Bending the Arc toward Justice: BMO announces title sponsorship for BLSA Canada’s 2023 National Conference
BMO is proud to be the title sponsor for the 32nd Annual Black Law Students’ Association of Canada (BLSA Canada) National Conference, to be held February 16–19, 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The Annual BLSA Canada Conference is the largest gathering of Black law students in Canada, anticipating nearly 500 law and pre-law students, lawyers, legal professionals, and community advocates will attend this year’s event. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s quote, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” the theme for this year is “Forward and Upward: Bending the Arc toward Justice”. Conference panels and events will incorporate teachings on history, environmental justice, intersectionality, and community advocacy.
2023 marks the second year that BMO will sponsor the conference.
- Lisa Kayaga and Matthew S Williams, delegates from BMO’s Wealth Management team, will lead a Financial Literacy workshop during the conference on February 17th at 3:15 p.m. AST.
- BMO will invest $10,000 to support four scholarships for Black law students that will include mentorship and financial literacy resources. The recipients will be announced during the conference.
- Two “Raising the Bar” Scholarships will be awarded to offset the costs of the lawyer licensing process and exiting law school.
- Two “Community Leader” Scholarships will be awarded to law students with strong leadership skills and community involvement.
- BMO’s Chief Inclusion Officer Vanessa Lewerentz and Legal Team colleagues will be available throughout the conference at the career booth to discuss career opportunities.
“BMO’s contributions directly assist BLSA Canada in supporting and enhancing academic, professional, and experiential opportunities for over 400 Black law students across the country. Black Canadians face unique barriers within the legal profession and the justice system at-large. In collaboration with community and partners, BLSA Canada aims to break down barriers and increase the number of Black law school applicants, successful Black law students, and thriving Black lawyers.”
– Mirabelle Harris-Eze, BLSA Canada National President
“BMO is proud to be the Title Sponsor of the 2023 BLSA Canada National Conference for the second year in a row and to provide scholarships to promising Black law students. BMO’s Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life drives our commitment to make progress for a thriving economy and an inclusive society. These scholarships will help these students pursue their professional and financial goals and we are so pleased to be a part of their story.”
– Vanessa Lewerentz, Chief Inclusion Officer
To learn more about BLSA, please visit their website.