Charyle O. Farris Scholarship Application
The Maryellen Hicks Black Women Lawyers Association is pleased to offer the annual Charlye O. Farris Scholarship. This scholarship honors the legacy of Charlye O. Farris, the first African American woman licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.
For questions please contact Valerie Baston or Crystal Gayden at bwloftarrant@yahoo.com
Please upload any pages or documents necessary to complete the application by June 24, 2026.
Scholar's Full Name
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First Name
Last Name
Email Address
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example@example.com
Phone Number
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Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Are you currently enrolled in an accredited law school or accepted for admission?
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Yes
No
Name of Law School
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Classification
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Name of College/University
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Describe your extracurricular activities
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Describe your community service
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Do you have any special financial needs? If so, what are they?
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How would you use this scholarship?
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List all members of Maryellen Hicks Black Women Lawyers Association that you know (this is not a requirement to be awarded a scholarship)
Essay Prompt:
In the recent Supreme Court case Louisiana v. Callais, the Court revisited critical questions surrounding redistricting, representation, and the protections afforded under the Voting Rights Act. The decision has generated significant national debate regarding the future of voting rights, the political power of minority communities, and the role of the judiciary in shaping American democracy.
As future legal professionals and advocates, law students are uniquely positioned to examine not only the legal implications of this decision, but also its broader social, political, and ethical consequences. In a well-developed essay of 1,000–1,500 words, analyze the significance of Louisiana v. Callais and discuss what the decision reveals about the current state of voting rights in the United States. Consider the historical purpose of the Voting Rights Act, the evolving role of the Supreme Court in voting rights jurisprudence, and the impact this decision may have on minority and underserved communities seeking equitable political representation.
Your essay should also address the responsibility of the next generation of lawyers, policymakers, and civic leaders in protecting democratic participation and ensuring equal access to representation. In your analysis, reflect on the role the legal profession should play in advancing justice, preserving public confidence in democratic institutions, and ensuring that historically marginalized voices are not diminished or excluded from the political process.
Applicants are encouraged to think critically, engage thoughtfully with constitutional principles and societal realities, and articulate how they intend to use their legal education and future careers to promote equity, advocacy, and meaningful civic engagement.
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Upload Letter of Recommendation (Professor, Employer, Community Leader)
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Upload Verification (current law school enrollment or law school acceptance for Fall 2026)
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