BESLA's STORY

Twenty-seven years ago, a group of notable African-American attorneys met in Philadelphia during the First Annual Black Music Association Conference.They quickly 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. 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.  

Today, there are over six hundred members of BESLA.  Through the establishment of strategic alliances, coupled with the use of the BESLA network, BESLA members are comprised of law students, practicing lawyers, financiers, agents, managers and business executives in the music, sports, cable & broadcast television, film, new media, FCC regulation, concert production, management, marketing and publishing industries.
 

BESLA's Mission

BESLA is an international organization of lawyers and other entertainment and sports industry executives that supports a more diversified, expert and informed group of entertainment and sports industry professionals. 
 

Our purpose is to:

• Open pathways to economic and decision-making parity in the sports and entertainment industries for legal and creative talent representatives.


• Provide an effective network of high-impact professional and business relationships and information-sharing.


• Facilitate legal and business affairs employment and business opportunities for people of color.