ABOUT BMLA

Through Fellowship, Leadership, and Impact

Founded in 2017 by attorneys Sunga Mkwezalamba and Michael Wilder, the Black Male Lawyers Association (BMLA) is rooted in fellowship, leadership, and a commitment to positive change.  As an organization, we provide a space for members of the legal profession to connect and support a common noble goal.  

 

BMLA fosters organic relationships and mentorship through signature events such as our Annual Leadership Summit, Quarterly Round Table Discussions and Office Hours.  Further, through strategic initiatives, we address disparities impacting our communities head-on. 

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Community and Celebration

At BMLA, we believe that building strong bonds goes beyond professional settings. Our social gatherings, including our signature events and community celebrations, provide a relaxed and welcoming environment for members to connect, recharge, and strengthen the sense of brotherhood that defines our organization. These moments of joy and unity remind us that fellowship isn't only about networking — it's about celebrating our shared experiences, culture, and progress together. Whether at formal events or informal meetups, we continue to grow not just as professionals, but as a community.

More Importantly

BMLA is Proudly a Nonprofit Organization

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is composed of distinguished professionals who bring diverse expertise, leadership, and vision to guide our organization.

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Sunga Mkwezalamba

Chairman/Co-Founder, BMLA

Principal, Stradford Venture Partners

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Keith Allen

Vice President

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Calvin Townsend II

BMLA | Founder

Townsend Law Group, LLC

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Michael A. Wilder

Co-Founder, BMLA

Chair, Board of Directors, Littler Mendelson, P.C.

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The Hon. Travis Richardson

Chief Legal Counsel

Office of the Cook County Clerk

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Steven Hunter

Partner, Chairman

National Diversity Committee, Quarles & Brady LLP

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Lindsey D.G. Dates

Partner

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

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Jimmie Covington

Vice President

Counsel, Alliance Bernstein

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Reginald Guy II

Partner

Mercer Oak

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Azuka C. Dike

Intellectual Property Attorney

Banner Witcoff

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Abiola Kalejaiye

Founder

Big Leaf

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Gino Betts

Assistant State's Attorney

Director of Seattle’s Office of Police Accountability

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Yoshi Haynie

Associate

Faegre Drinker

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Marcellus H. Moore, Jr

Partner

Child Advocate Law Group

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Dominique Price

Associate

Scharf Banks Marmor

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Alton Bradley

Corporate Investigations Counsel

Accenture

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Cameron Woods, Sr.

Counsel

McDonalds

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Wesley Morrissette

Assistant US Attorney

US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois)


Associate Board

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Joseph S. Deloney

Judicial Law Clerk

Illinois Appellate Court, First District

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Jason A. Pica II

Associate

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Gerard Belfort

Associate

Ballard Spahr LLP

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Christopher Jones

Law Student
University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School

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Stahili Muhammad

Associate

Dussias, Wittenberg, & Koenigsberger, LLP

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Robert Johnson

3L Student

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Victor Aberdeen

Cook

County State’s Attorney

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Alexander Hardaway

Commercial Manager of North America

 DYWIDAG International-USA

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Troy Edwards
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Jonathan Northington

Corporate Associate

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Tony Thomas