About Us

From a visionary gathering in 1980 to a thriving network today, BESLA empowers legal professionals in entertainment and sports to connect, grow, and lead together.

About Us

From a visionary gathering in 1980 to a thriving network today, BESLA empowers legal professionals in entertainment and sports to connect, grow, and lead together.

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Our Beginnings

Over four decades ago, a group of notable African-American attorneys met in Philadelphia during the Third Annual Black Music Association Conference. They identified a need to establish an ongoing learning and networking environment for African-American attorneys in the entertainment industry, one that would provide an opportunity to share and exchange information, refer business, learn of industry opportunities, sharpen their skills, and support each other in the highly competitive field of entertainment.

As a result, the Black Entertainment Lawyers Association (BELA), a 501(c )(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 1980. To incorporate growing opportunities in the sports arena, the name was changed to the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) in 1986.

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Our Mission

The mission of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) is to advance excellence among professionals in entertainment, sports, and business. As a nationally recognized leader, BESLA provides premier legal education and professional development across the evolving industries of music, film, television, streaming, sports, media, and technology.

BESLA Hall of Fame Founder

Kendall Minter

“Well, what we were looking to do was create a zone of comfort, a place where we could reside both mentally and physically and spiritually, so we could grow our practices, be comfortable in communicating with each other, and also excel in what we do … We Are BESLA.”

Our Purpose

BESLA is dedicated to providing the community with valuable benefits, including scholarship opportunities, mentorships, and career advancement. We strive to empower professionals in the entertainment, sports, and related industries through legal education and professional development.

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Pathways

BESLA is committed to fostering economic empowerment and equitable decision-making opportunities within the entertainment, sports, and related industries. Our mission is to open pathways that ensure legal and creative talent representatives from underrepresented communities can access leadership roles, fair representation, and the tools necessary for professional growth. BESLA aims to break down systemic barriers, support innovative partnerships, and cultivate a thriving network of professionals dedicated to shaping a more equitable future across these dynamic industries.
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Opportunities

Empower and support lawyers and professionals by facilitating meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in entertainment, sports, and business. BESLA strives to create pathways for professional growth, cultivate partnerships that enhance career advancement, and promote economic equity within these industries.
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Education

BESLA is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of its members by offering robust educational programs that support their continued professional development. Through workshops, seminars, mentorship programs, and access to industry-leading resources, we empower our members to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and stay at the forefront of legal and business affairs within the entertainment, sports, and related industries. By prioritizing lifelong learning and professional excellence, BESLA creates opportunities for its members to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving landscape.
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Networking

BESLA is focused on cultivating an effective and dynamic network that fosters high-impact professional and business relationships. Through strategic connections, collaborative initiatives, and comprehensive and contextual information-sharing, BESLA facilitates meaningful opportunities for industry professionals to exchange ideas, share expertise, and build lasting partnerships. By creating a space where legal, creative, and business leaders can connect and collaborate, BESLA empowers its members to expand their influence, drive innovation, and unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
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Scholarship

BESLA is devoted to empowering the next generation of legal professionals by providing scholarships and internship opportunities to deserving law students aspiring to build careers in the entertainment and sports industries. By offering scholarship, mentorship, and access to real-world experiences, BESLA seeks to break down barriers and create pathways for underrepresented talent to thrive in these competitive fields. Our initiatives are designed to support academic excellence and foster meaningful industry connections, equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed and make a lasting impact in the legal and business sectors of entertainment and sports.
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Resources

BESLA is focused on bridging the gap between employers and emerging talent by providing resources that connect organizations with a qualified pool of legal and business professionals. Through targeted initiatives, networking events, and partnerships, BESLA facilitates access to a thriving community of skilled attorneys and professionals seeking to excel in legal and business affairs within the entertainment, sports, and related industries. By fostering these connections, BESLA helps enhance career opportunities and supports employers in building strong, dynamic teams.

The BESLA Advantage

Founders

The founders of BESLA changed the trajectory for other attorneys and professionals of color to break into and be successful in law, sports, media and entertainment.​​ The Founding Members of BESLA are as follows:

  • Larkin Arnold
  • Phil Asbury
  • Michael Ashburne
  • Bob Brennan
  • Frederick D. Cooke, Jr.
  • Timothy Crawford*
  • Ronald A. Davis
  • ​James M. DeLeon
  • ​David Franklin*
  • Karl Gutherie
  • Bill Hayes
  • Herbert Harris, Jr.
  • Robert Holmes
  • Albert R. Hopkins, Jr.
  • Chere D. Lott
  • Kendall Minter*
  • Don Mizell
  • Joseph Porter
  • Philip Ransom
  • Gregory Reed
  • Thomasina Reed
  • Ron Sweeney
  • Ray Tisdale
  • Charles Ward
  • ​Louise West
  • Fletcher “Flash” Wiley*

* = deceased

BESLA Hall of Fame Founder

Louise West

“We needed an organization primarily to educate younger lawyers to encourage law students, who want to enter the entertainment business … I Am BESLA”

BESLA Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame showcases the remarkable accomplishments of individuals in the entertainment, sports, and related industries. Join us as we honor their contributions and inspire future professionals.

  • Dr. Alfred Goldson*
  • Amy R. Goldson
  • Beverly Davis
  • Brenda Andrews
  • C. Lamont Smith
  • Darrell Miller
  • Denis E. Kellman*
  • Denise Brown Henderson
  • Dwain Kyles
  • Ed Woods*
  • Fletcher “Flash” Wiley*
  • Frederick W. Brown*
  • Gary A. Watson
  • Gregory J. Reed
  • H. LeBaron Taylor*
  • Jack Gibson*
  • Jeffrey Harleston
  • John Kellogg
  • Johnnie Cochran*
  • Joi Huckaby Rideout
  • Joseph E. Porter, III
  • Kendall Minter*
  • Keven J. Davis*
  • L. Benet McMillan
  • Larkin Arnold*
  • Larry Bailey
  • Leroy Bobbitt
  • Louise West
  • Maisha Gibson
  • Matthew J. Middleton
  • Michael Ashburne
  • Monique Reid Berryhill*
  • Nancy Taylor
  • Octavius Ted Reid, III
  • Oliver Sutton, II
  • Percy E. Sutton*
  • Ray Harris
  • Ray Tisdale
  • Ricky Anderson
  • Robert Holmes
  • Ronald E. Sweeney
  • Sharon Heyward
  • Tamela Cash-Curry
  • Theresa Cropper
  • Timothy A. Crawford*
  • Tony Anderson
  • Virgil Roberts
  • William L. Strickland
  • Yvonne Taylor*

We are BESLA!

We are a purpose-led organization of black professionals, whose focus is to elevate, serve and excel. We aim to elevate ourselves, our members and our community. We lead with purpose, empathy, and integrity, putting people and impact at the center of our service. We are committed to advancement — moving from excellence to genius. We are BESLA!

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© 2026 Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) All Rights Reserved. BESLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.