Black History Month 2022 at Pepperdine Caruso Law

This year’s Office of Diversity and Belonging theme, “A Community of Peacemakers,” causes us to reflect on the presence of peace and justice for the Black community across the African Diaspora, the spread of Black people throughout the world, primarily Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. For too many in that community, opportunities for peace and justice have seemed sparse. Thus, Black History Month reminds us to recognize and uplift the Black community at Caruso Law.

Recognizing the necessity of broadening access to the legal profession for Black students, Pepperdine Caruso Law announced the Caruso Excellence Scholarships in September 2020. Providing full tuition scholarships for students from any of the 106 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), this program has already had an impact on our first two scholars. 

Grace Jackson, a graduate of Hampton University, says “Upon receiving a full scholarship to attend Pepperdine, I knew that this was where God wanted me to be.” Jackson has already begun to make her mark on the Caruso Law community, participating in the Thanksgiving Celebration and forging important relationships with students and faculty alike. 

Jordan Washington, a graduate of Howard University, reflects on the impact of the scholarship. “Without the added stress of figuring out how to pay for law school, I am better able to focus on navigating this space as a young Black woman and first-generation law student.”

The Caruso Excellence Scholarship is of critical importance to improving access to Caruso Law’s excellent legal education for Black students. This is, however, only one measure of recognition of the significant contributions of Black students and attorneys throughout the year. 

The Office of Diversity and Belonging invites the entire community to recognize and support Black students and attorneys. During the month of February, Caruso Law will host several occasions for students, faculty, staff, and guests to gather outdoors or virtually in celebration of Black History Month.

• February 7 at 6PM - Screening of “Walk the Walk,” a film discussing the experiences of historically underrepresented lawyers, followed by a panel discussion featuring the producer/director and Caruso Law alumni. Visit this form to RSVP for Walk the Walk.
• February 23 at 12:30 PM - Dean’s Speaker Series featuring Straus Distinguished Visitng Professor Blake Morant in conversation with Patricia Wilson, Associate Dean at Baylor Law. The two will discuss faith and Black leadership.
• February 24 at 6:30 PM - Caruso Law’s Second Annual Belonging Awards, an evening of celebration to honor and spotlight the people and organizations who promote diversity and belonging at our school. Purchase your tickets at Belonging Awards today.
• February 28 at 5:30 PM - Screening of “The Loyola Project,” a film highlighting the historic 1963 Loyola Ramblers team that broke racial barriers and changed college basketball. A panel discussion will follow, featuring the director, athletes, and sports attorneys examining the role sports can play in advocating for social change. Visit this form to RSVP for The Loyola Project.