The annual honor recognizes Black attorneys who have made significant contributions to the legal profession, inspired future generations, and actively advanced equity and justice within their communities. NEBLSA, a regional affiliate of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), celebrates leaders whose work exemplifies the values and vision of NBLSA’s founder, AJ Cooper.

Ford, a trailblazer in legal education and civil rights advocacy, reflected on the evolution of Black student support in law schools since her own experience as a student.

“I was a law student at the University of Iowa in 1969, a year after AJ Cooper founded the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) to address the needs and concerns of Black law students and to try to effectuate a change in the legal profession which had historically excluded Black people and other marginalized groups,” Ford said. “At the time, I was one of very few Black students at the University of Iowa Law School where I was both lonely and suffering from a sense of not belonging in law school.”

Today, Ford is recognized not only for her distinguished legal scholarship, but also for her dedication to mentoring first-generation law students, students of color, and others historically excluded from the legal field.

“The good news today is that the national BLSA and the Northeast Black Law Students Association (NEBLSA) are thriving and in great hands with talented young law students at the helm,” she said. “NEBLSA plans and executes great programs to provide academic, social, and employment opportunities for students of color, first-generation law students, and other marginalized students who enter law school with a sense of not belonging. I am honored to be recognized by the amazing NEBLSA students who are keeping AJ's work alive and charting the path for the next generation of law students and lawyers.”

Brian Gallini, dean of Quinnipiac’s School of Law, praised Ford’s transformative role in the legal profession.

“Professor Ford’s recognition as one of NEBLSA’s 57 Most Influential Black Attorneys is a testament to her lifelong commitment to creating pathways for underrepresented students in the legal profession,” Gallini said. “Having witnessed firsthand her dedication to mentoring countless law students at Quinnipiac and throughout Connecticut, I can attest that her influence extends far beyond the classroom. Marilyn’s personal journey from being one of very few Black students at Iowa Law to becoming a respected legal educator and advocate has inspired generations of attorneys."

“Her work embodies the very mission that NEBLSA stands for – building community, fostering excellence, and ensuring that no student feels the isolation she once experienced,” Gallini continued. “This honor beautifully recognizes what those of us fortunate enough to work alongside her have always known: Marilyn Ford is a transformative force in legal education and a true champion for inclusion in our profession.