History
In 1980, a group of notable African-American attorneys met in Philadelphia during the first annual Black Music Association Conference. They quickly recognized the need to establish a mechanism for African-American attorneys in the entertainment industry to share information, stay abreast of industry opportunities, sharpen their skills and support each other in a highly competitive marketplace. Their vision led to the founding of the Black Entertainment Lawyers Association (BELA) in 1980. As opportunities expanded in the sports arena, the organization’s name was changed to the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) in 1986.

From day one, BESLA members have made a lasting imprint on the sports and entertainment industries. From holding corporate posts to representing marquee talent, BESLA members have created a deep reservoir of influence, resources and relationships that is unparalleled among professional legal organizations.

Loyalty to BESLA’s mission is expressed through the overwhelming majority of BESLA founders who continue, 28 years later, to serve the organization as members of its Advisory Board.
 

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.

David FranklinBESLA Remembers Co-Founder David Franklin

Noted pioneering entertainment attorney, entrepreneur and activist David McCoy Franklin passed away in his native Atlanta, GA on September  7, 2008. In addition to his role as a Founding  Member, Franklin was also the first BESLA Chairman, setting the organization's course from a handful of attorneys of color to the 600 plus member  industry force that it serves as today.

"David Franklin should be dubbed the "godfather of Black entertainment lawyers" as he pushed the door open for us, led by his exemplary negotiating skills, always reached back to help someone else, rose to the top of his game as a manager, lawyer, political activist and entrepreneur, and made us all proud to call him a friend, mentor and colleague," says BESLA Founding Member and  former Executive Director Kendall A. Minter, now Chairman of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation.

Franklin managed the careers of such artists as Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, Peabo Bryson, Miles Davis, Cecily Tyson, Lonetta McKee, Luther Vandross, Lou Gossett, and Richard Pryor.

back to top