Suzette Malveaux Delivers Keynote for Black FLEX Conference Malveaux spoke at the seventh annual conference hosted by the Student Association for Black Unity at W&L.

By Law Communications
February 23, 2026

Washington and Lee University School of Law professor Suzette Malveaux delivered the keynote address for the seventh annual Black FLEX (Future Leaders Experience) Conference on February 7, 2026. The event, titled “Taking Up Space” was hosted by the W&L Student Association for Black Unity (SABU). SABU plans and sponsors Black FLEX, “a 100% student-run leadership conference” that strives to “promote leadership, individuality and self-discovery, in order to better our tomorrow.”  The conference brought together students, staff, administrators, and professors from across the university to network and learn from one another. The conference panels focused on belonging, wellness, professionalism and leading with authenticity.

Professor Malveaux’s keynote focused on personal reflections and the importance of creativity and resilience when engaging in transformative justice.  She shared how she learned these lessons by representing the victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in their constitutional case against the government.  She also encouraged the students to “take up space” in their own unique ways.

SABU students shared:

• “Connecting her upbringing and her work with Tulsa Race Massacre survivors with her overall mission as an attorney was something I deeply connected with, and ultimately needed in a space like W&L.” SABU Co-Chair Saniya Anderson ‘27
• “Professor Malveaux’s personal narrative painted a troubling yet inspiring portrait of her work as a civil rights lawyer—and how she used every opportunity to claim the space she was in.” SABU Co-Chair Riley Mitchelson ‘27
• “Professor Malveaux delivered an amazing speech that portrayed stories of resilience, strength, and a strong dedication to service.” SABU First-Year Liaison Ladun Akinroluyo ‘29

The feeling was mutual.  “It was such a pleasure to be a part of such an uplifting and rewarding conference,” said Malveaux.  “The students did an excellent job of exhibiting courage and promoting community during such polarizing times.”

Malveaux is the Roger D. Groot Professor of Law at Washington and Lee University School of Law. For over two decades years, she has taught Civil Procedure, Complex Litigation, Employment Discrimination, Civil Rights, and Constitutional Law. Her scholarship and advocacy focus on issues at the intersection of civil procedure and civil rights, with a focus on access to justice. Prior to entering academia, Malveaux litigated high profile discrimination class actions as a civil rights lawyer. Learn more about Professor Malveaux by visiting her faculty profile webpage.