and highlighted the need for greater diversity in the legal profession and equal access to justice for all. She was the recipient of the event’s North Star Award, given to someone who has markedly impacted the greater community.
“Growth happens not on your time clock . . . oftentimes it happens when you least expect it,” Edwards said. “Being prepared for those moments with the education you’re getting now, with the lifelong friends that you will meet, the mentors that you will meet along the way, and the guardian angels that you have no idea are fighting for you . . . those are the things that you will find when you look back.”
Dean Fairfax’s fireside chat, titled “Pillars of Our Legacy,” featured a discussion with Jaqueline Jackson ’74, The Honorable Gerald Bruce Lee (Ret.) ’76, and the Honorable Reggie B. Walton ’74. The panelists discussed their experiences as Black lawyers and judges and shared their insights on how to build a stronger and more diverse legal profession.
The event concluded with a student and alumni networking reception and awards ceremony. During the ceremony, AUWCL Professor Angela Davis gave a tribute to Midwin Charles ’99, a prominent television legal analyst and social justice attorney who had attended every Woods
event before her passing in 2021. She also introduced the first recipient of the Midwin Charles Endowed Scholarship, first-year student Nyia McCree. The Black Alumni Association presented the Joseph H. Hairston Award to Ebony Scott ’06, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Black Law Students Association presented the Rising Star Award to graduating student Sophia Hines ’23.
Several attendees shared their thoughts and experiences about the event.
Francesca Gross ’20 said, “It was amazing to hear the encouraging stories and get that advice to keep going and have perseverance, especially as a Black attorney.”
Airial Smith ’19 also expressed her excitement, saying, “It was so great to see all the alumni—some of my old friends, and meet some of my new colleagues.”
Leon Stern ’20 described the event as “glorious, Black excellence, and hopeful for the next generation of lawyers.”
Their words reflect the event’s purpose to celebrate the legacy of Black lawyers while discussing ways to expand access to justice and support the next generation of Black lawyers.
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW 21
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