Langston Bar Association celebrates leadership and growth at installation ceremony

The Langston Bar Association's installation ceremony Friday night embraced the theme "Sowing Seeds," focusing on membership expansion and leadership empowerment. The event celebrated the swearing-in of new President Tatianna Metters-Scurlock, who announced that increased membership will directly boost funding for the association's scholarship program, with a portion of event proceeds also supporting wildfire relief efforts. 

Held at the Beverly Hilton hotel, the prestigious gathering honored outstanding legal professionals and awarded scholarships to students from various California law schools. 

Judge Lynne Hobbs of the Los Angeles County Superior Court received the Bernard S. Jefferson Judge of the Year award, while Lisa M. Gilford was presented with the Loren Miller Lawyer of the Year award. In her acceptance speech, Gilford emphasized, "The work of Black lawyers has always been key to our justice system," especially now when "the competence of Black people is being questioned." 

Asked about her recognition, Gilford expressed gratitude for receiving an award named after Loren Miller, a civil rights attorney and judge who was a key figure in dismantling racial housing discrimination in Los Angeles. 

Franita Tolson, the first Black dean at USC Gould School of Law and Carl Mason Franklin Chair in Law, accepted the Leadership Award. She said that leadership reflects both personal values and community influences, adding, "At the end of the day, if not us, then who?" 

Colin Kaepernick received the Community Impact Award for founding the Know Your Rights Camp initiative.