A display of Black community and excellence, featuring Law Students of African Descent — Berkeley’s chapter of the National Black Law Students Association — the Berkeley Journal of Black Law & Policy, and trailblazing individuals who broke new ground and paved the way for all that is still to come at Berkeley Law.
A collaboration with Black Lives at Cal, Law Students of African Descent, and the Berkeley Journal of Black Law & Policy.
These images are currently on exhibit at Berkeley Law. Click on images to see larger high-resolution versions.
Walter Gordon
A pioneering athlete, scholar, and leader, Walter Gordon became Berkeley Law’s first Black J.D. graduate in 1922. He was Cal’s first Black All-American in football, a longtime NAACP leader, a federal judge, and governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Annie Virginia Stephens Coker
In 1929, Annie Coker became the first Black woman to graduate from Berkeley Law and practice law in California. A distinguished public servant, she spent 27 years shaping state legislation and breaking barriers for women of color in law.
Christopher Edley Jr.
A legal scholar and national policy leader, Edley served two presidents, advised five presidential campaigns, and led Berkeley Law as its first Black dean from 2004–2013. He co-founded the Civil Rights Project and lived his mantra: “Educate like democracy depends on it.”
Berkeley Journal of Black Law & Policy
A student-led journal, BJBLP publishes bold scholarship on issues affecting Black communities, disrupts the centering of whiteness in legal academia, amplifies emerging voices, and trains future lawyers to engage critically with justice, equality, and Black liberation.
Learn more about the Berkeley Journal of Black Law & Policy.
Law Students of African Descent (LSAD)
LSAD is a student-led community that supports, uplifts, and advocates for Black students at Berkeley Law —fostering connection, academic and professional excellence, and belonging through mentorship, advocacy, celebration, and deep ties across the Black legal community.
Bottom row (from left): Theodore Galvan ’25, Dominick Williams ’25, Tiffaney Boyd ’25
Middle row: Davanna Howell-McFarlane ’26, Jacobi Jefferson ’25, Khiari Neal ’27, Chinenye Sunny-Odio ’26
Top row: Michael John ’27, Joshua McDaniel ’27, Danielle Dyson ’27
Contributors
Equity & Inclusion: Takiyah Jackson, Kevin F. Steward & Caleb Dawson (Law Student and Grad Student Leads for Black Lives at Cal), Gia White, Division of Equity & Inclusion, Centers for Educational Justice & Community Engagement
Students & Community: Jacobi Jefferson, Dominick Williams, Davanna Howell-McFarlane, Nailah Elizabeth Edmead, Jeffrey Robert Earnest Greer, Kennedy Edwards, Filmore Millard Thomas, LSAD, Berkeley Journal of Black Law & Policy, Thriving Fellows
Family & Historical Connections: Craig Woolridge, Christopher Edley III
Communications & Design: Alex A.G. Shapiro, Laurie N. Frasier
Artist: Ojima Abalaka