NCCU School of Law proudly welcomed nine law students out of 23 participants invited to take part in the program. These students exemplify how NCCU School of Law continues to serve as a beacon of opportunity, illustrating that with dedication, determination and the right support, aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds can carve their paths to success. As this year’s cohort of PBAP Legal Eagles begin their journey, they join a proud legacy of alumni, who have made significant contributions to the legal profession, and their communities in North Carolina and beyond.
By Terri Godwin Hyman
NCCU School of Law legacy graduates, Amber Creft and Christina Lee proudly received their Juris Doctor degrees during commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Adding a poignant touch to this significant milestone, Amber Creft, a Charlotte, North Carolina native had her hood ceremoniously placed by her uncle, Attorney Eric Richards, an alumnus of Harvard Law School, graduating in 1989. Amber’s decision to attend NCCU School of Law is deeply rooted in her admiration for her late father, alumnus Frank Christmas Creft Jr. ’89. With an unwavering determination, she is honoring her father’s legacy by walking in his footsteps, and forging her own path in the legal profession.
“The feeling of graduating was beyond words,” Creft said. “It’s a flood of emotions for me, joy and sadness. Joy, because I’ve achieved one of the most significant milestones in my life. Throughout my journey, I’ve forged lifelong friendships, absorbed a wealth of knowledge, and encountered experiences that not only deepened my understanding of the law but also enriched my self-awareness. Walking the same halls as my father, interacting with his professors and classmates, has allowed me to feel a profound closeness to him, to comprehend him, and to glean invaluable lessons from his legacy,” expressed Creft. “My desire to carry on my family’s legacy began at the age of five, when I grasped the notion that my father was a lawyer. Back then, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to be a lawyer, but I knew that since my father was one, I could be too. I was four years old when he passed away, so being able to walk in his footsteps and fulfill his aspirations means everything to me.”
Christina Lee, of Cary had her hood placed by her father, NCCU School of Law alumnus, Paul Woo-il Lee ’15, marking a poignant family legacy.
“My father’s decision to return to school, specifically to NCCU School of Law, at the age of forty had a profound impact on my own journey to law school,” said Lee. “I was just a freshman in high school when he made this decision, and it opened a door for me to explore and consider.”
Lee said, “Prior to my father’s decision, I had never contemplated a career in law; I aspired to
LEGACiEs legal
become a dentist. Fueled by my newfound curiosity towards the legal field, I joined my high school’s mock trial team during my freshman year. It was then I realized my passion for law, and knew that I wanted to pursue it as my life’s work.”
Lee added, “When the time came to apply to law school, NCCU School of Law immediately sprang to mind. My father had taken me there several times during my high school years, and I even attended a summer law camp on the campus. These experiences solidified my connection to NCCU School of Law, and made it a natural choice to pursue my legal education.
I am confident that I will continue to carry on my father’s dedication to service in an area of law that brings me joy.”
Lee plans to work in intellectual property law with trademarks and patents.
With this special honor bestowed upon them, the 2024 graduation of Amber Creft and Christina Lee symbolized a cherished and proud family tradition within the Legal Eagle community.
Amber Creft ’24 poses with photos of her Dad, NCCU Law alumnus Frank Christmas Creft ’89.
Christina Lee ’24 poses with her family and Dad, alumnus Paul Woo-il Lee ’15 following the Hooding Ceremony.
Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP) Establishes summer internship Pipeline Program Partnership agreement with nCCU school of law
On June 29, 2021,
Georgia Legal Services Program
(GLSP) and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a joint summer internship pipeline program. The MOU is a five-year agreement. The pipeline internship partnership was developed by GLSP General Counsel Ira Foster. Foster is a graduate of NCCU School of Law. Each year, in accordance with the MOU, one NCCU law student will be selected as a summer intern to work with GLSP. The goals of the internship are to expose the selected NCCU law student interns to public interest legal work, expose students to GLSP and the civil legal services that are provided by the organization, and to expose the students to the practice of civil law in rural areas in Georgia that have a limited number of attorneys and limited legal resources. The internship also provides GLSP with another avenue to recruit and potentially hire diverse candidates for permanent employment.
A significant number of NCCU’s law graduates relocate to Georgia and the metro Atlanta area upon graduation. The internship allows for many of those graduates to become familiar with GLSP and possible employment opportunities with the organization. The internship is a paid internship. Both NCCU School of Law and GLSP provide stipends to the selected students. The stipend provided by GLSP is used to provide for the intern’s summer housing expenses. The selected intern spends eight (8) weeks with GLSP in one of the programs Regional Offices located in Georgia.
The intern students are third-year law students preparing to enter their final year of law school. During the internship, the interns gain exposure to civil law including Family Law, Domestic Violence, Housing, Public Benefits, Education, Consumer, Probate and Estate and Elder Law. In addition, the intern will be supervised by an experienced attorney. Some of the intern’s responsibilities will include making presentations to community groups, interviewing clients, legal research and assisting attorneys with court presentations. At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will be invited to a summer intern social hosted by GLSP. The intern will meet other GLSP summer interns during the summer social. Upon completion of the summer internship, the intern will be placed on a hiring priority list for permanent full-time employment with GLSP upon graduation from law school.
Each spring, Foster will interview intern candidates for the internship position on the NCCU Law School campus. In addition to interviewing the candidates, Foster will do a presentation for law students interested in public interest law. The internship benefits NCCU School of Law by providing law students with an internship where they can gain valuable practical legal experience. The internship benefits GLSP by providing the organization with summer internship candidates that could possibly become future candidates for permanent employment.
“I saw an opportunity to create a program that could be beneficial to my law school alma mater and the organization that I am employed with. The Pipeline Partnership is working well. All the NCCU Law students that have participated in the program for the past three summers have performed well.”
Ira Foster
The Importance of Cross-Cultural Legal Education in a Rapidly Evolving World
By Professor Kevin P. Lee
As a scholar with two master’s degrees in religious studies, one from the University of Chicago. I have devoted my career to the comparative study of religion through the lenses of philosophy, anthropology and literature. My expertise extends beyond academia, as I have also had the privilege of practicing law in Japan for one of the country’s premier commercial law firms, representing esteemed corporate clients such as Sony, Honda, and Japan Airlines. With over two decades of experience teaching jurisprudence, comparative law of Japan, and legal anthropology, I firmly believe that this multidisciplinary background is of paramount importance in today’s legal landscape, particularly considering the American Bar Association’s Standard 303(c), which mandates that law schools provide education on cross-cultural competency.
The ABA’s decision to require cross-cultural competency training in legal education underscores the critical need for future lawyers to effectively serve and represent diverse communities in an increasingly multicultural society. While often conflated with diversity and inclusion, crosscultural competency is a distinct concept that emphasizes the skills, knowledge, and attitudes
necessary to successfully interact with, and serve individuals from various cultural backgrounds. It transcends the mere representation and inclusion of different racial and ethnic groups, instead focusing on the ability to navigate and bridge differences across a wide spectrum of cultural factors.
To effectively impart crosscultural competency, legal education must incorporate subjects such as jurisprudence, comparative law and legal anthropology. These disciplines provide invaluable insights into the nature and function of law, and its intricate relationship with society and culture. Jurisprudence encourages students to grapple with fundamental questions concerning the nature of law, its relationship to morality and justice, and the role of legal reasoning in decision-making. Comparative law, while sharing similar goals with jurisprudence, employs different methodologies, involving the study of diverse legal systems and traditions. Drawing upon my experience practicing law in Japan, and my extensive study of Japanese culture and religions, my comparative law course focuses on the Japanese legal system, offering students a nuanced understanding of how law is shaped by cultural, historical, and political factors. Legal anthropology offers yet another valuable perspective, examining the ways in which law is embedded within social and cultural contexts, and how it both
shapes, and is shaped by the communities in which it operates. Moreover, the study of these subjects is particularly relevant in the current era of rapid technological change. As advances in technology continue to facilitate connections, communication and collaboration among people from different cultures, crosscultural competency has become essential for navigating these interactions effectively and respectfully. With companies becoming increasingly global and embracing remote work, teams are now composed of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Effective collaboration in these diverse workplaces requires a deep understanding of cultural differences, communication styles, and work practices. Crosscultural competency enables team members to build trust, resolve conflicts, and leverage the strengths of their diverse perspectives, leading to more creative and effective problem-solving. In conclusion, cultivating knowledge of the law beyond its immediate application for clients is an essential aspect of a wellrounded legal education. As the legal profession continues to evolve in response to the challenges of the 21st century, this broad-based approach to legal education will become increasingly important in preparing the next generation of lawyers to serve their clients and communities.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
The continued importance of providing an experiential legal education in an ever-changing profession
By Nakia C. Davis ’01, associate dean of Clinical Education and Experiential Learning
Emile Durkheim, a social scientist, once stated that “[e]ach new generation is reared by its predecessor; the latter must therefore improve to improve its successor. The movement is circular.”
From its inception, North Carolina Central University School of Law has understood that there is a common denominator that is the “secret sauce” when teaching law students, regardless of their generation. Since 1939, our mission has been “…to provide a high quality, personalized practiceoriented …legal education.” Our emphasis on providing quality, practice-oriented instruction applies to every generation,
including the Silent Generation or Gen Z.
Historically, law schools have emphasized the casebook methodology as the hallmark of effective legal pedagogy with examinations consisting of multiple-choice questions, and lengthy essays as the primary measures for student success in law school.
Over the last ten years the legal academy and state bar examiners nationwide have taken measures to implement what NCCU School of Law has done for the last 85 years to produce practice-ready lawyers — offering a robust course curriculum which places an emphasis on the integration
of numerous opportunities to engage in experiential learning. Currently, we provide law students with ten experiential courses, eight clinical offerings, opportunities to take part in intra and inter-school competitions, and an Alternative Dispute Resolution Certification. In 2014, the American Bar Association (ABA) enacted Standard 303(a)(3), mandating that law students receive at least six hours of experiential learning before graduation. The North Carolina Board of Law Examiners (NC-BLE) are aligning with the efforts of the ABA to prepare law students for the practice of law during their academic tenure. Gone are the days of the North Carolina
Bar examination consisting of 12 North Carolina law essays and 200 multiple choice questions that alumni have fond memories of.
(The MPRE is still alive and kicking.)
In February of 2019, the NC-BLE administered its first Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which consists of a Multistate Performance Test (MPT) in addition to six essays and 200 multiple choice questions. To place an even greater emphasis on testing a range of foundational lawyering skills, it is anticipated that the NC-BLE will transition to the NextGen Bar Examination in July of 2028.
Students enrolling in clinic courses provided under our Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) have chosen to position themselves to maximize their law school experience by learning how to manifest what they have learned in a doctrinal classroom. The CLEP currently consists of the following clinics: Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Family Law, Juvenile, Patent, Pathways to Practice, Pro Bono, Trademark and Veterans Law. With a collective forward focus on the importance of student preparation through practical skills and assessing the growing legal needs of our community, additional clinical offerings are imperative, especially in the areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Small Business and Community Development.
Furthermore, the “clinical experience” serves as a catalyst for students to begin the formation of their professional identity. Billionaire Richard Branson said “[T]rain your people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” As the associate dean of the CLEP, this
quote encompasses the culture that I along with the faculty and staff of the clinical unit strive to incorporate in the clinical culture. We place great focus on student learning and understanding the importance of implementing and respecting the “four Cs” (Competence, Culture, Community, Collaboration) as they prepare to fly from the Nest. Competence Being deemed competent through thorough preparation is critical to the development of a solid professional reputation. Culture Learning about and respecting the various cultures of their clients is a sign of respect for their clients, and produces trust in the attorney-client relationship. Community and Collaboration
The holistic practice of law cannot be achieved without understanding and embracing the importance of giving back through community engagement as well as collaboration with other legal and non-legal organizations as well as members of the profession.
Clinical students embracing the “four Cs” have resulted in notable benefits to our clients. During the ’22-’23 academic year, our clinical students completed 16,529.96 hours of pro bono legal services. Based on the hourly rate of a first-year associate engaging in public service for the state of North Carolina, the hours billed totaled $238,581.17. The services provided for this past academic year will not be compiled until August 2024. Based on the hard work of our students, clinical faculty, and staff, I am confident that the numbers for the ’23-’24 academic year will be even greater.
The CLEP has been, and will continue to be committed to what was started over 85 years ago to do its part in producing some of the best attorneys throughout this state, as well as the nation. Specifically, we will continue to provide high-quality, practiceoriented instruction that benefits our students, our clients, and the communities that we serve.
Congratulations to the 2024 graduates who successfully earned the Law and Technology Certificate and ISPP Certifications from the Technology Law and Policy Center. On May 2, 2024, students celebrated this achievement alongside Dean Timmons-Goodson, their families, faculty, and staff during a special presentation and luncheon.
2024
Latashia Baptist, Jacob Britt, Logan Bryant, Michael Byrd, Denell Dixon, Todd Ford Jr., Johunna Gatlin, Graelyn Glover, Brittany Hinson, Stephanie Lindor, Marcia Lindsey, Kyra Littlejohn, Morgan Manson, Phoebe Ogunwobi, Gabrielle Scott, Kiarra Slay, Christopher Stewart, Shaneek Thompson, Lidya Vincent, Zuri Ward, Precious Wek
law and TeChnology symposium and summiT
flighT sChool
By Terri Godwin Hyman
NCCU School of Law launched a two-week summer preorientation program titled “Flight School,” aimed at equipping incoming students with the tools to excel in their legal education journey. The program provides first-year law students with a head start by introducing them to essential academic skills, such as case briefing, outlining, case reading, and other fundamental competencies crucial for their success in law school.
Kicking off on Aug. 5, 2024, the inaugural week of the “Flight School” program showcased a captivating daily speaker series themed “Succeeding in Law School.“ Prominent professionals from the legal community shared their experiences and insights, motivating and inspiring students
as they commenced their path towards a legal career.
Distinguished guests included: The Honorable Michael R. Morgan ’79, North Carolina House Democratic Leader Robert Rieves, Attorney Chazlé Woodley ’22, Liberty Mutual Senior Counsel Patrick Hannah ’00, and Chancellor Karrie Dixon. Their presence was impactful offering guidance to the aspiring legal professionals and setting a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
Led by Dean Patricia Timmons-Goodson, Professor Kia Vernon and Associate Dean Sharon Gaskin, the “Flight School” program not only equips students academically but also instills in them a sense of inspiration and purpose as they
take their first steps towards becoming legal practitioners.
First-year student Tiffany Crawford shared her experience, reminiscing about her initial enrollment at NCCU Law in 2021, where she had to quickly adapt to briefing, case reading, and writing. Tiffany expressed her gratitude for the program, saying, “This time around, I feel much more prepared as we were introduced to these concepts before classes began. Though we haven’t mastered everything yet, we are far ahead of where we would have been otherwise. As a mother of four, balancing life and school can be challenging, but this time, I feel less stressed and more ready for the first day of school! It’s a wonderful program that I believe should continue!”
Through practical skills training and encouragement from accomplished professionals, NCCU School of Law is shaping the next generation of legal leaders who will be well-equipped for success in the legal field.
the albert Coffee Cafe opens
NCCU School of Law announced the grand opening of The Albert Coffee Cafe, named in honor of its first Dean, Albert L. Turner. The new cafe offers a selection of coffee and grab-andgo foods, including hot options for purchase. Students, faculty, and staff can conveniently place their orders in advance by downloading the GrubHub app.
The Albert Coffee Cafe Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Weekends: Closed
Scan the QR code for menus and special promotions!
law school grad helps youth through Sports, Court and Nonprofit
By Mark Lawton
If there is a theme in the life of Darius Stephens-York, it is helping youth. For Stephens-York, who graduated from the School of Law at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) on May 4, helping young people has manifested in several ways.
Stephens-York was raised in Laurens, South Carolina, a small city (population 9,100 in the 2010 census) which contains cow pastures and plenty of space between homes. He had an extended family in Laurens which worked to his benefit.
“Even when you make bad decisions, there is someone around to pass along the word and keep you on the right path,” StephensYork said. “It made me, socially and morally, the type of person I am.”
Stephens-York grew up studying and playing basketball. He started playing informally at age six or seven, then joined his middle school team in 8th grade, and played varsity basketball for three years in high school.
He enrolled at the University of South Carolina in Columbia where in 2021 he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He immediately applied to NCCU, and attended the performance-based admissions program at the law school, a two-week program that helps both the university and prospective students figure out if they will be a success.
During summer break between his first and second year of law school, Stephens-York was sitting around with three of his best friends. “We were thinking about our experiences as younger people growing up in the community and not having positive influences,” he said.
The four decided to start a nonprofit called The Haven Newberry. The summer program offers conflict resolution, tutoring and social support to middle and high school students.
Stephens-York’s role was on the administrative side; planning events, coordinating lectures and finding mentors.
COACHiNG AND CLiENTS
During his third year, Stephens-York began volunteering as an assistant coach of the varsity basketball team at Riverside High School in Durham, North Carolina. He spends about 15 hours per week helping the team train, sometimes starting as early as 7:30 a.m.
“We call it the Breakfast Club,” he said.
During his third year of law school, Stephens-York served as a student-attorney for the NCCU Juvenile Law Clinic. The Clinic is assigned cases from the Durham County Public Defender’s Office. Under the supervision of adjunct professor Tenika Hall, he has represented minors in court who have been accused of drug possession, motor vehicle theft and homicide – although the homicide case was transferred to a different court before it went to trial.
The challenges of being a student-attorney are not necessarily of the legal variety.
“Even if it’s a simple case, the kids probably have some issue to work through, a home issue or personal issue,” Stephens-York said. “Helping the children understand what is the realistic solution to their (legal) issues. It can be hard to tell them the consequences. Keeping yourself emotionally connected but disconnected enough so you don’t hurt yourself in the process.”
Stephens-York says that the young people he has represented – who are mostly Black – can benefit from having a Black male attorney. “It really opens their eyes to what’s possible,” he said.
Stephens-York took the bar exam this summer, and is waiting on results. In the meanwhile, he has begun working at Caldwell Law Firm, LLC. in Columbia, South Carolina, a general practice focused on personal injury, education law, family law, criminal defense and sports law.
Incidentally, it was through coaching basketball that he gained the position. In spring 2022, StephensYork was coaching a travel basketball team, and someone introduced him to a lawyer, who was also a graduate of the NCCU School of Law. The alum offered him a summer internship and later a job.
As a lawyer, he and the firm manager will continue to represent juveniles in both criminal matters and as “guardian ad litum” when appointed by the state.
Darius Stephens-York
2023
JudiCial appoinTmenTs
JuNE 29, 2023 - Governor Cooper appointed the honorable Keith sMith to serve as District Court Judge in Judicial District 26, serving Mecklenburg County. Judge Smith earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Master of Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1989, and his Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2001.
JuLy 31, 2023 - Governor Cooper appointed the honorable QUintin MCgee to serve as special Superior Court judge. Previously, he served as a District Court judge for the 13th Judicial District, and a chief assistant district attorney for the 15th Prosecutorial District. J. Judge McGee earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2010.
sePt 11, 2023 - Governor Cooper appointed the honorable CArOLyN J. THOMPSON to serve as Superior Court judge in Judicial District 9, to serve Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, and Warren counties. Judge Thompson earned her undergraduate from Hampton University, and her Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1993.
sePt 22, 2023 - Governor Cooper appointed the honorable heath nanCe to serve as District Court judge in Judicial District Court, serving Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus counties. Judge Nance earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Master of Business Administration from Elon University in 2005, and his Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2008.
sePt 27, 2023 – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp named attorney Kevin b. hiCKs as a finalist for the Macon-Bibb Chief Superior Court Judge seat. Judge MaconBibb earned his undergraduate degree from Mercer University in 1996, and his Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2008.
nov 3, 2023 – Governor Cooper appointed the honorable JuSTiN GrEENE as District Court judge in Judicial District 30, to serve Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties. Judge Greene earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2006.
Keith Smith Quintin McGee
Heath Nance
Kevin B. Hicks Justin Greene
Carolyn J. Thompson
happy 43rd!
2024 Marks a less Conventional anniversary for the evening Program
By Professor Adrienne Meddock ‘91
While NCCU School of Law proudly celebrates its 85th Anniversary, we also note the evening program as part of that rich history. On January 6, 1981, the evening program opened and enrolled its first student, a transfer from the full-time program. Since that time, nearly 1,000 J.D.s have successfully completed the program in its 43-year history.
In the 1970s, Dean Harry Groves had a vision. He saw working adults employed in the growing Research Triangle Park, at local colleges and universities, and in area hospitals and government. He knew there was interest in learning the law among these working adults in the Triangle, nearby Triad, and towns and cities throughout North Carolina. This demand was ignored by the legal academy.
Dean Groves knew these potential students had no nearby options to both work and study law: there were no evening part-time programs between the DC and Atlanta metro areas. He further envisioned that NCCU was wellpositioned to provide the opportunity for persons who wanted to earn a J.D. but needed to keep their full-time employment. NCCU School of Law has always sought to serve those who had
been ignored or refused by the “old school” law schools. Many of you have been a part of this history. I described the history of the evening program in the 80th Anniversary publication in 2019, “Learning the Law By Moonlight.”
Forty-three years are generally not a time for special recognition. There is no traditional suggested gift. To celebrate the 43rd Anniversary of the evening program, I think a massive commuter mug of coffee makes a perfect commemoration of the dedication needed for full-time day occupation and four years of continuous legal study.
If you like commemorating round numbers, I began serving as the administrator for the evening program on July 1, 1984. That’s 30 years. I have enjoyed working with all the students who have gone through the program during my time, and look forward to meeting those who have yet to enroll. I love hearing about your success and challenges, and look forward to those students and successes to come.
While I don’t think I’ll be here another 30 years, let’s raise those commuter cups of coffee to toast 43 years of the evening program and the years to come. Whether you learned the law by daylight or moonlight, let’s salute the School of Law’s next 85 years.
#FairyLawMother
January 2023 marked the birth of the LinkedIn hashtag #FairyLawMother. While in quarantine for COVID-19, hashtag creator, Kayla Britt, began researching scholarships available for law students. She made her first post sharing those resources, and the post went viral. Evident that there was a need, or at least an interest in such information, she created the hashtag, and continued to expand its purpose. Today, the Fairy Law Mother has shared nearly 2,000 jobs for young lawyers, nearly 900 internship opportunities for law students, more than 35 scholarships for law students, more than 50 networking opportunities for
both young lawyers and law students, and has highlighted at least 54 law students. This is just a snippet of what she has done for the law community. She also serves as the North Carolina Bar Association YLD Division Director for the Law Student Division; also on the Council for the NCBA Government and Public Sector and Criminal Justice Sections, and on the board of BARCares and the Lupus Foundation of America-NC Chapter, and serves in co-chair roles for the Wake County Bar Association and the North Carolina Department of Justice. In 2023, Britt made the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society and was awarded NC Lawyers Weekly’s
Leaders in the Law Award, the Charles F. Blanchard Young Lawyer of the Year Award and North Carolina Central University’s Forty Under Forty.
The #FairyLawMother can often be found in local coffee shops meeting with law students or young lawyers, editing resumes and cover letters, providing words of encouragement, and overall being a support for the legal community.
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, NCCU School of Law was honored to host Deborah Enix-Ross, the immediate past president of the American Bar Association. Throughout the day, attorney Enix-Ross engaged in meaningful conversations and met with faculty, staff and students, enriching the legal community with her presence.
Enix-Ross currently holds the role of senior adviser within the International Dispute Resolution Group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in the bustling metropolis of New York City. The eventful day was orchestrated under the guidance of Associate Dean of Clinical Education and Experiential Learning, Professor Nakia C. Davis, ensuring a seamless and fruitful visit. aba
Kayla Britt ’18
sTudenT spoTlighT
Congratulations Legal Eagles on advancing to the semifinal round of the TYLA National Trial Competition! A second team power-matched in the third preliminary round for a spectacular performance. Semifinal team includes: Devonte Wilson, Taylor Phillips and Sheridan King. Devonte Wilson and Taylor Phillips were advocates in the semifinal round.
The power-matched team includes: Fred Horne, Zachary Dobbin and Alfreda Junius with Fred Horne and Zachary Dobbin as advocates. The competition was hosted by William & Mary School of Law. Thank you Professor Dana Jones and student assistants: Lydiapaige Moffett and Katelyn Frazier.
Kjerstin Lewis and C.P. Stewart, secured first place in the UniCourt Legal Research and Writing Competition in the cryptocurrency/ blockchain and privacy/ cybersecurity categories.
Congratulations team Tyra Hudson, Alexis Hurd, Kirsten King, and A.J. Junious, a grand prize winner of the 2024 Design Derby. NCCU Law competed among 40 teams across the globe, proudly emerging as winners!
Congratulations to the Kilpatrick Townsend 1L Mock Trial NCCU Law team: El Joshua Allen, Alexcia Brooks, Joseph Clark, Andrew Porter, Coleman Parish and Rebekah Shabazz. Well done on your achievements! The 2024 Kilpatrick Townsend Mock Trial Competition was hosted by Carolina Law.
Huge shoutout to the NCCU BLSA for clinching the Southern Region Chapter of the Year Award from the National Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA)! Their dedication this academic year has been unmatched, from impactful community service to engaging educational programs and more. Special kudos to the executive board and all chapter members for their outstanding efforts!
Congratulations NCCU Law Legal Eagles on an excellent showing at the 2024 ABA Client Counseling Regional Competition! The year’s topic was Education Law. Anyia Gaines (3L) and Alexis Hurd (3L) submitted the 1st place counseling memorandum, and counseled in the preliminary and semifinal rounds. Rickia Stafford (3L), Amanda Covington (3L), and Sheila Rodriguez (2L) submitted the 2nd place counseling memorandum and counseled in the preliminary, semifinal, and final rounds. Counselors Stafford and Covington placed 3rd overall in the regional competition. Judges were highly complementary of both teams’ ability to establish client rapport, ask probing questions, and provide clients with substantive law and practical solutions for resolving their legal issues. The competition was hosted by Campbell Law. Thank you Professor Erika Taylor Jones, other supporting faculty, and student colleagues who played mock clients to get the teams ready.
Trial Advocacy Board held its annual Willie E. Gary Showcase Mock Trial Competition. Attorney Gary ’74 and fellow alumni served as jurors. NCCU Law is incredibly proud of the strong involvement of our alums!
Summit on Climate and environmental Ju S ti C e, raC
i S m and
the law
Taproot Earth convened a Summit on Climate & Environmental Justice, Racism and the Law with over 200 frontline organizers, advocates, lawyers and scholars from across the country. Attendees gathered on the North Carolina Central University campus Nov. 16-17, 2023, to brainstorm, develop strategies and create solutions to address essential needs that help communities thrive.
The Louisiana-based organization partnered with the NCCU Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute, Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, Duke University Center of Law, Race and Policy and UNC Law Center for Civil Rights for the two-day
summit. The summit served as a platform for discussions on some of the most pressing issues of our time — climate and environmental justice, racism, and the law.
NCCU School of Law has been a leader in equity and diversity since its founding 84-years ago. Today, the Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute plays an essential role in developing diverse lawyers, who have the global readiness needed to impact their communities.
Taproot Earth was founded to create connections and power across issues, movements, and geographies.
the MiseDUCation of Cannabis
By Professor Erika Taylor Jones
Speak your truth!
When my children ask questions about things they encounter that adversely impact our Black culture, I confidently tell my children that these adverse impacts are “because of slavery.” On November 15, 2020, gunfire over “beef” and controlled substances, including cannabis, killed an innocent bystander. My son, Jalen Scott Dunston, died because the legacy of slavery and racism in this country continues to induce choices that lead to fatal consequences in the Black community. This legacy of slavery has led to the inability to obtain living wages for many in our community, and as a result, some choose to sell controlled substances to make money. Furthermore, racism fueled the “War on Drugs” and created disproportionate laws that criminalized cannabis and adversely impacted people of color. Consequently, while the rate of use for cannabis is equal across races, a Black person is more likely to be arrested for possession of cannabis.
The truth is that cannabis was once a legal plant used throughout history with documented medicinal and therapeutic benefits. However, our current cannabis laws and regulations reflect the impact of greed, confirmation bias, and racism. For example, if Harry S. Anslinger, a documented racist, had never been sworn in
as the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, cannabis might still be recognized as a legal, medicinal plant today. Initially, Anslinger was just an investigator for the Pennsylvania Railroad, but he married the niece of the wealthy and powerful U.S. Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, in the early 1900s. Secretary Mellon consequently appointed Anslinger to be the assistant commissioner of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prohibition. Thereafter, Anslinger waged a racist war to taint, dismantle, and destroy the cannabis plant. He used the Mexican word “marijuana” instead of cannabis, to elicit fear that immigrants would use cannabis, become violent, and kill innocent White people. Without support, and contrary to the recommendations by the American Medical Association, Anslinger promoted propaganda to eliminate the legal use of cannabis. As a result, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was the genesis of the flawed laws and social attitudes that plague cannabis and support the prohibition rules that we follow today.
Legislation and regulatory systems provide social context and shape our laws. Cannabis is not currently legal, and it is a federally controlled substance; therefore, an individual cannot legally possess or distribute cannabis. Full legalization of cannabis would allow the government to raise revenue and regulate and control the market, akin to how it currently regulates the use
of alcohol and tobacco. Senate Bill 346, which would legalize cannabis, is currently pending before the N.C. General Assembly. Legalization is the best path to remove the underpinnings that led to the criminalization of cannabis. Legalization would completely remove all legal restrictions on the use of cannabis. Industrial Hemp, under the 2019 Farm Bill, first paved the way to help shift public opinion regarding cannabis. Although legal history provides a distorted view of cannabis, the benefits of its medicinal use is well documented outside of the legal field. Sadly, inequitable practices in law enforcement and the justice system have only perpetuated the legacy of criminalizing the cannabis plant. Legalization would stop the disproportionate and adverse impact on Black culture as education and legislation provides perspective to help remove systemic bias. Criminalizing the use of cannabis has not addressed issues of use, drug trafficking, or the resulting burden on our criminal justice system. Had my ancestors not been slaves, perhaps my son would not be dead over a plant. My Black children, and all people, deserve to know the truth. We deserve a legal system that protects us, not one that arbitrarily and systemically uses a plant that victimizes our race.
JunEtEEnth CELEbrAtion
The Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute and North Carolina Association of Public Defenders hosted Juneteenth in our Courts. The event honors the significance of Juneteenth while highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial equity and social justice.
Increasing Access to Justice Through Legal Support Centers
By Judge Ashleigh Parker ’12
As the Lead Child Support judge in Wake County, I frequently heard non-custodial parents complain that they were unable to see their children because the custodial parent wouldn’t let them. I would advise them to “go downstairs, fill out a custody packet, and someone in a black robe will tell them how often you should see your child.” I felt good about myself because I believed I was not only educating a parent on their Constitutional rights to their child but also furthering my belief that children need to have a relationship with healthy and safe parents. Unfortunately, this feeling didn’t last long, as many returned, admitting that they couldn’t navigate the process. This reality, where paperwork became a barrier to someone having access to their child, birthed the passion for the Wake County Legal Support Center (“The Center”).
The Wake County Legal Support Center opened on January 9, 2023, and is operated by the North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission. It is funded by several partners, including Wake County,
the NC Administrative Office of the Courts, City of Raleigh, NC IOLTA, and the Wake County Bar Foundation. It was created to address the 2021 Civil Legal Needs Assessment, which revealed a shortage of Legal Aid attorneys, leaving many to navigate the civil court system alone.
The Center serves as a resource hub for selfrepresented litigants in civil legal matters, specifically with domestic and housing issues. Offering access to legal forms, information packets, various clinics, and legal advice from attorneys-of-the-day, it has helped over 7,800 people in just over a year, with local attorneys proving over 100 pro bono hours. The Center also hosts clinics on topics such as courtroom expectations and knowing your rights.
Expanding Legal Support Centers is vital. Currently, Mecklenburg County and Wake County have such centers in North Carolina. The ultimate goal is to have some variation of the Center available in every county, as access to justice remains elusive due to barriers like financial constraints, lack of legal
The exorbitant cost of legal representation widens the access to justice gap. Legal Support Centers mitigate financial barriers, ensuring equal access to the legal system regardless of economic status.
knowledge, and systemic inequalities. Legal Support Centers bridge these gaps, providing essential services and fostering a more equitable society. The exorbitant cost of legal representation widens the access to justice gap. Legal Support Centers mitigate financial barriers, ensuring equal access to the legal system regardless of economic status. They also promote legal literacy and empowerment within communities, offering workshops, outreach programs, and legal clinics to educate individuals about their rights and responsibilities. By fostering legal literacy, these centers enable individuals to make informed decisions, assert their rights, and actively participate in the pursuit of justice.
It is time to expand our reach by creating Legal Support Centers. They are essential institutions that play a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all members of society. By providing free legal information and promoting legal literacy, these centers empower individuals, protect their rights, and advance the cause of justice. As we strive to build a fairer and more equitable world, the establishment and support of Legal Support Centers must remain a priority, enabling us to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and human rights for generations to come. Join us in bringing a Legal Support Center to every county in North Carolina.
NCCu Tax Law Course Offerings
By Professor Reginald Mombrun ’88
The NCCU School of Law Tax Program boasts distinctive offerings that set it apart in the field. Two key aspects of the program are the LowIncome Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) and the tax certificate program. The LITC has provided invaluable assistance and yielded positive outcomes for numerous taxpayers entangled with the IRS, while the tax certificate program has proven to be an advantageous alternative for students seeking to specialize in taxation without incurring the additional expense of pursuing an LL.M degree.
I take pride in sharing that many of our students have successfully established their careers in tax law, thanks to the certificates they acquired through our program. Recent developments within our tax program signal a resurgence, marked by the reintroduction of the Fundamentals Tax class and the incorporation of two new offerings: "Legal Letters (Partnership)" and "Tax Law for Lawyers.”Particularly, the latter has garnered enthusiastic reception from our students, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the complex tax landscape that they, and their future clients, will encounter in legal practice.
In summary, NCCU School of Law tax program is experiencing a revitalization, and I am optimistic that it will continue to attract aspiring students keen on pursuing a successful career in tax law.
Jamie Foxx Portrays Alumnus Attorney
willie e. gary ’74 in “the burial”
By Terri Godwin Hyman
Actor Jamie Foxx portrays NCCU Law alumnus Willie E. Gary ’74 in the movie "The Burial." The legal drama follows personal injury lawyer Willie E. Gary and his mission to protect funeral homeowner Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe’s (played by (Tom Lee Jones) Mississippi funeral home from a corporate giant.
After appearing at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the movie hit theaters on Oct. 6, 2023, and began airing on Prime Video Oct.13, 2023.
Attorney Willie E. Gary earned the reputation as “The Giant Killer” by taking down some of America’s most well-known corporate giants on behalf of his clients. He has won some of the largest jury awards and settlements in U.S. history, including cases valued in excess of $30 billion. Gary’s amazing success has earned him national recognition as one of this country’s leading trial attorneys.
In May 2002, he was featured in Ebony magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Black Americans.” Forbes magazine has listed him as one of the “Top 50 attorneys in the U.S.” Gary has been featured in many of the nation’s most respected media publications, such as The New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, Ebony, Jet, People, Black Enterprise, Fortune, The New Yorker and the National Law Journal.
His remarkable legal career and tireless work on behalf of his clients have been well documented on “60 Minutes,” the “CBS Evening News,” and ABC’s “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.” He also made a guest appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and made a live appearance on CBS’s “The Early Show” with Bryant Gumbel. Willie Gary’s triumphant rise to the top is no overnight success story.
His unwavering desire to earn a college education ultimately led him to Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, where the all-state high school football player would earn an athletic scholarship after being told there was no room for him on the team. Gary went on to become the co-captain of Shaw’s football team during the 1969, 1970 and 1971 seasons.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Gary went on to NCCU School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 1974. Upon earning his law degree, Gary returned to Florida with his childhood sweetheart, Gloria, now his wife of over 50 years.
Gary was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1974, and opened his hometown’s first African American law firm with the help of Gloria, who assisted him at his new practice while teaching school. Gary’s practice has since grown into the thriving national partnership known as Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson, Gary & Gillespie, P.L.L.C., consisting of 21 attorneys, a team of paralegals and a professional staff of over 50. The firm’s office is located on the St. Lucie River in historic downtown Stuart, Fla., and is also the former Pelican Hotel where Gary worked as a dishwasher during his teenage years.
Gary is a member of the National Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, American Association for Justice, Martin and St. Lucie County Bar Associations and the Million Dollar Verdict Club. He has tried cases in 45 states, and is in great demand as a motivational speaker throughout the U.S., delivering speeches at law schools, universities, churches, chambers of commerce, and to various groups throughout the country and abroad.
silver Dollar roaD: A Story of Justice and resilience
By Terri Godwin Hyman
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In 2023, audiences were introduced to the impactful narrative of “Silver Dollar Road,” a film that made its debut in theatres and on Amazon Prime, featuring an exclusive screening and panel discussion at North Carolina Central University. The film brings to life the harrowing journey of the Reels family, who faced the devastating realization that they had lost their rights to ancestral land and waterfront property that had been passed down through generations.
The film draws on real events surrounding the Reels family’s fight for justice and their struggle against systemic injustices related to land ownership and civil rights. Central to this story are the legal battles that ensued, involving notable figures such as Justice Anita Earls, alumna Judge Ola M. Lewis ’90, and civil rights attorney Julius Chambers. Their tireless advocacy helped shed light on the complexities of the land loss case that affected not just the Reels family, but also broader issues of property rights within marginalized communities.
Among those who took a stand for the Reels family was NCCU Law alumnus attorney James E. Hairston Jr. ’90, who played an instrumental role in the legal efforts to free brothers Melvin Davis and LiCurtis Reels. The brothers found themselves incarcerated after refusing to comply with an order to demolish their homes and other structures on their beloved waterfront property near Beaufort, North Carolina. Their fight was not only for their own rights but also symbolized a broader struggle faced by many who find themselves at the mercy of the legal system.
After nearly eight years of confinement in the Carteret County Jail for contempt of civil court in what began as a property dispute, Melvin Davis and LiCurtis Reels were finally released in 2019. Their release marked a significant moment in the ongoing battle for justice, and highlighted the perseverance of individuals fighting against systemic inequalities.
“Silver Dollar Road” not only tells the Reels family’s story but also serves as a poignant commentary on the importance of land, heritage, and the legal battles that often accompany them. It underscores the notion that the fight for justice is far from over, and that the impact of such struggles continues to resonate within
communities across the nation.
As the film captivates its audience, it inspires awareness and dialogue around the issues it portrays. The legacy of the Reels family and their supporters — like Justice Earls, Judge Lewis, Chambers, and Hairston — are a testament to the power of advocacy, and the enduring quest for justice in a complex legal landscape. Through their story, “Silver Dollar Road” shines a light on the importance of resilience, community, and the ongoing fight for rights that many of us hold dear.
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sisters who rule: An inspirational Journey of friendship and Judicial success
By Gerald L. Walden, Jr. ’01
PiCtUre it! the year was 1998. the loCation was north Carolina Central University sChool of law.
The opening above may sound familiar to fans of the 1980s television series, “The Golden Girls,” about four single women living together during their golden years. One character, Sofia, regularly told stories that began in a similar fashion. Therefore, a reminiscent tone is appropriate when discussing four remarkable women who crossed paths in law school, were dormitory mates, and eventually ascended to the judiciary.
In 1998, Camille Banks-Prince, Teresa Robinson Freeman, Keshia Wright Hill, and Shamieka Rhinehart entered NCCU School of Law. Opting for on-campus housing, they each settled into McLean Hall dormitory. Besides their academic pursuits, they found solace and joy in each other’s company as dormmates – which often included watching episodes of “The Golden Girls.”
As their bond flourished, Banks-Prince noticed traits from the beloved series characters in each woman. She persuaded them to take an online test entitled, “Who is your Inner Golden Girl?” The results aligned perfectly: Banks-Prince embodied Sofia, Freeman embodied Blanche, Hill embodied Dorothy, and Rhinehart embodied Rose. From then on, they fondly referred to themselves as The Golden Girls.
Their union seemed destined by fate. Rhinehart’s tardy law
school application prevented her admission a year earlier. Freeman’s initial rejection letter was a clerical error, rectified upon investigation. Hill faced the loss of her father early in her law school journey but returned the following year.
A Higher Power orchestrated a unique and united path for these women.
After graduation, as they all excelled in personal, professional, and community endeavors, their individual journeys eventually took a pivotal turn towards the judiciary. In 2008, Banks-Prince’01 was appointed and subsequently elected as a District Court Judge in Forsyth County, North Carolina. That same year, Freeman’01 was elected as a District Court Judge presiding over Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton Counties in North Carolina. In 2012, Hill’02 was appointed as a magistrate judge in Clayton County, Georgia (and is currently the Chief Magistrate Judge).
Finally, in 2017, Rhinehart’01 joined this powerful trifecta of jurists by being elected as a District Court Judge in Durham County, North Carolina (and is currently a Superior Court Judge).
Despite various successes, they remain humble and unified. In 2019, they founded Sisters Who Rule, PLLC, to share their inspiring journey with others. Their story has garnered widespread attention, with appearances on
The Steve Harvey Show and other media platforms; features in print publications, and numerous speaking engagements.
Thus, as we reflect on NCCU School of Law’s 85th anniversary year and its history of producing incredible legal minds, it has also brought together individuals who have formed relationships that are equally incredible. As a fellow classmate who has watched and supported their journey for the last 25+ years, I am proud to call them not only my friends, but my sisters . . . WHO RULE!
To learn more about Sisters Who Rule, please follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Walden’01 currently serves as the Group vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for The Fresh Market, Inc., as well as a member of the NCCU School of Law’s Board of Visitors.
brian o. beverly, a 1995 graduate of NCCU School of Law, was presented the Joseph Branch Professionalism Award by the Wake County Bar Association. This annual award is the highest honor granted by the WCBA and is presented to a Wake County lawyer of at least 25 years’ experience who exemplifies professionalism. Brian is a shareholder at Young Moore and Henderson, P.A. in Raleigh, NC, and centers his practice on insurance litigation, insurance regulatory matters, including representation of the North Carolina Rate Bureau and the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility, and the defense of complex torts including transportation liability claims, medical negligence cases, and products liability litigation. Brian is a past president of the Wake County Bar Association, the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, and the Capital City Lawyers Association, and has
alumni spoTlighT
learn more about our inductees by visiting www.nccu.edu/forty-under-forty
served on the North Carolina Bar Association Board of Governors. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and the International Society of Barristers.
Dené Alexander ’12
Kayla Britt ’18
Stacey Carless ’13
Stacy Lee ’09
Angelica McDonald ’14
Jared Pone ’20
John Edward Stephenson ’13
Cassandra Stokes ’16
niChelle
Perry's legaCy
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After 30 years of dedicated service, alumna, Law Library Director, and Associate Professor Nichelle Perry ’93 is embarking on a new chapter. Throughout her tenure, Perry’s outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment have profoundly impacted not only the library but the entire law school community. Her visionary approach has transformed the library into a beacon of knowledge and resourcefulness, making it an asset for students, faculty, and researchers alike.
Perry’s contributions extend far beyond her professional accomplishments; she has been a mentor to countless students, serving as a guide, and inspiration to many. Her passion and dedication to creating a supportive learning environment have left a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege of working with her.
As Perry begins this next chapter of her journey, we express our heartfelt gratitude for her years of service. Her presence will be greatly missed, but the impact she has made will resonate within these halls for years to come.
JONES GOES to the sUPreMe CoUrt NCCU Law Professor Dana Jones ’97, achieved a significant milestone in her legal career.
On May 9, she was granted the prestigious privilege of admission to practice before the United States Supreme Court. This remarkable accomplishment not only underscores Professor Jones’ exemplary dedication and expertise in the legal field, but also serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice.
Standing by her side during this occasion was her colleague, Professor Jason Jones, who played a pivotal role as her movant, further exemplifying the supportive and collaborative atmosphere within the Legal Eagle community. Through their combined efforts and shared dedication to the legal profession, Professor Dana Jones and Professor Jason Jones epitomize the spirit of excellence and camaraderie that defines the Legal Eagle community.
siDney a. thoMas ’16 wins the Charles f. blanCharD yoUng lawyer of the year awarD.
Sidney Thomas is an attorney at the North Carolina Commissioner Office of the Banks, and an appointed member to the North Carolina Financial Literacy Council. Sidney serves as the NCBA YLD co-chair for the Law Week and Liberty Bell Committee, and section liaison for the Juvenile Justice & Childrens Rights Section. Prior to her role as co-chair for the Law Week and Liberty Bell Committee, she served as the co-chair for the moot court competition subcommittee and co-chair for the Minorities in Profession Awards and Recognition subcommittee.
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williaM walton ’16 wins the robinson o. everett ProfessionalisM awarD
Will Walton is an associate general counsel with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. He is a 2009 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a Bachelor of Arts in economics, and a 2013 graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law. In 2016, Will began his career in public service at the North Carolina Department of Justice. Will joined the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections in February of this year, and focuses primarily on employment and workers’ compensation matters within the General Counsel’s Office. Will has been an active member of the Young Lawyers Division the past several years, and is currently serving as the division director for the Community Outreach Division of YLD. In his free time, Will enjoys cooking, reading and traveling with his wife Olivia.
law sChool Pro bono serviCe awarD – “better together” DUKe University sChool of law, north Carolina Central sChool of law anD UnC sChool of law
Presented to an outstanding law student group whose pro bono project advanced access to justice in North Carolina. Consideration will be given to law school groups or projects engaging two or more North Carolina law school students who are not receiving law school academic credit for their work and who have provided assistance to low-income people in North Carolina.
Launched in 2022, “Better Together” is a partnership between Duke University School of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law, and UNC School of Law students
to provide criminal-record expunctions to Durham residents. “Better Together” fosters connections among serviceoriented students to provide high-impact criminal record expunction work.
Expunction is a critically important service in Durham, where thousands of residents have criminal records. Such records create serious roadblocks to securing and maintaining safe and affordable housing, and stable and sustaining employment. While those with means can afford to hire private attorneys, low-income residents with criminal records — who,
because of systemic racism, are disproportionately Black and Hispanic — must rely on the help of public-interest organizations to secure a clean slate.
Through the project, students review client records and draft expunction petitions under the supervision of Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program attorneys.
Professor Lakethia Jefferies accepted the award during the awards dinner.
legal legend of Color:
THE HONOrABLE PATriCE A. HiNNANT (rET.) ’78
The Honorable Patrice A. Hinnant (Ret.) is an attorney, and serves as a State Bar Councilor following 22 years of judicial service, including nine years as a Guilford County Resident Superior Court judge, and 13 years on the Guilford County District Court. She began her career as an assistant public defender in Greensboro. She is a graduate of Spelman College, NCCU School of Law, and has done additional study at the National Judicial College, the North Carolina School of Government and Shaw University Divinity School.
The Honorable Hinnant served the legal profession as a board member and secretary of the North Carolina Conference of Superior Court Judges for seven years; board member and vice president of the North Carolina Bar Association; board member and vice president of the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers; president of the Greensboro Bar Association; National Bar Association, past board member and Judicial council chair; American Bar Association Judicial Division and Commission on Youth at Risk; and Guilford Inn of Court Master. She is currently affiliated with the American Bar Association; National Bar Association; North Carolina Bar Association; North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers; Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers; and Greensboro Bar Association. She is a graduate of Leadership Greensboro, and is a Fellow of the NC Institute of Political Leadership.
She has a pioneering presence in the Guilford County legal community as the first Black female assistant public defender, the first female elected District Court Judge from the Democratic Party, the first Black female, and first sitting judge elected president of the Greensboro Bar Association, first Black female Resident Superior Court Judge, and first Black female elected State Bar Councilor. Her presence in each position opened the door for others to soon follow.
The Honorable Hinnant serves her community and is active with the Greensboro Club of Rotary International for which she is a board member, President-Elect Nominee (2025-26) and Paul Harris Fellow; The Links, Incorporated, past vice president of Programs of the Greensboro Chapter, and past chair of the Ethics and Standards Committee of the National Executive Council; The Junior League
of Greensboro, past president and Sustainer board member; and the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, having served as chapter president, and on the National Executive Board as co-chair of the Social Action Commission among other sorority regional and national positions. In each of the organizations, she has received awards for service.
Additionally, she serves on the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Board of Visitors, and the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion Fine Arts Committee.
As a community servant, she has participated on numerous boards including the Board of Trustees for Moses Cone Memorial Hospital; Board of Directors for Moses Cone/Wesley Long Community Health Foundation; Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro; Community Advisory Board for Bankers Trust (now Truist Bank); and other boards too numerous to name. She has served as a state appointee to the Guilford County Board of Elections, and the North Carolina LowLevel Radioactive Waste Authority. Similarly, in the civic arena, she pioneered as the first Black Chair of the United Arts Council of Greensboro (now Arts Greensboro), the first Black President of the Junior League of Greensboro, and the first Black Chair of Youth Services Bureau (renamed Youth Focus), and upcoming first Black female president of the Greensboro Rotary Club.
She strives to live a life of purpose, and to make a difference in the world. The motto of her college is ‘Our Whole School for Christ’; it was there that she was encouraged to bloom in her native soil of North Carolina, to extend sisterly friendship in collaborations, and to give service to various community arenas of encounter.
The Honorable Hinnant, a native and resident of Greensboro, is a Christian, and enjoys travel, college and professional sports, old movies, reading, spending time with friends, family genealogy, pet care and ‘piddling in the yard.’
Memorial
ralPh K. frasier sr ’63
Ralph Kennedy Frasier (85) passed away on May 8, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on September 16, 1938, to LeRoy Benjamin Frasier and Kathryn Oziebel Kennedy Frasier, Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and brother, LeRoy Benjamin Frasier, Jr.
After graduating from Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina, Ralph obtained a bachelor’s degree in commerce from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) before serving honorably in the United States Army, and going on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from the NCCU School of Law ’65, magna cum laude. He lived a life defined by a relentless pursuit of justice and equality beginning in 1955 when he, his brother LeRoy, and classmate John Brandon, challenged segregation by suing the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Their triumph in Frasier, et al. vs. University of
North Carolina et al., 134 Fed. Supp. 589 (1955), affirmed, 350 U.S. 979; 76 S.Ct. 467 (1956), led to the dismantling of racial barriers in undergraduate education, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s civil rights landscape.
Ralph went on to blaze trails in corporate America, becoming the first African American in a management position at Wachovia Bank, and as one of the founding members of the Wachovia Legal Department, serving Wachovia for over 10 years in various legal capacities including legal counsel, assistant secretary, assistant vice president, and vice president. In 1975, Huntington Bancshares Incorporated recruited Ralph to move to Columbus, Ohio where he enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning more than 30 years as general counsel, senior counsel, executive vice president, and director of diversified financial institution. Upon retiring from Huntington in 1998, Ralph joined the Columbus, Ohio office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, L.L.P., a 300-member law firm, as of counsel, where he further solidified his reputation as a visionary leader, championing initiatives to promote diversity and corporate governance until his retirement in 2005.
Throughout his adult life, Ralph gave generously of his time, energy and resources to many non-profit and public sector institutions, including service in leadership capacities in North Carolina – the Winston-Salem Transit Authority, chairman; Appalachian State University, trustee; North Carolina Central University, vice chair; NCCU School of Law Board of Visitors, Member; and North Carolina Family Services, Inc., Trustee; in Ohio – the Columbus Urban League, trustee; The Columbus Foundation, distinguished fellow; Directions for Youth, Inroads Columbus, Inc., trustee; Ohio Board of Regents, Chairman; Ohio Health Corporation, trustee and treasurer; Community Mutual Insurance Company, director; and OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., trustee; and in Nevada – The National Judicial College, trustee and treasurer. From 2002 until 2003, Ralph proudly served as of counsel to Frasier & Alston, P.A., a Durham, North Carolinabased law firm established by his son, Ralph K. Frasier, Jr., and daughter, Kären Denise Frasier (Alston), and subsequently, to son Ralph’s firm, Frasier & Griffin, L.L.C. until 2005.
Ralph was a life member
ralPh K. frasier, cont.
of the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a W.E.B. Du Bois Fellow of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a member of Gamma Beta Boule, Jacksonville, Florida. He especially enjoyed the time he spent mentoring early-career professionals, earning him the nickname, Mufasa, “’King of the Pride Lands’ – a righteous, wise, and kindhearted leader, but admirably powerful and courageous as well.” His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, even as his legacy of resilience, integrity, and service continues to inspire generations to come.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeannine Marie Quick-Frasier (Jacksonville, FL); his children, Kären Denise Frasier (Abu Dhabi, UAE), Gail Spaulding Cox (Ira; Charlotte, North Carolina), Ralph Kennedy Frasier, Jr. (Durham, North Carolina), Keith Lowery Frasier (Jocelyn; Chesapeake, Virginia), Marie Kennedy-Frasier Coleman (Columbus, Ohio), and Rochelle Doar Frasier (Marlon; Columbus, Ohio); his sisters-in-law, Gillian Frances Bowen Frasier (Brooklyn, New York) and Eloise Marion Quick (Columbus, OH); his brother-in-law, Gilbert Maurice Quick (Frankie; Columbus, OH); his niece Malaika Rochelle Chaney (Steven; Columbus, Ohio); nephew, Daudi Aljon Quick (Danielle; Columbus, Ohio); his grandchildren, Margaret-Ann Raub (Kyle), Olivia Money Mills (Brandon), Keith Bernard Griffin, Jr. (Elyse), Jesse Alexander Alston, Keith Lowery Frasier, Jr., Kennedy Mariah Cox, Lauren Kennedy Frasier-Jeffries, David James Frasier, Ralph Kennedy Frasier, III, Christopher Jones Frasier, Jordan Elaine Frasier, Courtney Jaël Frasier, Mikayla Joy Wilkinson, Steven Alexander Frasier; and 3 great-grandchildren, Brenner, Avalyn and Baylor.
horaCe loCKlear ’72
Horace Locklear, 81, was born in Robeson County, North Carolina to farmer Riley Lee Locklear and wife, Margaret Locklear, who later became a public school teacher; their family heritage was Lumbee Indian. After graduating from Magnolia High School in 1960, he attended Pembroke State College (now UNC-Pembroke) from where he graduated in 1964, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He became a Robeson County public elementary school teacher. In his first year he taught sixth and seventh grades all subjects — in a makeshift classroom, next to a fellow teacher who also taught combination grades; a cloth curtain separated the classrooms located in the school’s auditorium. He resigned from his teaching position midway the second school year, and was rescued from a futile teaching career in the mid 60’s by a federal anti-poverty program. He was hired by the NC Fund Project as a mobility specialist, and moved his wife and young child to Statesville, North Carolina. In 1969, he left that job when he won a school scholarship from the Ford Foundation and the U.S. Bureau of Indians Affairs to attend law school. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1972, and was admitted to the NC Bar, thus becoming the first licensed American Indian lawyer in North Carolina.
Locklear was elected to the N.C. House of Representatives where he served three terms from 1977 -1983, choosing not to seek re-election to another term.
Afterwards, he continued to practice law while immersing himself in Civic Affairs, Community Development, Human Rights, The Civil Rights Movement, and American Indian Rights and Causes.
Locklear’s death on May 05, 2024, in the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Bolivia, North Carolina, ended his 61-year-old marriage to Barbara Braveboy-Locklear who survives him along with their three children: a daughter, Millicent Locklear Long (Joseph) Shallotte, North Carolina; his two sons: Horace Bryan Locklear of Zebulon, North Carolina, and Jasper Edwin Locklear (Nicole) of Lillington, North Carolina; his sister, Angelin Lee Locklear of Lumberton, North Carolina; his brother, D’Angelo Locklear of Lumberton, North Carolina; his stepmother, Angeline of Lumberton, North Carolina; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
honorable albert STANBACK, Jr. ’72
Albert Leon Stanback, Jr. made his peaceful transition on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Leon, as he was affectionately known, was born on November 12, 1942, to Albert Leon Stanback, Sr. and Catherine Caldwell Stanback. As an only child for 14 years, Leon was overjoyed upon the birth of his sister and only sibling, Pamela. They enjoyed a special bond of love, affection and admiration that was unmatched. Leon was preceded in death by his parents and his dear sister.
Leon attended Central High School in Hillsborough, N.C., (CHS) where his father was the principal, and his mother taught French and English. A highly accomplished scholar and saxophonist, Leon’s classmates voted him “Best Personality,” “Most Musical,” “Most Likely to Succeed,” and, along with his lifelong friend, Helen Chavious, “Most Intellectual.” Even then, Leon was the man whom everyone came to know and love and lived up to those superlatives throughout his life.
Upon his graduation from CHS in 1961, Leon matriculated at North Carolina College at Durham (NCC), now North Carolina Central University (NCCU). While there, he continued to play the saxophone as a member of the Eagle’s nationally famous marching band and performed at halftime shows for the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Colts.
He also played the saxophone lead on a selection called “Five Mellow Winds” included in a recording made in 1962 by the band and the outstanding college choir. In addition, he played with numerous local bands, including The Crusaders and the Lee Darvis Orchestra, performing on college campuses and at jazz clubs throughout the state. In the fall of 1962, he was initiated into the Tau Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He continued as an active member and remained so until his death.
Leon received his bachelor of science degree in Chemistry in 1965. Upon hearing some housemates who were enrolled in law school arguing cases, Leon’s interest was piqued, and he decided to attend law school, entering in the fall of 1965. Here, Leon would find his professional passion and begin to lay the foundation for what would be an outstanding career.
After earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1968 from North Carolina College, Leon was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar after being one of only three successful Black candidates that same year. The Honorable Henry Frye, a former Law professor at NCC, and later to become the first Black chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, hired Leon as an associate with the Greensboro law firm of Frye and Johnson. A year later, he became an assistant district attorney for Guilford County, prosecuting various crimes. Over the next nine years, Leon would become a partner in the law firm of Lee, High, Taylor,
Dansby & Stanback, and later, Dansby and Stanback Attorneys.
In 1980, Leon and Pam came together to form the law firm of Stanback & Stanback, P.A. They were later joined in the practice by their cousin, Barry Stanback. As Leon continued a successful career and became a leader in the statewide legal community, he was tapped to serve on the Governor’s Minority Executive Advisory Council, advising the governor on employment, education, and economic development issues. In 1985, he was appointed to the North Carolina Parole Commission. While serving, he developed programs that helped to rehabilitate inmates, and made recommendations concerning pardons and commutations.
In 1989, Leon was appointed to the North Carolina Superior Court for the 14th Judicial District, serving Durham County. While on the bench, he presided over a broad range of civil and criminal matters, earning a reputation as a knowledgeable and fair jurist and gaining the respect of fellow jurists, lawyers, and courthouse personnel. After 20 years of distinguished judicial service, Leon retired from the bench in 2009.
After his retirement, Leon served as a certified mediator with the Dispute Resolution Commission, settling many of their Superior Court cases. In February 2012, he was called out of retirement by Governor Beverly Perdue to become the Acting District Attorney for the 14th Judicial District. He served admirably in this role until August 2014.
albert stanbaCK, cont.
Leon worked hard and played hard. His professional, civic and social involvements and affiliations were numerous. Professional affiliations included the North Carolina Board of Law Examiners, North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers (past vicepresident), the North Carolina Bar Association, the George H. White Bar Association, the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers (past president), and the Braxton Craven Inns of Court at Duke University Law School.
Civic and social affiliations included Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (past basileus), Alpha Tau Boule of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, North Carolina Guardsman, North
Carolina Central Foundation Board of Directors, St. Joseph A.M.E. Church Steward Board, North Carolina Black Leadership Caucus, North Carolina Council on the Status of Women, and the North Carolina Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.
Leon accumulated numerous awards and recognitions for his service throughout his life, including Outstanding Trial Judge in the State of North Carolina - North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Man of the Year Community Service AwardN.C. Western Conference of the A.M.E. Church, Distinguished Service to the Legal Community –George H. White Bar Association, Omega Man of the Year – Beta
CeCily Pearson sMith ’75
Phi Chapter, Judge Clifton Johnson Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Legal Community – North Carolina Central University School of Law, and Lifetime Achievement Award – Spectacular Magazine.
Leon is survived by his wife of 33 years, Michelle Floyd Stanback; daughters Kynita Stringer-Stanback (Afiya), Portia Kee, and Catherine Leigh Stanback; granddaughter Victoria Kee Cromwell; mother-in-law Willie Mae Floyd; brothers-in-law Elson Floyd, John Floyd (Vonda), Luis Glean; sisters-in-law Alfreda Floyd, Valencia Floyd (Keith); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Cecily Pearson Smith, affectionately called “C.P.” by close friends, transitioned on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at her home in Durham, North Carolina.
Cecily was born, the older of two children, to Cynthia Pearson Smith and George Booth Smith. She attended Durham public schools, graduating from Hillside High School in the class of 1962.
Upon completion of high school, Cecily enrolled in Indiana University, from which she graduated in 1966, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In 1973, she enrolled in the North Carolina Central University School of Law, and graduated in 1975.
Following a period of private practice, Attorney Smith joined the Durham County District Attorney’s Office in 1980, and continued in that office until 1989 when she became the first person to hold the office of Legal Adviser to the Sheriff’s Office. She retired in 2006 after receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2005.
She is survived by her loving siblings; brother, George Booth “BB” Smith, halfsister, Bonnie Harper, and half brother, George Lamont Kithcart; several nieces and nephews, her caring and loving friend, Marie Shaw Simmons and a host of other relatives and friends.
HErMAN “CHiP ” C. WiLSON Jr. ’85
(June 25, 2024) Born August 14, 1957, to Margaret L. Wilson and the late Herman C. Wilson Sr., Herman “Chip” Wilson Jr was without argument a man of quality, true servant leader to his community, and a man of impeccable character and strength. He was always the giver; rarely received and his life reflected these values. Throughout his life his mantra was as an achiever, and he lived a distinguished committed life.
Being the first-born child in the family, Chip served as a protector to his sister, and a motivator and counselor to his niece, and recently to his beloved mother. He was a nurturer and he passionately believed in celebrating and empowering the human spirit.
Chip received his formative education in the Cumberland County School System in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Graduating in 1975 from E.E. Smith High School, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on an athletic scholarship, and later received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Fayetteville State University. While attending FSU, he not only succeeded academically and athletically, but it was at Fayetteville that he became interested in civil rights and social justice issues. It was at this point that he entered law school, and subsequently pursued and received a law degree (JD) at North Carolina Central University specializing in criminal law, and concentrating on the mass incarceration of poor people.
He was a member of St. Luke AME Church, and in later years attended College Height Presbyterian Church. Chip also was a loyal and proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Democratic Political Party, E.E. Smith National Alumni Association, and North Carolina Central Alumni Association where he previously served as president of the Fayetteville Chapter.
Chip leaves to cherish his mother, Margaret L. Wilson, who loved him dearly; his sister, Matrice L. Wilson; and his niece, Dr. Matoaka L. Wilson, and a host of relatives and friends.
nathan t. garrett sr. ’86
Nathan Garrett’s story is one of humility, determination, and perseverance. Nathan Garrett, Sr. was born in Tarboro, North Carolina to York David Garrett, Jr. and Julia Bond Williams on August 8, 1931. The youngest of 4 children, Nathan was smart and inquisitive. In 1933, the family moved to Durham, North Carolina where Nathan matriculated through Scarborough Nursery School, Whitted Elementary and Hillside High School. He excelled academically as class valedictorian and class president, and he enjoyed playing tennis. After school, Nathan and his siblings worked rotating shifts at Garrett’s Biltmore Drugstore. The family business, located inside the Biltmore Hotel on Pettigrew Street, was revered because Dr. York and Julia were an integral part of the Durham community. Their work ethic and social concern helped set the path for the outstanding person Nathan would become.
Nathan entered Yale College in 1948 where he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the oldest of the collegiate, Black Greek-letter fraternities. After graduating from Yale in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, Nathan joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and served during the Korean War in the 43rd Field Artillery Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, with a specialty in heavy infantry weapons, where he taught cartography. After two years, he was discharged with the rank of Corporal, and began life in Detroit, Michigan.
While pursuing post graduate studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Nathan worked in the insurance industry, but quickly found that accounting came easy for him. It was also at that time that he met and fell in love with Wanda Jones Wofford, a teacher in the Detroit public school system. It was a beautiful romance, and on September 6, 1958, the couple eloped to Toledo, Ohio with the assistance of close friends Bobby and Teola Gragg.
nathan t. garrett, cont.
To this loving union, they each brought their children from previous marriages: Devron Marc Wofford and Shahida Andrea Garrett. Nathan adopted Marc shortly thereafter, and the family enjoyed life together in Detroit.
In the years following, Nathan faced challenges while trying to break into the accounting industry. In 1957, despite being a Yale graduate, a U.S. Army veteran and maintaining an “A” average throughout his studies at Wayne State University, Nathan found himself unable to obtain a position with a regional or national accounting firm. He was told that clients would object to a “Negro”, and they would not be able to utilize his services.
Disappointed, but not defeated, Nathan ultimately found employment with a private firm in Detroit, owned by Richard H. Austin, the first African American in Michigan to earn the CPA designation. Austin later became Michigan’s first African American Secretary of State. Under the tutelage of Austin, Garrett gained valuable experience, and eventually became the fifth African American CPA in the state of Michigan (and approximately the 63rd in the United States). He received his North Carolina certificate in 1964.
In 1962, Nathan and Wanda moved the family to his hometown of Durham, North Carolina, and in 1963, welcomed the birth of their third child, Nathan Jr. It was also in 1962 that Nathan opened the first Black-owned accounting firm in the state. After many years and a
lot of hard work, the firm became the largest minority-owned firm in North Carolina. Garrett practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in North Carolina from 1962–2004.
Throughout his career, he continued breaking barriers and promoting positive changes. In 2008, he was honored by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) where he served as the first black national chairman. The Center for the Public Trust honored him as a recipient of the Being a Difference Award for his monumental work promoting ethical leadership and diversity. Nathan received the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. The Triangle Business Journal honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its Leaders in Diversity Luncheon in 2015.
Nathan was the founder and former executive director of the Foundation for Community Development (FCD). The FCD, originally formed as part of the North Carolina Fund, was created in 1963 to “break the cycle of poverty” that was plaguing many of North Carolina’s residents.
Nathan and Allard Alston founded United Durham Incorporated (UDI), and he later served as a Durham County Commissioner. Additionally, he was chairman emeritus of the board of directors for North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance, Chairman of the board at Fayetteville State University, and a member of the Board of Directors at Duke University. He was a tenured professor in the School of Business at
NCCU. Nathan served as president of the National Association of Minority CPA Firms, and the North Carolina Association of Minority Businesses. He also was chairman of the Minority Economic Development Advisory Committee to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. He served on the Board of Seeds, he was chairman of the Duke Patient Advocacy Committee, and served in leadership positions for many other organizations.
As an author, public speaker and community volunteer, Nathan continued throughout his life to transcend the limitations that applied to African Americans, while also promoting fairness and equality for all minorities, regardless of religion, gender, or ethnic origin. Today, some of the largest national accounting firms that once turned him away, have now employed qualified candidates that were trained by none other than Nathan Garrett and those that he trained and mentored. Garrett, Sullivan & Company and it’s successor firms have produced hundreds of highly qualified CPAs, business professionals and public officials.
Nathan and his wife Wanda have always been committed to the education and social development of our youth. Together they migrated, helped, and encouraged many Michigan family members to North Carolina colleges and universities: Connie Stephenson, Stephan French, James Gooden, Sulaiman Mausi, Sr. and Malik Mausi to NCCU; Lynnette French to Bennett College; and Dorian Mausi Jr. to Duke University.
Their encouragement did not stop at family, as many Hillside and NCCU alums and children of friends can attest to their unwavering support. As a result of their community service and vast interest in developing and encouraging young people, both were inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Wanda’s alma mater).
Nathan Taylor Garrett, Sr. is preceded in death by his parents Dr. York David Garrett, Jr. and Julia Bond, Williams Garrett, his brothers York David Garrett, III and Oliver Thomas Garrett, and sister Gloria Williams Garrett Pratt.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Wanda Jones Wofford Garrett, son Devron Garrett, daughter Shahida Mausi (Jesse Brooks), and son Nathan T. Garrett, Jr. (Gail); nieces Gwenn Gooden, Constance Stephenson, Marlene Simmons, Adrienne Crockett, Claudia Chears, Yvonne Moore, Carol Jones, Janetta Gatewood, Valerie Stephenson, Jillian Gatewood and Korene Smith; nephews Sidney Jones, Gregory French, Tommy Garrett, Howard Jones, Jeffrey Jones, Stephan French and Michael Garrett; seven grandchildren: Dorian Mausi, Sr. (Lori), Sulaiman Mausi, Sr. (Lesleigh), Rashid Mausi (Adira), Malik Mausi, Nathan T. Garrett III, Lalia Corinne Garrett (Tevin Burnett) and Dalton Garrett; two God-children Fred McKinney and Gail Woods; thirteen great-grandchildren, and a host of grand-nieces and nephews, cousins, loving family and great friends.
NCCU School of Law
donoR honoR Roll
Donor Honor Roll list reflects annual gifts made between March 11, 2023 – June 30, 2024. the Donor honor roll is our opportunity to thank alumni, friends and partners who have demonstrated their support.
