The University of Tennessee Winston College of Law, together with the Black Law Students Association, continued a longstanding tradition with the 2026 Julian Blackshear, Jr. Scholarship Gala this March. The annual event brought together students, alumni, faculty, and community supporters to celebrate Winston Law’s enduring commitment to expanding access to law school and the legal profession.
Named for one of the college’s trailblazing alumni, Julian Blackshear, Jr. (’70), the gala and associated scholarship honor his legacy as a civil rights attorney and one of the first Black graduates of Winston Law. Over the years, the scholarship fund has been sustained by the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners, creating meaningful opportunities for many deserving students.
This year’s gala featured Iké Adeyemi, senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary of Eastman Chemical Company, as keynote speaker. Adeyemi shared insights on leadership, resilience, and the responsibility lawyers carry to serve their communities. Her remarks emphasized the importance of leveraging the law to drive meaningful social change.
Winston Law posthumously presented to Rudolph V. McKamey the annual R.B.J. Campbelle, Jr. Award. This award, which honors the law school’s first Black graduate, as well as his courage, sacrifice and profound societal impact, recognizes an individual who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to advancing equality and justice. McKamey was a respected Knoxville attorney, community leader, and civil rights advocate. In 1948, he applied to Winston Law but was denied admission solely because of his race. Although he was not permitted to attend, his courage helped open the door for many others who followed. He went on to graduate from Howard University School of Law and built a distinguished career advocating for equality and justice in Knoxville, including efforts to desegregate lunch counters and secure fair housing for families displaced by urban renewal.
“This recognition reflects the impact of individuals like Mr. McKamey, who challenged exclusion and created opportunities for others,” said Briana Rosenbaum, associate dean for access and community engagement and associate professor of law. “His legacy challenges us to continue expanding access to the legal profession and to pursue justice in our own work.”
The evening also highlighted the achievements of current students and scholarship recipients. Winston Law’s Black Law Students Association recognized Justin Franklin (’26) with the R.B.J. Campbelle, Jr. Leadership Award, Jaleigh Rogan (’26) with the Frank Ennix Award for Excellence, and Tia Nickens (’26) with the Julian Blackshear, Jr. Outstanding Student Award.
The Winston College of Law is grateful for the event’s generous sponsors, including supporting sponsors Bass, Berry & Sims PLC and Garza Law Firm, along with numerous table sponsors whose contributions help sustain the Blackshear Scholarships and ensure the gala’s continued success.