Before coming to the University, R. Scott Rochelle, now a second-year law student, was used to being surrounded by blacks. As an undergraduate, he attended Morehouse College, a historically black institution in Atlanta, Ga. Other historically black colleges and universities near Morehouse, such as Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University, facilitated easy networking with black students and community leaders.

Rochelle didn’t know what to expect before he came to the University. But prior to enrolling in law school, he received his Masters in Educational Policy Studies from the University. He was surprised to find such a tight-knit community and home.

During this February’s Black History month, his organization, the Black Law Student Association, in conjunction with the Student Bar Association Diversity Committee, has helped plan several events on campus. As the president of the association, Rochelle hopes this month’s events will increase awareness about black culture and show how blacks have made progress in the legal profession.

I caught up with Rochelle at the association’s bake sale Thursday morning. Here’s what he had to say.

Q: Why are law students helping to host this month’s black history events?

A: We’ve noticed a lack of substantial programs. We have students who are willing to (plan events) and many students with resources. We feel as if there’s no reason to not put on a whole month of quality and enriching activities. I think one of the reasons we do a full month of programs is to draw attention to us. We’re so isolated here on the south side of campus. Our goal is to create a closer community with the rest of the campus. (Law students) are somewhat isolated as far as our location on campus as well as our workload. We’re not able to get out and experience as much as undergrad students but we still want (the campus) to know that we’re here and we’re very active.

Q: Is Black History Month really necessary?

A: I believe we should celebrate Black History Month 365 days a year. The reality is that I think we need a month to celebrate the strides we’ve made in the past and those that have paved the way to allow us to be here and do what we’re doing.

Q: Coming from an all-black college, what’s the biggest difference you’ve experienced, here at the University?

A: The biggest difference is the fact that here at this school, we wait until February to celebrate (black) culture. Coming from an all-black university, we celebrated black history every day. Because you’re in the middle of African-American academics, you’re better able to absorb the richness of the culture.

Q: What has been the most exciting event of this month?

A: I’m looking forward to Professor Leon Dash’s keynote presentation. I’ve read a lot about him and he seems like an incredible man. I really hope that we have a large turnout. It is really great to have such a prominent faculty member share his experience and knowledge with the College of Law community.

Q: Do you think blacks really have a unique experience at places like the University?

A: I definitely think blacks have a different experience. Coming from a historically black college, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got here. But I have noticed a certain unity amongst African-American students whether it is through Greek organizations or the African-American cultural program. I think that we’re able to network and fellowship through a lot of different outlets like the BLSA and the Black Graduate Student Association. The African-American community here is actually a closer community than I expected it to be.

Q: What exactly were you expecting when you came here?

A: I was a little bit nervous because of the numbers. Morehouse College is next to three other African-American schools so there were African-Americans everywhere. Here we had eight percent of African-Americans so I was a little bit concerned about being isolated and there being a lack of African-American culture. That’s one of the reasons why I work so hard to try and create programs and different ways for African-Americans to come together.

Q: Are there any prominent black history makers from the College of Law?

A: James Montgomery (College of Law Class of 1956). He’s a partner in Johnnie Cochran’s firm, Cochran, Cherry, Givens, Smith and Montgomery, and a big BLSA supporter. He’s consistently building a legacy as one of the best plaintiff’s attorneys in the nation.

Q: How did you become president of the BLSA?

A: I was very involved in BLSA activities. I sat on the Black History Month committee and spearheaded some of the programs that we put on for the College of Law community. As the semester progressed, I think I naturally began to take on more leadership roles within the organization and was ultimately elected president for the following year.

Q: What have you learned from your leadership role as president?

A: It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to keep an organization afloat. At the end of the day, it’s always worth it.

The BLSA will continue their bake sale on Feb. 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Pedersen Pavilion. Pulitzer Prize winner, Dash, will present his lecture, “Skeletons in the Closet: Exposing the plight of the underclass and challenges for the 21st century” on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. in College of Law Room D.