48th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon

48 th annual presents

Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon

Visionaries: Making Good Trouble

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024

MARINA DEL REY MARRIOTT • MARINA DEL REY, CA

BWL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS LUNCHEON 2024

SPONSORS

Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation is grateful for the many generous sponsors and underwriters of its 48th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon.

FRIENDSHIP

COMMUNITY PARTNER

HON. SYNA N. DENNIS

CRYSTAL D. CRAWFORD, ESQ. & FAMILY

SCHOLARSHIP UNDERWRITERS

SILVER

JACKIE HARDING • SANDRA K. WILLIAMS

PIPELINE PATRON

WONYA LUCAS

Welcome

2024 Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Luncheon, Chair Keshia

Adeniyi-Dorsey

I am honored to welcome you to the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation’s (“BWLF”) 48th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Luncheon! This year’s theme, “VISIONARIES: MAKING GOOD TROUBLE,” recognizes the importance of courageously breaking barriers, advocating for and inspiring the collective in our local Los Angeles community.

This year’s honorees are incredible visionaries, who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the community. They each have truly made and are truly “making good trouble!” Their work literally continues to change lives and will undoubtedly have long lasting generational impact. Thank you for creating the building blocks, being courageous enough to disrupt, and for laying the groundwork for the next generation of leaders and visionaries in our community. The honorees are as follows:

Charisse Bremond Weaver, President & CEO of Brotherhood Crusade – Excellence in Advocacy Honoree Charisse Bremond Weaver has led Brotherhood Crusade for over 19 years, raising over $75MM and expanding the organization’s annual budget to $11MM. Under her leadership, the organization impacts over 20,000 youth and families annually. Recognized with awards like the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award, Charisse is a Utah State University graduate residing in Los Angeles, CA.

Alfred “Al” Jenkins, Bar Daddy – Excellence in Community Service Honoree Al Jenkins, known as “Bar Daddy,” has helped over 3,000 Black law graduates pass the California Bar Exam for free. Initially an electromechanical engineer, Jenkins was inspired to become a lawyer at 40. After graduating from Loyola Law School, he dedicated himself to tutoring, addressing the low pass rates among African Americans.

Yvette Nicole Brown, Emmy-Nominated Actress, Writer, Producer, and Host – Excellence in the Arts Honoree Yvette Nicole Brown is an Emmy-nominated actress known for her roles in “Community” and “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Her film credits include “Tropic Thunder” and “Avengers: Endgame,” and she has voiced characters in video games and hosted shows. A University of Akron graduate, she began her career in Los Angeles.

Wonya Lucas, Former President & CEO Hallmark Media – Corporate Excellence Honoree Wonya Lucas, former President and CEO of Hallmark Media, oversaw Hallmark’s TV networks and streaming service. She previously led Public Broadcasting Atlanta and TV One, and held executive roles at Discovery, The Weather Channel, Turner Broadcasting, Coca-Cola, and Clorox. Lucas serves on the Peabody Awards Board and the Sundance Institute Board, and holds an MBA from Wharton and a BS from Georgia Tech.

We applaud each of our honorees, and their dedication to and efforts in advancing the community. We are honored to celebrate your many accomplishments.

I would also like to thank our Sponsors and Scholarship Underwriters for your continued support. Without you we would not have the ability to assist the next generation of law students. I would also like to thank the Scholarship Selection Committee, including chairs, Tiffanie Spivey and Kathiana Aurelien, for your time and commitment. Your work is appreciated and has been instrumental. Not only did we significantly increase the number of applicant’s this year, but you also selected a remarkable group of bright law students who like our honorees, are visionaries making good trouble on their respective law school campuses and in the community.

BWLF President Alma Graham, thank you for your leadership, encouragement and support. As for the Foundation Board Members- your commitment to BWLF is unparalleled. A special thanks to our Event Planner, Terrina Scott, for her patience and hard work. To our Scholarship Luncheon Committee—Kree Filer, Ashley Williams and Rochelle Higgins— thank you! You all were the best; I’m blessed to have such amazing sisters-in-law. And finally, to our friends, and guests- thank you for your continued support of BWLF. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by this afternoon’s program.

Warmly,

Lakeshia Adeniyi-Dorsey, Chair

BWLF 48th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Luncheon

Welcome

BWL Foundation, President

Alma Howard Graham

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to extend heartfelt greetings to all the attendees of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation’s (Foundation) 48th Annual Scholarship Luncheon & Fundraiser. Along with the Black Women Lawyers Association, Inc. (BWL), our founding affiliate organization, we cannot express enough our gratitude and deep appreciation because we are here with you another year to uplift worthy legal scholars and recognize the accomplishments of individuals who have blazed a trail of notable accomplishments. This is another opportunity to celebrate our mission to promote equity and inclusion in the legal profession. During our time together, our goal is to uplift, witness and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our scholarship recipients who are the reason for this event.

For almost five decades, the Foundation and BWL have been dedicated to cultivating the next generation of diverse attorneys by providing law student scholarships and investing in programs promoting equity and inclusion and overall community wellbeing. This year’s theme “Visionaries: Making Good Trouble” is a bold and respectful nod to John Lewis, one of our greatest public servants. The iconic statement uniquely communicates the mission and commitment to support and encourage our communities and provide the highest levels of service to others.

We are again honored to recognize the Foundation’s partnership with California ChangeLawyers and their Diversity scholarship program which shares the Foundation’s focus on identifying deserving law students of color. We are also pleased to congratulate our honorees: Charisse Bremond Weaver, President & CEO of Brotherhood Crusade - Excellence in Advocacy Honoree, Alfred “Al” Jenkins, Bar Daddy – Excellence in Community Service Honoree, Yvette Nicole Brown, Emmy-Nominated Actress, Writer, Producer, and Host – Excellence in the Arts Honoree, and Wonya Lucas, Former President & CEO Hallmark Media –Corporate Excellence Honoree. They represent Black “Visionaries making Good Trouble” on behalf of our communities with their accomplishments and dedication.

On behalf of the Foundation board, I want to express sincere appreciation for our sponsors because we cannot accomplish any of our goals and pursue our mission without their support. We are especially grateful to our Scholarship Fundraising Chair Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey for her diligent, effective, and creative work to make this event a fabulous success with the support of our wonderful event coordinator Terrina Scott. I am also thankful for Scholarship Committee co-chairs Kathiana Aurelian and Tiffanie Spivey for their diligent work in the selection of our BWL Foundation scholarship recipients. Finally, I applaud the Foundation Board members for their investment of resources and unwavering dedication and support of the Foundation’s mission.

With sincere and warm regards,

Alma Howard Graham, President, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation

Welcome

2023-2024 BWL Inc., President

Ronni Whitehead Otieno

Greetings,

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations to the esteemed honorees and deserving scholarship recipients of the BWL Foundation’s 48th Annual Scholarships Fundraiser and Awards Luncheon.

Our theme for this year’s event, “Visionaries: Making Good Trouble,” aptly embodies the spirit of these exceptional individuals we honor today. They have not only envisioned a better world but have also engaged in the work to make it a reality.

To Charisse Bremond Weaver, Alfred “Al” Jenkins, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Wonya Lucas, I offer my heartfelt congratulations on being recognized for your outstanding achievements in advocacy, community service, entertainment, and the corporate arena, respectively. Your dedication, passion, and pursuit of excellence serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all.

I would be remiss if I did not give a special thank you to Mr. Jenkins, whom I am a student of. Your dedication to black law students has improved our profession and is truly inspirational. You deserve all of the accolades and honors.

I also extend my sincerest congratulations to the deserving scholarship recipients who embody the promise and potential of our future. As we celebrate your accomplishments today, remember that you are the architects of tomorrow. Embrace the theme of “Visionaries: Making Good Trouble” and dare to dream big, push boundaries, and make history.

The BWL Foundation has once again organized a remarkable event, providing a platform to honor excellence and inspire greatness. To the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers who have contributed to the success of this event, I commend your unwavering commitment and dedication.

Warm regards,

Ronnivashti Whitehead Otieno President, BWL

Inc.

May 28, 2024

Re: 48th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 48th annual Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Luncheon, “Visionaries: Making Good Trouble” Since 1975, this organization has supported the growth of necessary voices otherwise missing in a field where advocacy and representat ion matter. “Good trouble”, as the late and great John Lewis described, is about standing up and speaking out In a legal system that was not built for you, not built for many, this Association pushes through the barriers, not only promoting one another, but creating and expanding the space in which you affect change.

I wish to congratulate today’s honorees for these distinctions of excellence as well as BWL President Ronni Whitehead Otieno for her dedication to the Association this past year. My office is incredibly grateful to Charisse Bremond Weaver and all that the Brotherhood Crusade has done for the people of the 55th Assembly District, from COVID-19 vaccine clinics to our annual holiday event. Ms. Weaver is an asset to our ongoing collaboration. With the financial barriers confronting anyone who considers attending law school, the attention Mr. Al Jenkins has given to students without a fee is simply unheard of today, and yet invaluable to many. His conviction is unparalleled. Wonya Lucas led a tidal shift in representation on our screens while serving as President and CEO at Hallmark Media. It is that advocacy that opens doors for generations to come, while creating stories we can enjoy with our entire family. A household name, Yvette Nicole Brown lives in our hearts just as much as she belongs on our screens. It is a special gift to bring laughter and comfort to so many people, and Ms. Brown has made our lives all the richer for it.

Please join me in celebrating today’s honorees today, and celebrate the work you each do every day. Treasure one another for the adversity you stride through. Congratulations once more to the honorees, and on behalf of the 55th Assembly district, thank you all.

Sincerely,

Isaac G. Bryan Assemblymember, 55th District

FOUNDING MEMBERS

BLACK WOMEN LAWYERS OF LOS ANGELES, INC.

History

Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Inc. is a non-profit corporation whose mission is dedicated to charitable, educational and community-based services. BWL was founded in 1975 after a small group of Los Angeles based African-American women judges and attorneys held a luncheon meeting to discuss the marked absence of an organization which addressed the needs and concerns of African-American women in the legal profession. The dialogue and events that followed became the genesis of BWL.

Over the years, BWL branched out and grew through its various community projects and committee activities. The first BWL scholarship luncheon was held in 1975 at the Medallion Restaurant. Since then, BWL has raised scholarship funds annually for second and third year law students through its annual fundraising efforts by the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation.

In 1982, BWL and Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (“WLALA”) co-founded the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law (“Center”). The Center has evolved into one of the primary providers of pro bono family law services in Los Angeles County. In recognition of BWL’s significant community contributions as a founder and co-sponsor of the Center, the National Conference of Women Bar Associations presented its first annual Public Service Award to BWL and WLALA in July 1985.

In 1991, BWL was among the various ethnic minority bar associations that formed the Multicultural Bar Alliance. Through its continued involvement and support of this alliance, BWL offers a needed channel for communication for attorneys of color, both outside and within the African-American community. In 1992, the BWL Foundation was established to support and fund BWL’s numerous charitable, educational and community-based services. BWL also gives holiday food baskets to needy families, donations to shelters for the homeless and battered women, and strives to expand its outreach programs to schools.

The viability of BWL’s programs is dependent upon your support and commitment. Thank you for your interest and commitment to our organization.

Founding Conveners

Hon. Irma J. Brown

Hon. Yvonne Brathwaite Burke

Sandra L. Carter, Esq.

Linda Taylor Ferguson, Esq.*

Shirley A. Henderson, Esq.

Lola M. McAlpin-Grant, Esq.

Michél Washington McLaughlin, Esq.

Brenda Shockley, Esq.

Hon. Vaino H. Spencer*

Hon. Maxine F. Thomas*

*deceased

BLACK WOMEN LAWYERS OF LOS ANGELES, INC.

PAST PRESIDENTS

Sandra L. Carter 1975–1976

Hon. Irma J. Brown (Ret.) 1976–1978

Shirley A. Henderson 1978–1979

Hon. Veronica S. McBeth 1979–1980

Katherine L. Vaughns

1980–1981

Hon. Beverly E. Mosley 1981–1982

Mablean Ephriam 1982–1983

Joan Whiteside Green 1983-1984

Diane Spencer Shaw 1984–1985

Hermia Shegog-Whitlock 1985–1986

Carla Durham Pittman 1986–1987

Hon. Glenda Veasey

1987 – 1988

Belinda D. Stith 1988–1989

Vera Brown-Curtis 1989–1990

E. Jean Gary 1990–1991

Hon. Brenda Johns Penny 1991–1992

Hon. Patricia J. Titus 1992–1993

Hon. Barbara R. Johnson (Ret.) 1993

Patricia Shade 1993–1994

Hon. Carol D. Codrington 1994–1995

Hon. Marguerite D. Downing 1995–1996

Patsy J. Cobb 1996–1997

Eulanda Lynn Matthews 1997–1998

Katessa Charles Davis 1998–1999

Adrienne M. Byers 1999–2000

Nedra E. Austin 2000–2001

Brenda J. Logan 2001–2002

Adrienne Konigar-Macklin 2002–2003

Nedra Jenkins 2003–2004

Sharon K. Hall 2004–2005

Linda R. Rosborough 2005–2006

Hon. Syna N. Dennis 2006–2007

Audrea J. Golding 2007–2008

Hon. Yvette D. Roland 2008–2009

Tangela D. Terry 2009–2010

Sherri L. Cunningham 2010 – 2011

Samantha C. Grant 2011-2012

Camille Townsend Granville 2012-2013

Tami L. Warren 2013-2014

Shannon Y. Humphrey 2014-2015

Nicole H. Husband 2015-2016

Amber S. Finch 2016-2017

Demetria Graves 2017-2018

Hon. Tara C. Doss 2018-2019

Rosezetta Upshaw 2019-2020

Hon. Michelle Kazadi 2020-2021

Lisa M. McLean 2021-2022

Jasmine S. Horton 2022-2023

2023-2024 OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

Ronnievashti Whitehead Otieno

PRESIDENT ELECT

Shardé T. Skahan

VICE PRESIDENT

Holly M. Parker

TREASURER

Uche Anene

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Alisha C. Burgin

RECORDING SECRETARY

Crystal Hayes Fields

2023-2024

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Heather Horn

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Latrice Hemphill

HISTORIAN

Moorisha Bey-Taylor

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Devon Hein

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

Kathiana Aurelien

Nicole Meyers

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

BUDGET/FINANCE

Alisha C. Burgin

Uche Anene

COCKTAIL SIP

Mikeisha Mayes

Latrice Hemphill

COMMUNITY ACTION

Taisha Brown

EDUCATION

Sarah Clifton

Tracey Blount

HOLIDAY PARTY

Leticia Kimble

HOSPITALITY

Hon. Marguerite Downing

Tatianna Y. Metters Scurlock

INSTALLATION

Alisha C. Burgin

INTERNET AND PUBLICITY

Hayley Tharpe

JUDICIAL ENDORSEMENTS

Hon. Yvette D. Roland

LEGISLATION

Michele Anderson

Ibiere Seck

MEMBERSHIP

Holly M. Parker

NEWSLETTER

Devon Hein

PARENTS GROUP

Britany Engelman Hicks

PRO BONO SERVICE

Margo Bouchet

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Nicole Meyers

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER

Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey

SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION

Kathiana Aurelien

Tiffanie Spivey

YOUNG LAWYERS

Paige Poupart

BLACK WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES FOUNDATION

2023-2024

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Alma Howard Graham

VICE PRESIDENT

Beth Jones

TREASURER

Crystal D. Crawford

SECRETARY

Sandra K. Williams

BOARD MEMBERS

Honorable Syna N. Dennis

Jacqueline Harding

Augustavia Haydel

Holly M. Parker

SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON CHAIR

Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey

SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION CO-CHAIRS

Tiffanie Spivey

Kathiana Aurelien

Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing

by James Weldon Johnson

Lift ev’ry voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the list’ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast’ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered. We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we meet Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.

BWL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS LUNCHEON

PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION OF THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey, Esq. Luncheon Chair

WELCOME

Wren T. Brown Master of Ceremonies

GREETINGS

Alma Howard Graham, Esq.

BWL Foundation, President

WELCOME & RECOGNITION OF DIGNITARIES

Ronni Whitehead Otieno, Esq.

BWL Inc., President

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SPONSORS

Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey, Esq. Luncheon Chair

“LIFT EV’RY VOICE AND SING” by James Weldon Johnson

Performed by Andrea Jones

INVOCATION

Crystal D. Crawford, Esq.

BWL Foundation, Treasurer

LUNCH IS SERVED SPECIAL PLEDGE DRIVE

PRESENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Tiffanie Spivey, Esq. & Kathiana Aurelien, Esq. Scholarship Selection Co-Chairs

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Carmen Gosey

UC Irvine School of Law

Laura Iriabho-Okugbe Southwestern Law School

Joan Komolafe

UCLA School of Law

Kamilah Mims

UCLA School of Law

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS (CONTINUED)

Tiffany Moore

USC Gould School of Law

Amethyst Phillips

UCLA School of Law

Michael Stallworth

UCLA School of Law

Isha Thornton

UCLA School of Law

Jordan Washington

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law

PRESENTATION TO HONOREES

Presented by Wren T. Brown

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Alfred “Al” Jenkins Volunteer Bar Exam Coach, feat. in documentary film “Bar Daddy”

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Wonya Lucas

Former President & CEO, Hallmark Media

EXCELLENCE IN ADVOCACY AWARD

Charisse Bremond Weaver

President & CEO, Brotherhood Crusade

EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS AWARD

Yvette Nicole Brown

Emmy-Nominated Actress, Writer, Producer, and Host

CLOSING REMARKS

Alma Howard Graham, Esq.

BWL Foundation, President

BENEDICTION

Beth Jones, Esq.

BWL Foundation, Vice President

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Wren

T. Brown

Actor & Producer

Wren is a fourth generation Angeleno, and is proud to be in his fourth decade as an Actor, Producer, and Director. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Wren is descended from a long line of talented performers. Among Wren’s film appearances are: “Beyond The Lights,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “Heart and Souls,” “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory,” “The Dinner,” “Hollywood Shuffle,” “Biker Boyz,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Midnight Clear,” and David Mamet’s “Edmond.” On television, Wren co-starred as Whoopi Goldberg’s brother in NBC’s “Whoopi” and was a regular in “Flipper: The New Adventures,” and CBS’s “Bless This House.” He has also guest-starred or recurred on: “The West Wing,” “The Practice,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Frasier,” “Seinfeld,” “Charmed,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “Eli Stone,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Women’s Murder Club,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Game,” and “Half & Half.” Wren also starred in Hallmark’s “McBride: Tune in for Murder.” Wren has been seen in “Transparent,” “Dear White People,” “Being Mary Jane,” “Grey’s Anatomy” (recurring), and as the voice of Virgil Simpson on “The Simpsons.” Wren recurs as Moclan Ambassador Rechik on “The Orville.” His theatre credits include: Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” (Drama-Logue Award winner), “On Borrowed Time,” “Burning Hope,” and “Jeffrey’s Plan” at The Public Theatre’s “The Gospel at Colonus.”

Wren has appeared in over 100 commercials and a range of voice-over and spoken word projects, including reciting on Billy Childs’ GRAMMY-nominated album “I’ve Known Rivers.” He narrated The History Channel’s “U.S.S. Constellation: Battling For Freedom,” The Learning Channel’s “Scene of the Crime,” and “E! True Hollywood Story” about Diana Ross. He also voiced Disney’s Br’er Rabbit and narrates Laurence Fishburne’s “Bronzeville,” a 1940s-era Chicago podcast.

In his directorial debut, he directed over thirty-five actors in “Inspired By…The Bible Experience,” winner of the 2007 Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year, where Wren narrated the book of Matthew. Wren made his theatre directing debut with August Wilson’s “Fences,” and followed with “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.” Recent Theatre Directing includes “Blues In the Night,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “The World Goes Round.”

In 1999, Wren debuted as a producer with “Boesman & Lena” starring Danny Glover and Angela Bassett, followed by Dianne Reeves’ concert film “In the Moment: Live in Concert.” In 2007, he founded Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT), the first African American professional Equity theatre company in Los Angeles, serving as its producing artistic director. Under his leadership, ERT has produced award-winning productions including “Two Trains Running,” “Crowns,” “A Raisin In the Sun,” “Fraternity,” “Robeson,” “The Gospel at Colonus,” “Five Guys Named Moe,” “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” and “Blues In The Night.”

Wren periodically gives a six-week seminar through the ERT Performance Lab titled, “Purpose, Passion & Possibility.” Wren has served on the board of the Screen Actors Guild, Antioch University, Los Angeles, and Charles R. Drew University.

HONOREE

EXCELLENCE IN ADVOCACY AWARD

Charisse Bremond Weaver

President & CEO, Brotherhood Crusade

Charisse is a passionate, dedicated leader in the not-for-profit sector. Her focus and desire are to serve her community and make it a better environment for those she touches and those they touch.

Charisse is leading the Brotherhood Crusade that was founded by her late father Walter Bremond in 1968 and mentor Danny J. Bakewell Sr., who led the Institution for 35 years. She’s been the President and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade for more than 19 years. During her tenure, she’s significantly expanded the organization’s reach, profile and partnerships. Charisse Bremond’s ability to build corporate and community partnerships has been her distinguishing trademark throughout the years. She’s built long-term relationships with government officials, corporate executives and community leaders. As well as, collaborating on public policy issues that impact equity in our community and social justice for our youth.

Charisse leads a team of 65, 50 of whom who are full time. Throughout her career in the nonprofit sector, she has raised over $75MM and increased the Brotherhood Crusade’s annual operating budget to $11MM from $1MM in 2006. Her team directly serves approximately 3,000 low-income youth and young adults between the ages of 10 to 24 daily through various trauma-informed youth development programs and impacts more than 20 thousand youth, young adults and families annually through Brotherhood Crusade special projects. Earlier in her career, Charisse made strides with other non-profits in raising funds and increasing their impact. These skills served as a foundation for later growth. The combination has created a virtuous circle of favorable impact.

As a community leader, Bremond Weaver has been recognized locally and nationally in 2022 NFL and Los Angeles Chargers Inspire Change, 2021 Los Angeles Sparks Women of the Year, 2019 KTLA Channel 5 Black Visionary, 2019 KJLH Radio 102.3 FM as a Proven Achiever, 2019 Black Business Association Outstanding Community Service Award, 2019 County of Los Angeles recognition of Outstanding Leadership, 2018 African American Film Marketplace/S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase Humanitarian of the Year, 2018 NBA great, Stephen Curry selected Brotherhood Crusade as his charity to support for the NBA All-Star game, 2017 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Recipient and in 2014 with her husband George Weaver received the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award.

Charisse Bremond Weaver is a graduate of Utah State University, where she was honored as Alumna of the Year; becoming the first African American woman ever selected for this honor. She attended the institution on a women’s basketball scholarship. Charisse and her family reside in Los Angeles, CA. Her journey is well underway, but nowhere near completed.

HONOREE

EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS

AWARD

Yvette Nicole Brown

Emmy-Nominated Actress, Writer,Producer, and Host

Yvette Nicole Brown is an Emmy-nominated actress, writer, producer, and host known for her series-regular roles on TV shows like “Community,” “The Mayor,” “The Odd Couple,” “Big Shot,” “Act Your Age,” and animated series such as Disney’s “Chicken Squad,” “Pupstruction,” “Firebuds,” Netflix’s “My Dad the Bounty Hunter” and “Good Times,” and Apple TV’s “Shape Island” and “Frog and Toad.” Her career also includes appearances and recurring roles on “Drake & Josh,” “Psych,” “Will & Grace,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Girlfriends,” “Mom,” “The Office,” “Dear White People,” “House M.D.,” and “Boston Legal.” She starred in the NAACP Image Award-winning BET miniseries “The New Edition Story.”

Yvette’s film career includes roles in “Dreamgirls,” “Tropic Thunder,” “Little Black Book,” “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp,” and “Disenchanted.” She also appeared in “Avengers: Endgame” and has upcoming films “Inside Out 2,” “Code 3,” and “K-Pops” scheduled for 2024.

As a host, Yvette has guest co-hosted “The View,” “The Talk,” “The Chew,” “The Real,” “The Talking Dead,” and “Access Hollywood.” She has hosted significant events like the season six premiere of “The Walking Dead” at Madison Square Garden, film and TV panels in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, the launch of Disney+, and Star Wars Celebration at D23. She also hosted the Art Directors Guild Awards, the Casting Society of America Awards, and the Sentinel Awards.

Yvette has participated in numerous game shows, benefiting contestants and charities. Her extensive voiceover work includes roles on “Elena of Avalor,” “Pound Puppies,” “DC Super Hero Girls,” “SuperMansion,” “Crossing Swords,” “Fairfax,” “Family Guy,” “The Tom and Jerry Show,” “Rugrats,” “Baby Shark,” “Spider-Man,” “American Dad,” “The Loud House,” “Stretch Armstrong,” “Lego Black Panther,” and “Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures.”

Yvette started her career as a singer signed to Motown Records, featured on the album “The East Coast Family Vol.1,” which included the Top 20 single “1-4-All-4-1.” She lends her voice to many characters she’s played, including recent performances in Disney’s 100th anniversary film “Wish” and Apple TV’s “Central Park.”

She is also a 2020 NAACP Image Award-nominated writer for the romantic comedy “Always a Bridesmaid,” now streaming internationally on Netflix and BET+ in the U.S. Yvette is dedicated to philanthropy, endowing a yearly scholarship at her high school in Ohio, and serves on the National Boards of Donors Choose (Vice-Chair), Emily’s List, and MPTF Next Gen. She recently completed her term on the SAG AFTRA Board.

HONOREE

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Wonya Lucas

Former President & CEO, Hallmark Media

Wonya was the former President and CEO of Hallmark Media. While at Hallmark, Lucas oversaw the company’s portfolio of entertainment brands, including linear networks Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama; subscription video on demand service Hallmark Movies Now; and publishing division Hallmark Publishing. She is largely credited with diversifying the content at Hallmark to be more inclusive and representative of everyone’s love story.

Prior to joining Hallmark Media in August of 2020, Lucas was President and CEO of Public Broadcasting Atlanta, where she oversaw Atlanta’s NPR (WABE) and PBS stations. Previously, Lucas was President and CEO for TV One where she was the second African-American woman to be President and CEO of a cable television company. Prior to joining TV One, Lucas held several positions at Discovery Communications including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Discovery Channel and Science Channel and Global Chief Marketing Officer with responsibility for marketing in 210 countries and over 130 networks.

Prior to joining Discovery Communications in 2008, Lucas served as General Manager and Executive Vice President of The Weather Channel Networks, where she was responsible for corporate strategy, development, and strategic marketing for The Weather Channel, Weather Channel radio and weather.com. Before joining The Weather Channel in 2002 as Executive Vice President of Marketing, Lucas held several positions at Turner Broadcasting System, including Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing for cnn.com, CNN radio and CNN Networks Worldwide, Vice President of Business Operations and Network Development for Turner Entertainment and Vice President of Entertainment Marketing for TNT.

Her other experience includes brand management roles for The Coca-Cola Company and The Clorox Company. Lucas began her career as a Product Engineer for Westinghouse. Lucas currently serves as Board Chair for Peabody Awards Board of Jurors and is a member of the Sundance Institute Board of Trustees, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

She also serves as a corporate board member for Comcast Corporation, The Atlanta Braves Holding Company, Inspire Brands and previously Hallmark Media, EW Scripps, and JC Penney. Previously, she was the National Vice President of the NPR Board.

Lucas received an MBA in Finance and Marketing from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and her BS in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters, Alexis Kirton and Sydney Kirton, and one bonus daughter, Elizabeth Taggart.

HONOREE EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Alfred “Al” Jenkins

Volunteer Bar Exam Coach, feat. in documentary film “Bar Daddy”

Al has helped over 3,000 Black law graduates pass the California Bar Exam for free. His selfless efforts have earned him the nickname, “Bar Daddy.”

Born to a working poor family in Harlem, New York, Al Jenkins showed an aptitude for science and became an electromechanical engineer for Hughes Aircraft in Los Angeles. In 1972, while on jury duty, Alfred “Al” Jenkins, then 40, was suddenly inspired by the idea of being a lawyer. Even though he was only a few classes shy of getting his master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Southern California, he left his career and enrolled in Los Angeles’s Loyola Law School.

Once he graduated, he passed the bar exam on the very first try. Then, he began tutoring others to help them to pass the bar exam as well. I’m building professionals,” Jenkins said. “I’m building lives, really.” “Law school grads,” he said, “cannot get on with their lives until they get that bar exam out of their way.”

Each year, over 7,000 people take the California Bar Exam, and about 50% are not successful. African Americans fare worse as they attempt to pass the exam. Only 5% of Black first-time bar exam takers passed the February California Bar Exam – compared to 52% of White and 32% of Hispanic first-time bar exam takers.

THE CRAWFORD/DAVIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND is proud to support the BLACK WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES FOUNDATION.

Congratulations to YVETTE NICOLE BROWN AL JENKINS WONYA LUCAS CHARISSE BREMOND WEAVER and the scholarship recipients on their well-deserved recognition.

Vernita Evelyn Crawford

We salute the honorees in the name of our beloved trailblazer our angel who is rejoicing in heaven.

SCHOLARSHIP

Carmen Gosey

University of California, Irvine School of Law

I am a rising 3L student at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. I have an interest in civil litigation and honed my skills in oral advocacy by participating in both Moot Court and Mock Trial during my 2L year.

In Moot Court, I qualified as a quarterfinalist and won “Best Oralist,” earning the highest score among all competitors in the preliminary oral argument rounds. I currently serve as the Vice President of External Competition for the Mock Trial Board and as an Associate Editor for UC Irvine’s Law Review.

Before attending law school, I graduated from the University of WisconsinMadison with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Legal Studies. I have wanted to be a lawyer since high school and look forward to exploring different legal practices this summer at Troutman Pepper.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Joan Komolafe UCLA School

of Law

Joan Komolafe is a recent UCLA School of Law graduate after pursuing interests in entertainment, public policy, and technology law. Born and raised on Long Island, NY, Joan attended undergrad at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA, where she studied business while serving as a board member of the Black Student Union.

Outside of her undergraduate studies, she interned at the New Orleans Public Defenders’ office. Before joining UCLA School of Law, Joan served as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer.

During her first year as a law student, Joan participated in UCLA’s Public Interest Law and Policy Program, which helps students refine their skills in client advocacy. In her 1L summer, Joan split her time, spending the first half as a Summer Legal fellow at Yale Law School’s Jerome N. Frank Legal Services clinic.

At Yale Law School, she engaged in work directly with local clients of color in the New Haven area. As a 2L, she served as a proud board member of UCLA’s BLSA, where she chaired the annual gala, raising over $100,000 to support incoming Black UCLA students. She was also appointed Chief Executive Editor of the UCLA Law Review for Vol 71 of the university’s flagship journal.

Now, as a first-generation law school grad, Joan continues her membership of UCLA Law’s BLSA as an alumna and plans to utilize her experience through organizations like BWL to help her contribute to the legal profession by serving as a mentor, role model, and pipeline for diverse candidates.

SCHOLARSHIP

Laura Iriabho-Okugbe Southwestern

Law School

An immigrant from Nigeria, Laura grew up in Spain and moved to the US in 2011. She is a first-generation college and law school graduate. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, her passion for social justice led her to pursue a career in law.

While attending Southwestern Law School, she served as a writing fellow and a research assistant, and she received the Southwestern 2023 Alumni Scholarship. She also played key roles as an organizational coordinator for the Black Law Student Association, and interned with the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) and Screen Actors Guild.

Laura aspires to become an entertainment attorney, using her experience and education to achieve a more fair and ethical justice system. Her goal is for Black talent to be accurately represented both in front of and behind the screens, recognizing their significant contributions to the world of entertainment law.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Kamilah Mims

UCLA School of Law

Kamilah Mims is a recent law and public policy graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles, who earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley in 2018. At the UCLA School of Law, Kamilah was a member of the David J. Epstein Program for Public Interest Law and Policy and the Critical Race Studies program.

She served as an Academic Chair for the Black Law Students Association and continued to support BLSA in her last year as a 3L Representative. Additionally, Kamilah held key editorial roles as the Chief Diversity Editor for the UCLA Law Review and Co-Editor-In-Chief of the UCLA National Black Law Journal.

Kamilah worked as a graduate student researcher for the CRT Forward project at the law school, tracking anti-CRT legislation across the nation. She also served as Co-Chair of the Prison Accountability Project, which recently published a report on conditions in CDCR facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, she was selected for the American Association of Law Schools Pro Bono Honor Roll, and in 2023, she received the Equal Justice Works Regional Public Interest Award.

Kamilah will be working at the Alternate Public Defender’s Office in Los Angeles after graduation. Thereafter, Kamilah is set to embark on two federal district clerkships in the Central District of California. Her overarching goal is to create systemic change that promotes human dignity and advances the liberation of oppressed communities through public defense and thoughtful, equity-driven public policy.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Tiffany Moore

USC

Gould School of Law

CALIFORNIA CHANGELAWYERS

SCHOLAR

Tiffany Moore was raised in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood before pursuing an education in the arts and performance studies focused on racial inequalities in arts and entertainment.

She plans to become a music attorney who is dedicated to making a change in the music industry for artists of color through fair transactions, equal access to copyright protection, and researching racial disparities in royalties and copyright ownership.

Tiffany is a 3L at USC Gould School of Law.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Amethyst Phillips UCLA School of Law

Amethyst Phillips is a newly-minted graduate of UCLA School of Law with specializations in both Critical Race Studies (CRS) and Technology. Amethyst is a UCLA Achievement Fellow, and has served on the faculty Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, the student hiring committee, and as the secretary for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). Amethyst has also been a Special Graduate Assistant Tutor in Torts and a Research Assistant in Trademark law.

Phillips has mentored first-year law students both formally and informally through CRS, BLSA, and UCLA Law Fellows. Additionally, Phillips codeveloped and co-facilitated a workshop on “Anti-Racist Organizing in the Classroom” for first-year CRS students. At UCLA, Amethyst is most proud to have been honored by UCLA School of Law with the Skye Donald Spirit of the Community Award and by the Langston Bar Association with a scholarship in the name of Karen Nobumoto.

Amethyst received her B.S. in Physics and Political Science from California State University, Bakersfield, and her M.A. in Teaching, Secondary Education Physical Science from National Louis University. Prior to law school, Phillips had a fourteen year career as an educator. In 2007 she joined Teach For America (TFA) Chicago as a high school Chemistry teacher. After completing her two-year commitment with TFA, Phillips continued as an educator for 12 more years, adding a physics credential, speaking at multiple national teacher conferences, and holding various leadership positions. As an educator, Phillips is most proud of being named 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year by her students.

In the fall, Amethyst will be joining Goodwin Procter’s patent litigation practice in their downtown Los Angeles office. As an Associate at Goodwin, Amethyst hopes to maintain a robust pro bono practice and remain true to her commitment to serve and uplift her community.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Michael Stallworth

UCLA School of Law

Michael Stallworth received degrees in Sociology and Black Studies from UC Santa Barbara in 3 years and graduated magna cum laude. Upon graduating from UCSB, Michael worked as an a law clerk at Boucher LLP, where he assisted on sexual abuse cases against California Catholic Clergy members and employment law matters, and completed the SEO Law Fellowship, where he interned at Hogan Lovells US LLP.

Michael is a rising 3L at UCLA School of Law specializing in three areas: Critical Race Studies, Technology and Law, and Media, Entertainment, Technology, and Sports. During his time at UCLA Law, Michael has served as 1L President and Diversity Chair for the Student Bar Association, 1L Rep and Co-Chair for BLSA, is a Glazer Scholar through the Critical Race Students Program, a student volunteer for the Labor and Economic Justice Clinic and Workers’ Rights Clinic, a staff member and Chief Diversity Editor of the UCLA Law Review, Chief Managing Editor, Outreach Editor, and Editor in Chief for the National Black Law Journal, and as tour guide and student ambassador for UCLA Law.

Michael also serves as the Student Liaison and Law Student Outreach Committee Chair for the Langston Bar Association. Michael’s goal is to become a legal academic and attorney, where he will focus on the intersectionality of civil rights and entertainment law.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Isha Thornton

UCLA School of Law

Isha Thornton was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and is an alumna of the University of Miami, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Public Relations and a double minor in Business Law and Music Business. Thornton is currently a rising 3L at UCLA Law and is pursuing a career in entertainment law.

At UCLA Law, she is a Patricia and John Mitchell Achievement Fellow--full-tuition scholar---and her specific scholarship was named after donors who wanted to increase diversity in the entertainment industry. She is also the Co-President for the Entertainment Law Association and an Admissions Ambassador for the Office of Admission.

She also has experience working in different sectors of the entertainment industry broadly. She has interned at a major record label, a prominent entertainment public relations firm, and two prominent entertainment law firms.

Outside of school and work, Thornton is also passionate about giving back. She founded her own community organization--Assist & Lift--- where she helps minority students apply to law school for free! This cycle, she will be helping 30 Black and Brown students apply. She also created a network of over 40 Black/Brown law students and attorneys who serve as additional mentors for the applicants.

Thornton ultimately aspires to become a successful entertainment attorney in Los Angeles who is dedicated to representing Black creators and increasing diversity in the legal profession.

SCHOLARSHIP

Jordan Washington Pepperdine Caruso School of Law

Jordan Washington is a 2024 graduate of Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Before coming to law school, she graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in Legal Communications and a minor in Music.

In law school, Jordan served as Co-President of the Black Law Students Association and a member of the Mock Trial Team. She held several internships, having worked for the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and the Federal Public Defender’s Office.

She also traveled to Uganda, where she spent a week negotiating with Ugandan prosecutors on behalf of incarcerated individuals. After she takes the July bar exam, she will begin working as a Senior Law Clerk at the LA County Public Defender’s Office.

Jordan Washington is a 2024 graduate of Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Before to law school, she graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Music. In law school, Jordan served as Co-President Black Law Students Association and a member of the Mock Trial Team. She held internships, having worked for the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program, the U.S. District the Central District of California, and the Federal Public Defender’s o ffice. She also traveled to Uganda, where she spent a week negotiating with Ugandan prosecutors behalf of incarcerated individuals. After she takes the July bar exam, she will begin as a Senior Law Clerk at the LA County Public Defender’s Office

www.anthem.com/ca/medi-cal

48 th annual presents

Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon

Visionaries: Making Good Trouble

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024

MARINA DEL REY MARRIOTT • MARINA DEL REY, CA