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BLSA Honors Judge Eleanor L. Ross at 2022 Parsons Dinner

The University of Chicago Law School's Black Law Students Association (BLSA) honored Judge Eleanor L. Ross of the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia at the annual James B. Parsons Legacy Dinner on Monday, February 28. The student-organized event, which began in 2018, celebrates the integration of the federal judiciary by honoring a distinguished African American federal jurist.
The University of Chicago Law School's Black Law Students Association (BLSA) honored Judge Eleanor L. Ross of the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia at the annual James B. Parsons Legacy Dinner on Monday, February 28. The student-organized event, which began in 2018, celebrates the integration of the federal judiciary by honoring a distinguished African American federal jurist. Judge Ross is the first African American woman to serve on the Northern District of Georgia.
BLSA members and other Law School community members came together to enjoy a reception and dinner in the Green Lounge.
BLSA members and other Law School community members came together to enjoy a reception and dinner in the Green Lounge.
Professor Craig Futterman (center) speaks with James Jones, '22, and Caroline Ferguson, '22.
Professor Craig Futterman (center) speaks with James Jones, '22, and Caroline Ferguson, '22.
The reception gave students, faculty, and alumni the opportunity to catch up before dinner.
The reception gave students, faculty, and alumni the opportunity to catch up before dinner.
BLSA welcomed leaders from other student organizations with whom BLSA partners to participate in the Parsons Dinner.
BLSA welcomed leaders from other student organizations with whom BLSA partners to participate in the Parsons Dinner.
Among other faculty in attendance, Professor Jonathan Masur (right), chatted with Krystal Egbuchulam, '23, and Narayan Narasimhan, '23.
Among other faculty in attendance, Professor Jonathan Masur (right), chatted with Krystal Egbuchulam, '23, and Narayan Narasimhan, '23.
BLSA chose to honor Judge Ross this year through a membership voting process. Judge Ross is the fifth Parsons Dinner honoree.
BLSA chose to honor Judge Ross this year through a membership voting process. Judge Ross is the fifth Parsons Dinner honoree.
Professor Douglas Baird (left), shares something interesting with Christian Pierre-Canel, '24.
Professor Douglas Baird (left), shares something interesting with Christian Pierre-Canel, '24.
Robert Johnson, '23, the President of BLSA, welcomed the guests and introduced Dean Miles to start the evening.
Robert Johnson, '23, the president of BLSA, welcomed the guests and introduced Dean Thomas J. Miles to start the evening.
Dean Miles spoke about Judge Parsons and the history of the Parsons dinner, and welcomed members of Judge Parsons' family.
Dean Miles spoke about Judge Parsons and the history of the Parsons dinner, and welcomed members of Judge Parsons' family.
Judge Ross spoke about who inspired her and who she thinks about inspiring. She said that being a judge and sometimes be isolating and that receiving the Parsons Award helped her to feel seen.
Judge Ross spoke about who inspired her and whom she thinks about inspiring. She said that being a judge can sometimes be isolating and that receiving the Parsons Award helped her to feel seen.
Avera Dorsey, '23, Vice President of BLSA introduced Judge Ross and conferred the Parsons Award.
Avera Dorsey, '23, vice president of BLSA introduced Judge Ross and conferred the Parsons Award.
Many students, staff, and faculty were eager to take pictures with Judge Ross. Here, event organizers Avera Dorsey, '23, and Robert Johnson, '23, join Judge Ross and Dean of Students Charles Todd for a photo.
Many students, staff, and faculty were eager to take pictures with Judge Ross. Here, event organizers Avera Dorsey, '23, and Robert Johnson, '23, join Judge Ross and Dean of Students Charles Todd for a photo.
Many BLSA alumni are invited back for the Parsons Dinner each year, and it is a cherished opportunity to enjoy time with old friends. Andre Washington, '19, founder of the Parsons dinner, hugs Angel Russell-Johnson, '21.
Many BLSA alumni are invited back for the Parsons Dinner each year, and it is a cherished opportunity to enjoy time with old friends. Andre Washington, '19, founder of the Parsons dinner, hugs Angel Russell-Johnson, '21.
Former BLSA leaders Tyree Petty-Williams, '21, Amber Stewart, '22, and Alex Green, '22, joined Judge Ross for a photo.
Former BLSA leaders Tyree Petty-Williams, '21; Amber Stewart, '22; and Alex Green, '22, joined Judge Ross for a photo.
It has become tradition for all current BLSA members in attendance to take a big group photo with the honoree.
It has become tradition for all current BLSA members in attendance to take a big group photo with the honoree.

The University of Chicago Law School's Black Law Students Association (BLSA) honored Judge Eleanor L. Ross of the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia at the annual James B. Parsons Legacy Dinner on Monday, February 28. The student-organized event, which began in 2018, celebrates the integration of the federal judiciary by honoring a distinguished African American federal jurist. Judge Ross is the first African American woman to serve on the Northern District of Georgia. 

Previous honorees include now-retired Judge Ann Claire Williams of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit (honored in 2018); Judge Bernice Donald of the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (2019); and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, now President Biden's nominee for the US Supreme Court (2020). The 2021 event was held virtually and honored U. W. Clemmon of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (retired).