Reflections Magazine
Reflections magazine
Reflections magazine is published two times a year by the Southern University Law Center, Office of Communications and Development Support. It is distributed to alumni, law students, Law Center faculty and staff, and other supporters of the Law Center to promote institutional advancement. In 1999, Reflections was awarded the certificate of achievement by the Southern Public Relations Association and was recognized by the Louisiana Press Women’s Association in 2001.
Comments and letters are welcome. We also are interested in publishing articles written by SULC graduates, including reports on professional activities, scholarly reviews, and editorial comments. Please send manuscripts to: Dr. Rachel L. Emanuel, Director of Communications and Development Support, Post Office Box 9294, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813-9294; (225) 771-5815; Fax: (225) 771-6257; E-mail: Remanuel@sulc.edu; Web address: www.sulc.edu.
Chancellor
John Pierre
Editor
Rachel L. Emanuel, PhD
Assistant Editor
Professor Gail Stephenson, Director, Legal Analysis and Writing
Administrative Assistant IV
Carla F. Ball
Contributors
Prof. Christopher Odinet
Michelle McCalope
Photographers
Steve Jarreau Photography
Prof. Christopher Odinet
Tavares Walker, Interim Director, Office of Career Services
Printing
Baton Rouge Printing
REFLECTIONS
Volume 25, Number 1
ON THE COVER: In declaring 2016 The Year of Charles J. Hatfield III, the Southern University Law Center is sharing an important history lesson about access to legal education in the State of Louisiana in a most personal way. When Hatfield wrote his January 10, 1946, letter seeking admission to the only state-supported legal education program in Louisiana, he did so confident in his scholastic qualifications, determined to present an opportunity to effect positive change, and with courage in his call for equality in educational opportunity. “His letter was a catalyst for the creation of an institution that has been dedicated to access and opportunity in legal education,” says Chancellor John K. Pierre. See how SULC student leaders feel about “2016: the Year of Charles J. Hatfield,” on page 6
- Southern University’s first President-Chancellor took the helm for the 2015-16 academic year. See his thoughts about SULC and more on page 4
- Prof. Angela Allen-Bell has become internationally known as an activist, scholar, and advocate for social and criminal justice, as well as solitary confinement reforms. Read about her life-changing scholarship on page 19.
- Guest speaker James C. Cook Jr., M.D., is welcomed by law student Lamar Gardner during a program commemorating the 50th year milestone of the desegregation of Catholic high schools in Baton Rouge. The Scotlandville native vividly recalls the days when he made school desegregation history and encourages all in his story of “turbulent, but essential times that changed all of our lives for the better,” See page 8
- Fulbright Senior Scholar Evelyn L. Wilson shares her experience of teaching law abroad. See on page 22.
- City Court Judge Tarvald A. Smith, ’99, garners new at-large seat. He follows in the footsteps of retired SULC Chancellor Freddie Pitcher Jr. Read about the newest alumni member of the Louisiana Judiciary on page 34.