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Dear Langston Family,
“Whatever a man sows, that he will reap.” Galatians 6:7
Serving as President of the Langston Bar Association has been one of the greatest honors of my career. My heart is filled with gratitude, humility, and reverence for God, whose guidance has made every accomplishment possible. I give Him all the glory for a year marked by growth, purpose, and meaningful impact. Langston is more than an organization, it is family, and the seeds we plant together continue to strengthen and unite us through every season.
A Year of Sowing, Serving, and Stewardship
The theme for my presidency, Sowing Seeds, was not symbolic, it was intentional. What follows is not merely a list of events, but a testimony of what can happen when faith meets action, vision meets collaboration, and love for community leads the way. Together, we sowed seeds across advocacy, education, mentorship, service, leadership, and legacy, and the impact of this year will be felt for generations to come.
Answering the Call in Times of Crisis
Our year began in the midst of devastation, as wildfires swept through our communities, creating an urgent need for immediate action and compassionate leadership. Langston led the charge in establishing a multi-bar Disaster Task Force, bringing together several bar organizations to respond swiftly to wildfire devastation. We hosted legal clinics, provided immediate relief, and distributed gift cards to wildfire victims. In addition, Langston donated funds to purchase uniforms for students at a Pasadena Academy, a school with a predominantly Black student population that was destroyed by the fires. This collective response reflected Langston’s unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and community care.
Educating, Empowering, and Protecting Our Community
Community education remained at the heart of our work. Our Sow and Speak Talk Show, hosted via Zoom, provided accessible discussions on current events and legal topics for both the legal community and the public. We also hosted several Know Your Rights Clinics, drawing larger crowds than ever before by offering free wills and powers of attorneys.
As a Probate, Wills and Trust attorney, I was honored to serve as a conduit of God’s blessings by using my knowledge and skills alongside fellow practitioners, including Past President and Board Member Gary Farwell. One of my most meaningful accomplishments was the launch of the Sow, Sign, Secure Tour, taking free estate planning services on the road. We exceeded our pledge, resulting in wealth preservation, long-term community impact, improved court efficiency, and reduced contested matters, an accomplishment with lasting effects on families and the judicial system.
We also exceeded our pledge to recruit over 100 New Members of Langston. We end this year with over two hundred and sixty (260) new members.
Sowing Seeds, Building Legacy Through Scholarships
Another meaningful accomplishment was the launch of the Sowing Seeds, Building Legacy Giving Campaign, created to strengthen Langston’s scholarship mission. We began the year by awarding over $112,000 in scholarships, provided an additional $5,000 mid-year to another deserving student, and ended the year having secured essential, long-term donor relationships.
A historic milestone was our partnership with Var Fox of Judicate West, who committed $75,000 over three years toward scholarships. This unprecedented commitment set a new standard for Langston and serves as a catalyst for future large-scale partnerships. We also continued nurturing relationships with valued sponsors such as ARC, ensuring sustainability and growth for years to come.
Community, Fellowship, and Annual Traditions
In addition to new initiatives, we proudly continued Langston’s cherished traditions. Our Annual BBQ, Annual Holiday Party, Bench Office and Lifetime Member Brunch along with numerous committee-led programs and events, strengthened fellowship, mentorship, and engagement across membership levels. These gatherings, both formal and informal, reinforced what we already know to be true: Langston is family, and our collective strength lies in community.
Building New Pathways and Connections
One of the most meaningful new initiatives was the First-Ever Langston Members Retreat in Santa Barbara. This retreat fostered meaningful and long-term connections, leadership development, education, and wellness. It also helped cultivate new sponsorship relationships with industries and partners who are now committed to supporting Langston’s mission for the first time.
We also proudly kicked off the year with a grand reception hosted by Langston and Ralph Lauren at the Beverly Hills Ralph Lauren store. This elegant and well-attended event supported scholarships and disaster relief efforts, including a $10,000 contribution from Ralph Lauren, a testament to the power of strategic partnerships.
Unforgettable Programs and Distinguished Leadership
This year brought record attendance at the Langston Law Institute, founded by the legendary Past President Judge Rupert Byrdsong. We spotlighted Board Members and Lifetime Members and expanded programming through collaborations with Legally Black, Legally Savvy, Wilfandel Club, and HBCU 2 Law, including the widely attended Straight Out of Compton event led by Judge Kelvin Filer and dedicated bench officers.
Our Hall of Fame Celebration was a resounding success, honoring six legal giants: Justice Carol D. Codrington, T. Warren Jackson, Areva Martin, Judge Deidre H. Hill, John Page, and Langston Past President, the legendary V. Ahda Sands. This event was masterfully chaired by the esteemed Jamilla Harris and Judge Melinda Porter.
Service, Justice, and Progress
We proudly celebrated Langston members elevated to the bench this year: Judge Melinda Porter, Judge Terrence Jones, Judge Brenda Robinson, Judge Syna Dennis, and Judge George Turner.
Langston marched for justice and due process in LA protests alongside numerous bar organizations, co-hosted our first-ever Swearing-In Ceremony for new bar passers, volunteered at food banks and women’s shelters, and expanded our visibility by establishing a Langston Wikipedia page and securing a feature at the African American Museum, led by Past President and Historian V. Ahda Sands.
We modernized operations through Member365, making membership renewal and communication more efficient, and amended our bylaws to allow one-year membership terms from the date of joining, increasing flexibility, fairness, retention, and organizational strength.
Recognition, Gratitude, and Growth
Langston Leaders and Members received one of California’s most distinguished honors, the Best in California Community Service Award, presented by the California Lawyers Association to President Tatianna Y. Metters Scurlock, Past President Melvin Felton, Past President Stephen King, and Lifetime Member Ronnie Whitehead. We also welcomed 10 new Lifetime Members, with more continuing to join.
I am profoundly grateful to my devoted Board and committee chairs whose leadership and service created unforgettable events and new programming. From IP Chairs Almuhtada Smith and Allan Claybon, to rising leaders like Justice Turner who hosted a meet and greet with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and steadfast contributors such as Chika Apakama and Segun Aluko, each of you sowed seeds with your time, talent, and heart. Your dedication is invaluable beyond words.
(See below the Recap Photos of 2025 Events/Programs)
Passing the Torch
As we usher in the new year, I do so with confidence and joy as leadership transitions to the esteemed and passionate President-Elect Ludlow Creary. Under his theme, Continuing the Legacy of Excellence, the seeds sown this year will continue to grow, flourish, and nourish Langston for lifetimes to come.
Thank you for trusting me with this sacred responsibility and allowing me the honor of serving as President. Together we have sown and now it's time to reap. The Harvest is coming!
Have a blessed, peaceful and prosperous New Year and beyond!
With gratitude,
Tatianna Y. Metters Scurlock
President, The John M. Langston Bar Association (2025)
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