University of Virginia Library

Black Law Students Initiate
Legislative Aid Program

By Philip Kimball
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

A panel discussion with two black
legislators from Mississippi and South
Carolina Monday night initiated efforts
by the Black American Law Students
Association to unite University students
into a legislative aide group.

Speaking to an audience of 200 black
and white students, Delegate Richard
Clark of Mississippi and James Felder of
the South Carolina Assembly stressed the
need for aid from students in the fields of
political research and analysis.

Mr. Clark described what it means to
be a black man in a white state capitol.
"Although he is elected only by the people in
his home district as a black man, he is sought
after by petitioners from all over the state," he
explained.

"It's like being the governor, only without
state funds for a staff, for research or for
offices," he continued.

Mr. Felder said that a black legislator has
power beyond his one vote since white
legislators need black support to be elected. He
continued to say that black voters all over the
state look to the black legislator for guidance
on which white office seeker to support.

Mr. Felder also noted that black college and
law students are needed "back home" to run
for office and to put their learning to work.

Leonard L. McCants, a second year law
student, said after the talks that black students
are needed badly to "assist black legislators in
research for legislation and to provide
background material for forward looking
programs."

Mr. McCants said that the group is interested
in involving both black and white students from
the departments of political science
government and law in the program.

"A legislator would submit requests for
background information or research materials
to the group," Mr. McCants stated. "After
students in the group had compiled all the
necessary information it would then be
forwarded to the legislator."

Mr. McCants stated that research might, for
example, aid black legislators in South Carolina
in dealing with a direct reapportionment bill
that will come before the state legislature in
several months.

"Legislators just do not have the time or
money to adequately compile research and
background material dealing with specific
bills," Mr. McCants continued.