Subject to change
The order of speakers and program segments below may change leading up to the event. What will not change is the ceremonial pinning attorneys' role and how the pinning itself works. Please check this page in the days before the Summit for the most current run of show and schedule.
National HBCU Pre-Law Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Awards Presentation and Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony
Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 6:30–8:30 p.m. ET · North Carolina Central University Student Center, Durham, North Carolina. “Honoring Legacy. Affirming Purpose. Inspiring the Next Generation.”
Download the Run of Show (PDF)The 13th Annual National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo concludes with one of its most meaningful traditions: the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Awards Presentation and the Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony. The evening honors distinguished lawyers, advocates, educators, leaders and trailblazers whose careers exemplify excellence, courage, service and an enduring commitment to justice.
The evening culminates in the Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony, an intergenerational rite of passage. Aspiring lawyers receive their official pins, recite the Aspiring Lawyer Success Pledge together, and are individually pinned by volunteer attorneys and participating Hall of Fame honorees. Each pin symbolizes preparation, integrity, perseverance, service, mutual support and the responsibility to make the path wider for those who follow.
“We see you, we welcome you, and we are invested in your success.”
“I belong here. I accept the responsibility. I am prepared to pursue this calling with purpose.”
Hall of Fame speakers & order of speakers
Order of appearance for the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Awards Presentation. The full minute-by-minute schedule appears below.
Invocation and Expression of Gratitude
Speaker TBD
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Emcee / Host
Special Guest Speaker
Brandon M. Graham, Ed.D., M.B.A., J.D. Candidate
Special Guest Speaker
Jennell Loper, Esq.
Hall of Fame Induction
A. Scott Bolden, Esq.
Hall of Fame Induction
Xavier R. Donaldson, Esq.
Posthumous Legacy Award
DeWarren K. Langley, J.D., M.P.A. (representative accepting)
Hall of Fame Induction
Lee Merritt, Esq.
Hall of Fame Recognition & Group Photograph
All honorees, presenters, and DeWarren Langley representative
Pinning Ceremony Instructions & Pledge
Ceremony leader / Pledge leader
Aspiring Lawyers Ceremonial Pinning Procession
Nine ceremonial pinning attorneys with student lines
Closing Charge, Sponsor Recognition & Closing Remarks
Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M.
Program schedule
| Time | Duration | Program segment | Speaker & production notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30–6:32 p.m. | 2 min. | Invocation and Expression of GratitudeSpeaker TBD. Begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. | Speaker TBD. Begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. |
| 6:32–6:36 p.m. | 4 min. | Welcome and Opening RemarksWelcome guests and introduce the evening's purpose: recognizing distinguished leaders and advocates whose careers exemplify excellence, service and commitment to advancing justice while inspiring the next generation of attorneys. | Welcome guests and introduce the evening's purpose: recognizing distinguished leaders and advocates whose careers exemplify excellence, service and commitment to advancing justice while inspiring the next generation of attorneys. |
| 6:36–6:38 p.m. | 2 min. | Introduction of Special Guest SpeakerIntroducer TBD. Introduce Brandon M. Graham using selected biographical highlights; complete biography appears in the digital program. | Introducer TBD. Introduce Brandon M. Graham using selected biographical highlights; complete biography appears in the digital program. |
| 6:38–6:50 p.m. | 12 min. | Special Guest RemarksBrandon M. Graham, Ed.D., M.B.A., J.D. Candidate — Founder and CEO, Our HBCUs Matter Foundation and National Institute for HBCU Success — Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C. | Brandon M. Graham, Ed.D., M.B.A., J.D. Candidate — Founder and CEO, Our HBCUs Matter Foundation and National Institute for HBCU Success — Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C. |
| 6:50–6:52 p.m. | 2 min. | Introduction of Special Guest SpeakerIntroducer TBD. Introduce Jennell Loper using selected biographical highlights; complete biography appears in the digital program. | Introducer TBD. Introduce Jennell Loper using selected biographical highlights; complete biography appears in the digital program. |
| 6:52–7:04 p.m. | 12 min. | Special Guest RemarksJennell Loper, Esq. — Associate Attorney, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. — Orlando, Florida. | Jennell Loper, Esq. — Associate Attorney, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. — Orlando, Florida. |
| 7:04–7:07 p.m. | 3 min. | Introduction to the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction CeremonyThe emcee explains the purpose and significance of the National HBCU Pre-Law Hall of Fame and briefly describes the induction format. Cue the Hall of Fame graphic, music or introductory presentation. | The emcee explains the purpose and significance of the National HBCU Pre-Law Hall of Fame and briefly describes the induction format. Cue the Hall of Fame graphic, music or introductory presentation. |
| 7:07–7:17 p.m. | 10 min. | Induction of A. Scott BoldenTwo-minute introduction and tribute; one-minute award presentation and photograph; up to seven minutes for acceptance remarks. | Two-minute introduction and tribute; one-minute award presentation and photograph; up to seven minutes for acceptance remarks. |
| 7:17–7:27 p.m. | 10 min. | Induction of Xavier R. DonaldsonTwo-minute introduction and tribute; one-minute award presentation and photograph; up to seven minutes for acceptance remarks. | Two-minute introduction and tribute; one-minute award presentation and photograph; up to seven minutes for acceptance remarks. |
| 7:27–7:38 p.m. | 11 min. | Posthumous Legacy Award Honoring DeWarren K. LangleyThree-minute legacy tribute; one-minute award presentation and photograph; up to seven minutes for remarks by the designated family or organizational representative. | Three-minute legacy tribute; one-minute award presentation and photograph; up to seven minutes for remarks by the designated family or organizational representative. |
| 7:38–7:48 p.m. | 10 min. | Induction of Lee MerrittTwo-minute introduction and tribute; one-minute award presentation and photograph; up to seven minutes for acceptance remarks. | Two-minute introduction and tribute; one-minute award presentation and photograph; up to seven minutes for acceptance remarks. |
| 7:48–7:50 p.m. | 2 min. | Hall of Fame Recognition and Official Group PhotographInvite all attending honorees, presenters and the representative accepting on behalf of DeWarren Langley to the stage. Hall of Fame honorees participating as ceremonial pinning attorneys should remain near the front after the photograph. | Invite all attending honorees, presenters and the representative accepting on behalf of DeWarren Langley to the stage. Hall of Fame honorees participating as ceremonial pinning attorneys should remain near the front after the photograph. |
| 7:50–7:55 p.m. | 5 min. | Significance of the Pinning Ceremony and Participant InstructionsExplain the ceremony's symbolism and its connection to excellence, integrity, service and community support. Ensure that every participating student has a pin. Explain the pledge, pinning-line procedure and exit route. Introduce and recognize the nine ceremonial pinning attorneys. | Explain the ceremony's symbolism and its connection to excellence, integrity, service and community support. Ensure that every participating student has a pin. Explain the pledge, pinning-line procedure and exit route. Introduce and recognize the nine ceremonial pinning attorneys. |
| 7:55–8:00 p.m. | 5 min. | Aspiring Lawyer Success PledgePledge leader TBD. Students stand together, hold their pins and recite the Aspiring Lawyer Success Pledge in unison. The complete pledge is displayed on screen and read slowly, one phrase at a time. | Pledge leader TBD. Students stand together, hold their pins and recite the Aspiring Lawyer Success Pledge in unison. The complete pledge is displayed on screen and read slowly, one phrase at a time. |
| 8:00–8:23 p.m. | 23 min. | Aspiring Lawyers Ceremonial Pinning ProcessionThe nine ceremonial pinning attorneys take their designated positions at the front of the room. Students form lines before the attorneys they would like to pin them. Each student hands their pin to the selected attorney, who formally pins and congratulates the student. Three line coordinators oversee the nine stations and redirect students as needed to maintain an efficient flow. Instrumental music plays throughout. | The nine ceremonial pinning attorneys take their designated positions at the front of the room. Students form lines before the attorneys they would like to pin them. Each student hands their pin to the selected attorney, who formally pins and congratulates the student. Three line coordinators oversee the nine stations and redirect students as needed to maintain an efficient flow. Instrumental music plays throughout. |
| 8:23–8:28 p.m. | 5 min. | Closing Charge, Sponsor Recognition and Closing RemarksEvangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M., Founder, National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo. Final charge to the newly pinned aspiring lawyers; recognition of Hall of Fame honorees, special guests, ceremonial pinning attorneys, sponsors, partners, volunteers and team members; formal conclusion of the ceremony. | Evangeline M. Mitchell, Esq., Ed.M., Founder, National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo. Final charge to the newly pinned aspiring lawyers; recognition of Hall of Fame honorees, special guests, ceremonial pinning attorneys, sponsors, partners, volunteers and team members; formal conclusion of the ceremony. |
| 8:28–8:30 p.m. | 2 min. | Schedule Cushion and DismissalAbsorb minor delays and facilitate an orderly dismissal. If the program remains on time, use these minutes for final acknowledgments or instructions regarding post-program photographs and activities. | Absorb minor delays and facilitate an orderly dismissal. If the program remains on time, use these minutes for final acknowledgments or instructions regarding post-program photographs and activities. |
2026 inductees & honorees
A. Scott Bolden, Esq.
Partner, Reed Smith LLP
Washington, D.C.
Xavier R. Donaldson, Esq.
Criminal Defense Attorney
New York, New York
DeWarren K. Langley, J.D., M.P.A.
Founder and Executive Director, Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, Inc.
Durham, North Carolina
Lee Merritt, Esq.
Civil Rights Attorney and Founder, Merritt Law Firm
Dallas, Texas
Special guest speakers
Brandon M. Graham, Ed.D., M.B.A., J.D. Candidate
Founder and CEO, Our HBCUs Matter Foundation; National Institute for HBCU Success
Atlanta, Georgia | Washington, D.C. · Speaking time: 12 minutes
Jennell Loper, Esq.
Associate Attorney, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.
Orlando, Florida · Speaking time: 12 minutes
Living inductees — 10 minutes each
- Introduction and tribute: 2 minutes
- Award presentation and official photograph: 1 minute
- Acceptance remarks: up to 7 minutes
Posthumous Legacy Award — 11 minutes
- Legacy introduction and tribute: 3 minutes
- Award presentation and photograph: 1 minute
- Remarks by the designated representative: up to 7 minutes
- 1Every participating student receives an Aspiring Lawyer pin.
- 2The ceremony leader explains the meaning and significance of the pin.
- 3The nine ceremonial pinning attorneys are introduced and recognized.
- 4Students stand together while holding their pins.
- 5The pledge leader guides students in reciting the Aspiring Lawyer Success Pledge in unison.
- 6The nine attorneys move to their designated pinning stations at the front of the room.
- 7Students form lines before the attorneys they would like to pin them.
- 8Each student hands their pin to the selected attorney.
- 9The attorney formally pins and congratulates the student.
- 10The newly pinned student follows the designated exit route and returns to their seat or moves to the assigned gathering area.
Ceremonial pinning attorneys
Attorneys and judges honoring pre-law students at the Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony, where each student is pinned by a practicing lawyer and takes the Aspiring Lawyer Success Pledge.
Chelsi C. Edwards, Esq.
Attorney, General Civil Practice
Durham, North Carolina
Dawn Baxton, Esq.
Chief Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender, Durham County
Durham, North Carolina
The Honorable Dorothy Hairston Mitchell
District Court Judge, North Carolina District Court, Judicial District 16
Durham, North Carolina
Kehinde Watford, Esq.
Attorney and Founder, Watford Law Firm
Durham, North Carolina
The Honorable Lori Christian
Certified Mediator and Arbitrator; Retired Judge, Lori Christian ADR
Raleigh, North Carolina
Myra Griffin, Esq.
Vice-Chair and Commissioner, North Carolina Industrial Commission
Raleigh, North Carolina
The Honorable Rashad Hauter
District Court Judge, North Carolina District Court, Wake County
Raleigh, North Carolina
Satana Deberry, Esq.
District Attorney, Durham County, North Carolina Prosecutorial District 16
Durham, North Carolina
The Honorable Shamieka LaCher Rhinehart
Superior Court Judge, North Carolina Superior Court, District 16A
Durham, North Carolina
Room setup & production
- Nine clearly marked pinning stations across the front of the room, with space between them for comfortable movement.
- Each attorney's name and professional title displayed on a large, visible sign.
- Stations arranged in a single row if space permits; if two rows are necessary, a clear entry and exit path is maintained.
- Hall of Fame honorees who volunteer to participate are placed alongside the other ceremonial pinning attorneys.
- Water is provided at each station, and lighting is sufficient for pinning and photography.
- At least three line coordinators, each overseeing three pinning stations, plus one lead procession manager monitoring all nine lines.
- Students select their preferred pinning attorney.
- If one line becomes substantially longer, coordinators may invite students to move to a shorter line — no student is compelled to move if a particular attorney carries personal significance.
- Separate entry and exit routes so pinned students do not cross paths with those waiting.
- Floor markers, stanchions or signs establish the nine lines before the program begins.
- Pins are distributed before the pledge begins and removed from plastic packaging in advance whenever possible.
- Clasps and pin backs are loosened and ready for use.
- Students hold their pins securely and have them ready when they reach the attorney.
- Replacement pins and pin backs are kept at the front of the room, with at least one volunteer assigned to resolve pin-related issues.
- An event photographer captures candid images at all nine stations; the procession is not stopped for posed individual photographs.
- Posed photographs with pinning attorneys are arranged after the formal program.
- The official Hall of Fame group photograph is captured during the designated two-minute segment.
- If the program remains on schedule, the final two-minute cushion may be used for a collective photograph of the newly pinned aspiring lawyers.
Capacity & timing
With nine attorneys and 23 minutes allotted for the procession, the 8:30 p.m. ending remains realistic for approximately 100–125 students. If participation approaches or exceeds 150 students, one or two additional attorneys are recruited, stations are preassigned, or time is added.
| Number of students | Average per attorney | Timing assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 75 students | 8–9 | Very comfortable |
| 100 students | 11–12 | Comfortable |
| 125 students | 13–14 | Workable with active line management |
| 150 students | 16–17 | Possible, but requires an efficient procession and balanced lines |
- Hall of Fame honorees and the representative accepting for DeWarren Langley are seated near the stage in presentation order.
- Awards are labeled on the back and arranged in presentation order.
- One person carries and presents the awards; a separate stage escort guides honorees and presenters.
- Each honoree identifies a preferred introducer, or someone with a meaningful professional or personal connection is assigned.
- Confirm in advance which Hall of Fame honorees will also serve as ceremonial pinning attorneys.
- Two-minute, one-minute and stop cards are provided to guests and honorees.
- Special guest speakers are limited to 12 minutes each.
- Living inductees and the representative accepting the Posthumous Legacy Award are limited to seven minutes of remarks.
- The next presenter and honoree are placed in the stage holding area before the preceding segment concludes.
- If the program falls behind, introductions, photographs and nonessential acknowledgments are shortened first — the Posthumous Legacy Award tribute, the Aspiring Lawyer Success Pledge and the ceremonial pinning procession are preserved.
- Closing charge and remarks end by 8:28 p.m.; the formal program concludes no later than 8:30 p.m.