Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025
12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Program
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Happy Hour
In-person Event
The Warner Building
150 Ottawa Ave NW
Suite 1500
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The West Michigan Black Legal Summit returns for its second year, celebrating the power of community, connection and shared purpose! Open to all legal professionals — lawyers, judges, law students and legal staff — this year's theme, Unapologetically Powerful, reflects our commitment to collective strength and resilience.
While rooted in the experiences of the Black legal community, this event is open to all individuals who have a commitment to ensuring a diverse legal community in West Michigan without regard to race or other protected characteristics.
Through a dynamic keynote and interactive breakout sessions, attendees will:
- Gain insight from leaders in the profession on building a lasting practice.
- Explore the intersection of law, liberation and systemic change.
- Reflect on the role of allyship and accountability in creating inclusive legal spaces.
- Build relationships that strengthen collaboration and solidarity.
- Leave energized to shape a more connected, empowered and equitable legal community.
Come ready to learn, connect and stand in power — together.
Cost:
Individual rate $100
Student rate $40
Agenda
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. | Registration and Lunch
12:30 – 12:45 p.m. | Welcome
Mark Wassink, Managing Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd
Alex Thibodeau, Associate, Warner Norcross + Judd; President, Floyd Skinner Bar Association
Acknowledgement of Sponsors
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. | Keynote
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Presidential Professor, City University of New York Graduate Center
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is one of the nation's most compelling public intellectuals, widely recognized for his incisive commentary, courageous truth-telling and deep commitment to justice. As a journalist, scholar and lifelong social advocate, Dr. Hill brings a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by his work in media, academia and grassroots organizing. In this keynote, he will explore themes at the intersection of race, politics, education and global human rights, offering powerful insights drawn from both scholarship and lived experience. Known for his ability to challenge assumptions and inspire critical dialogue, Dr. Hill's remarks will invite audiences to reflect deeply, think expansively and consider actionable paths toward equity and meaningful change.
1:45 – 2:00 p.m. | Networking Break
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Breakout Sessions (Concurrent)
1. Pathways to Partnership: Stories of Strategy, Grit and Growth
Moderator: Julian Sanders, JD/MBA Candidate 2027, Michigan State University College of Law & Broad College of Business
Panelists:
Kevin Battle, Member, Miller Johnson
Monique Field-Foster, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd
Adam Sturdivant, Partner, Drew Cooper & Anding
In this session, participants will gain insight into the path to partnership through the experiences of three accomplished Black law firm partners. Moderated by a current law student, the panel will explore what it takes to build a successful and sustainable legal career in today's evolving profession. Speakers will discuss the strategies that have shaped their growth from leadership development and client relationships to mentorship and firm impact. Attendees will leave with practical guidance for charting their own path to partnership with purpose, clarity and confidence.
2. Liberation + Law: The Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice
Ciarra Adkins, JD, AQUME Law
Black liberation and law are inextricably intertwined, with the law being a tool for both oppression and a potential avenue for achieving justice. Black liberation strategies have historically used legal strategies to both challenge existing laws and to advocate for new legislation inequalities, demonstrating the complex relationship between law and the pursuit of racial justice. This workshop will explore historical movements, current legislation and provide tangible ways in which you can get involved in the fight for Black liberation.
3. From Ally to Accomplice: Practicing Accountable Solidarity
Dr. Jakia Marie, Professor, Grand Valley State University
Dr. Marlene Kowalski-Braun, Associate Vice President & Deputy Chief Inclusion & Equity Officer, Grand Valley State University
In this session, Dr. Jakia Marie and Dr. Marlene Kowalski-Braun will explore how individuals can engage in thoughtful and accountable solidarity to help advance equity. Participants will reflect on the impact of their voice, influence and privilege — particularly in spaces where historically excluded communities may be underrepresented. Through guided discussion, the session will offer practical strategies for knowing when to speak, when to listen and how to create space for others with humility and purpose.
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Networking Break
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Rooted in Power: Advancing West Michigan's Diverse Legal Future
Facilitator: Skot Welch, Principal/Founder, Global Bridgebuilders
This interactive session invites attendees into a solutions-focused dialogue on connection, visibility and collective progress. Guided by global inclusion strategist Skot Welch, participants will explore how shifting cultural dynamics and evolving attitudes toward DEI are shaping professional life in the legal field and what that means for the future. Through small-group discussion and shared reflection, attendees will generate actionable ideas to deepen community ties, expand opportunity and foster a more inclusive legal ecosystem.
4:45 – 5:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks
2025 Black Legal Summit Planning Committee
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Happy Hour
When registering, kindly indicate if you will be attending the lunch and select your preferred breakout sessions.
Attire:
This is a business casual or "come as you are" event where business casual attire is appropriate.
Parking:
Complimentary parking is available in the Warner parking lot accessible from Ionia Ave NW (between Pearl St NW and Lyon St NE). Take the elevators from the parking ramp to 15R, which will lead directly to Warner's 15th floor lobby. Warner will validate your parking ticket upon arrival.
