In 2023, only 5% of all attorneys across the United States identified as Black or African American, according to the ABA National Lawyer Population Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau (not including the 3% of attorneys who identified as multi-racial). In that same year, only 2% of Black or African American identifying attorneys were women. 

These statistics lay bare the stark reality that Black attorneys are underrepresented in the legal community. The same census report cites 15% of Americans who identify as Black, or Black in addition to another race(s). However, the number of Black attorneys does not align with the magnitude of contributions they have made to, and accolades they have earned within, the legal field. 

Within the BC Law community lies a special history of Black excellence. Boston College Law School’s new website “Black History at BC Law” and a companion BC Law Magazine feature story documents and praises the triumphs of our Black BC Law community.

The website’s homepage features a brief introduction of Black history at BC Law, followed by an introduction of the illustrious Professor Emerita Ruth-Arlene W. Howe. Professor Howe is BC Law’s first tenured Black professor, and the namesake for the Black Law Students Association annual Ruth-Arlene W. Howe banquet. 

In true historical archive fashion, the homepage includes an interactive timeline of important milestones highlighting Black excellence at BC, starting with the first Black graduate of BC Law, the Honorable Harold A. Stevens ’36, who went on to become the first Black judge to grace the New York Supreme Court. 

Exploring the website subpages reveals how deeply the Black BC Law community has positively impacted our campus and legal spaces both within and far beyond Massachusetts, from the contributions of Black students to the Boston College Law Review to our distinguished Black faculty, and through the diverse careers of our alumni who have practiced across the country in a multitude of professional roles.

Despite the statistics, the 5% of Black attorneys continue to achieve excellence in the legal field in ways that defy their small numbers. The site Black History at BC Law captures so much of what makes the Black community at BC Law important. It highlights the trailblazing accomplishments of Black alumni and the ongoing work of the Black Law Students Association and the Black Alumni Network. Importantly, it serves as an enduring commitment by BC Law to support the diversity and inclusion that enriches the entire legal community.

Check out the new website and the Magazine feature story! 

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Haley Cole is a rising second-year student at BC Law. Contact her at colehc@bc.edu.