SUB-REGION I
A Message from your Sub-region Director...
Keshia Guerrier,
Dir. of Sub-region 1
J.D. Candidate 2027
Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
First and foremost, I want to say thank you for this incredible opportunity. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly honored and thrilled to serve as your 2025–2026 Sub-Region 1 Director for the Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association.
Serving in this capacity is not just a title to me—it’s a mission. A mission to give back to the very community that reminded me of my power, and to uplift the next generation of Black law students who may be questioning their place in this space, just like I once did.
With my background in marketing, advocacy, and campus leadership, I am ready to:
● Strengthen connections with each of our chapters and chapter leaders
● Support our academic initiatives like retreats and pre-law outreach
● And most importantly, fundraise strategically to bring our bold ideas to life
From coordinating events to mentoring future applicants, I want to be a visible and dependable resource for every chapter in our sub-region. My promise to you is to serve with consistency, care, and creativity—making sure our initiatives are impactful, inclusive, and sustainable.
I look forward to collaborating with each of you. Whether you're a chapter president, a 3L preparing to transition into practice, or a 1L still finding your footing—I’m here to serve, to support, and to help you thrive.
Thank you again for trusting me with this role. I’m excited to get to work.
With gratitude and in service,
Keshia Guerrier
2025–2026 Sub-Region 1 Director
Southern Region Black Law Students Association
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Sarita and Claire Wright Lucas Foundation Scholarship - $5,000
Requirements:
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Black woman, current law student
-
I
ntent to pursue career as a prosecutor
Due: March 31, 2026
CHAPTER MEMBER OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER
James Woodall,
2L at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School
Nominated by Dr. Sheryl Harrison
BLSA Advisor @AJMLS
Why he was nominated...
I am writing to nominate James Woodall for the October Member Spotlight. James has distinguished himself as a leader within the Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School BLSA chapter through his consistent service, mentorship, and advocacy. This semester alone, he has completed over 70 pro bono hours with the DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office, assisting attorneys in probation revocation and trial matters that directly affect some of Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens.
Within the AJMLS BLSA community, James serves as a peer mentor, helping students acclimate to law school and ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for success. His mentorship has directly contributed to the personal and professional growth of many students and increased engagement in BLSA programming. James was also recently selected for the Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition Team and will represent the chapter and law school at the regional level, exemplifying leadership through advocacy.
Beyond these efforts, James is intentional about connecting students with academic, financial, and professional resources that support their success. He personally sponsored more than ten first-year students and paid their membership dues to encourage early involvement in BLSA and foster a culture of belonging. This initiative not only assisted with member recruitment but also strengthened the chapter’s foundation by promoting sustained engagement and mentorship. His leadership also extends to environmental justice advocacy. James recently served as a speaker at the national Green the Church Summit, where he highlighted the intersection of faith, law, and sustainability.
James continues to make a meaningful impact in the broader community as well by supporting DeKalb County schools, and he led a donation drive that provided over $2,000 in school supplies and hygiene products to students in need. Outside of law school, he serves as Minister of Outreach at Lindsay Street Baptist Church, where he oversees programs that connect justice-impacted individuals to community and agricultural work. James also participated in a voting-rights education panel this month at Lindsay Street Baptist Church, and helped community members understand registration rules, ID requirements, absentee ballots, and how to report voter intimidation. He also led his Political Action Committee in coordinating with local election officials to offer an early-voting polling location. He organized volunteers, ensured accessibility, and facilitated smooth participation for all voters.
Through these combined efforts, James has met and exceeded multiple criteria for this recognition. He has shown exceptional leadership and initiative within the chapter and law school, demonstrated innovation in advancing BLSA’s mission, engaged in impactful community service and advocacy work, assisted with recruiting new members, and contributed significantly to the academic and professional development of his peers. His leadership bridges the worlds of law, service, and ministry in powerful and practical ways, demonstrating what it truly means to advance justice not only through words but through consistent, transformative action.
ALUMNI OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER
Imani J. Carter,
Assistant Public Defender in Western Judicial Circuit
Nominated by the Davenport-Benham Chapter at the University of Georgia
Imani J. Carter is originally from New Castle, Pennsylvania. Carter received her Bachelor of Arts in criminology and investigations from West Virginia University. She relocated to Athens, Georgia, in 2012 in order to pursue her Juris Doctor. Carter graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2015. During law school, she clerked for Justice Carla Wong McMillian with the Georgia Court of Appeals and did legal research for Associate Dean Andrea Dennis. Carter was also a part of various student organizations, including the Black Law Students Association, the Public Interest Law Council and Athens Peer Court. Upon graduating with her J.D., Carter began her legal career as an assistant public defender at the Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender Office in Athens, where she currently practices.
During her career as a criminal defense attorney, Carter has built and strengthened her litigation, trial and negotiation skills. She defends her clients from misdemeanor and felony charges and continues to represent them on appeals. Carter has an extensive amount of trial experience, totaling over 30 jury trials as lead counsel and dozens as second chair. She works zealously to be the voice for people who often feel their voices go unheard. Outside of work, she devotes her time to advocating for the community of Athens and supporting social and racial justice. Carter is board chair of Envision Athens 501(c)(3) and is the Athens regional VP for the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA). She is a devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Carter is a mentor for future lawyers through the School of Law’s Alumni Mentorship Program. In addition to mentoring law students, Carter regularly speaks on professional panels about various aspects of criminal law and her legal career, and she shares information with high school students about their opportunities after graduation. She attends Timothy Baptist Church and leads its Dance Ministry and its College Ministry. In her free time, Carter also runs a website, a lifestyle blog and a YouTube channel where she shares motivational and inspirational messages and content. She truly enjoys reading, playing with her dog Cole, working out, watching movies and hanging with her friends.
Why she was nominated...
I am honored to recommend Professor Imani Carter for SRBLSA Alumni of the Month. Professor Carter consistently demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to student success and community engagement. She actively supports UGA Law BLSA members by attending events, offering encouragement, and advocating for student access to scholarships and professional opportunities. Through her leadership as the regional division head of GABWA, she has connected countless students with practicing attorneys and facilitated meaningful mentorship and training opportunities, particularly in the field of criminal defense where she has personally mentored and trained BLSA students.
As an adjunct professor, she brings her extensive courtroom experience and passion for justice into the classroom, inspiring future lawyers to pursue excellence with purpose. Professor Carter embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and empowerment that defines the SRBLSA community, making her an exceptional choice for this recognition.
