Empowering Our Black Colleagues

Empowering Our Black Colleagues

February 17, 2023

Covington’s Black Affinity Group provides a touchpoint for all colleagues to engage with each other on a range of issues, including strategic firm matters, diversity, professional development, recruiting, public service, and mentorship. The group also supports the work of the Black Law Students Association at law schools throughout the United States.

The Black Affinity Group hosts special events throughout the year to provide additional professional development opportunities and empower colleagues to advance their careers. To celebrate Black History Month 2023, the group hosted a conversation with Senator Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, moderated by Covington Senior Counsel and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Senator Warnock discussed the legacy of Black leadership in politics and in the faith community, as addressed in his memoir, A Way Out of No Way. Later this month, the Affinity Group will host Father Wesley Williams, Cathedral Priest, Scholar, and Naval Chaplain at the Washington National Cathedral, and Covington’s first Black partner, for a conversation about his life and professional accomplishments.

Notable events the group previously hosted include:

• A conversation commemorating Black History Month with Pulitzer Prize-winning, renowned journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of The 1619 Project.
• A discussion on the history and importance of Juneteenth with Ralph Richard Banks, Jackson Eli Reynolds professor of law at Stanford Law School and the co-founder and faculty director of the Stanford Center for Racial Justice.
• Networking lunch discussions with Black general counsels in the sports and technology fields, including Covington alum Jamaal Lesane (Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.), Brook Gardiner (MLS Next Pro), and Melissa Tidwell (Prosus), hosted by Covington partner and Management Committee member Dave Pinsky.

Covington’s Black Affinity Group is led by the following colleagues: Paris Aboro, Ashley Joyner Chavous, Jason Davis, Charles "Chas" Hamilton, Aaron Lewis, Hakeem Rizk, and David Sneed.

Learn more about Covington’s seven affinity groups and visit our Diversity & Inclusion page to read about the firm’s efforts to foster an environment that promotes mutual understanding, encourages collaboration, and breaks down barriers.