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Join us for the 49th Annual Langston Installation & Scholarship Awards Gala as we honor distinguished community leaders, install the 2026 Officers and Board of Directors, and celebrate the next generation of law students through our prestigious scholarship awards.
This year’s Gala will be a vibrant evening of connection, storytelling, leadership, and purpose. As one of the most anticipated gatherings of legal and business professionals, it also serves as our premier fundraising event of the year.
Your presence and support help fuel Langston’s mission to advance scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development for future changemakers in the legal community.
More than an evening out — We are celebrating Continuing Our Legacy of Excellence.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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The Evening at a Glance
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time
6:00 PM Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM Dinner & Ceremony
Location
Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel
2025 Ave of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Attire
Black Tie
Expect an evening filled with elegance, inspiration, and unforgettable moments.
Bernard S. Jefferson Judge of the Year
Judge David Herriford
Los Angeles Superior Court
The Honorable Michael E. Herriford serves as a Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, where he has presided over more than 120 jury trials. Appointed to the bench in 2010 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Judge Herriford has held key leadership roles, including Assistant Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division and Site Judge of the Metropolitan Courthouse.
Before his judicial appointment, Judge Herriford built an extensive career as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, trying over 200 criminal jury trials. A graduate of Stanford University and Stanford Law School, he is also deeply engaged in the community, serving on the Board of the Coalition for Responsible Community Development and as a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Criminal Courts Bar Association.
Loren Miller Lawyer of the Year
Bart H. Williams, Esq.
Partner, Proskauer
Bart H. Williams is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. As Chair of Proskauer’s Litigation Department and head of the firm’s Los Angeles office, he has represented Fortune 500 companies, major entertainment studios, and high-profile individuals in some of the most complex cases across the country.
Named among Forbes’ Top 200 Lawyers in the U.S., Bart has been recognized by The American Lawyer, Chambers USA, and the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of California’s top litigators and legal leaders.
Community Impact Award
Tiffany Haddish
Actress / Producer / Author / Comedian
Founder, She Ready Foundation
Tiffany Haddish is an award-winning actress, comedian, producer, bestselling author, and humanitarian whose breakout role in Girls Trip brought her global recognition. Her career spans acclaimed film and television projects, an Emmy Award-winning performance on Saturday Night Live, and the bestselling memoir The Last Black Unicorn.
As a former foster youth, Tiffany founded the She Ready Foundation to empower and support children in the foster care system. Guided by her belief that every child deserves dignity, stability, and a chance to pursue their dreams, she advocates for foster youth nationwide through mentorship, life-skills programs, and strategic partnerships.
Trailblazer Award
Mayor Rex Richardson
Mayor of Long Beach, CA
Rex Richardson is the 29th Mayor of Long Beach, a dedicated public servant, husband, and father whose leadership is rooted in empowering communities to have a voice in shaping their future. A champion for inclusive growth, Mayor Richardson has led transformative efforts in public safety, housing, and economic development across Long Beach.
On the national stage, Mayor Richardson serves on the Advisory Board of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and as Mayoral Co-Chair of Mayors and CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment. Regionally, he chairs the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency and is a past President of the Southern California Association of Governments.
Corporate Leadership Award
Stasia Washington
Managing Director and Senior Wealth Manager, Lido Advisors, LLC
Stasia Washington is an award-winning wealth advisor and community leader with more than three decades of experience guiding families, philanthropies, and foundations in aligning financial success with purpose. As Managing Director and Senior Wealth Manager at Lido Advisors, she helps clients integrate wealth preservation, philanthropy, and intergenerational planning through values-based financial strategies.
A respected voice on leadership, philanthropy, and financial empowerment, Stasia has been honored by the Los Angeles Business Journal, the NAACP, and Pepperdine University for her outstanding professional and civic contributions.
Each year, the Langston Scholarship Fund supports exceptional law students who exemplify leadership, service, and academic excellence. Your support helps shape the next generation
of attorneys who will carry forward Langston’s proud legacy.
Help us reach our goal of awarding $100,000 in scholarships!
Hear from Past
Scholarship Recipients
I’m proud to be a Langston Bar Association scholarship recipient. The Langston Scholarship came at a time when I truly needed a reminder that my effort and dedication were seen in LA and beyond! Since then, Langston events and initiatives have remained a constant reminder of this irreplaceable community that continues to guide, connect, and inspire me.
Charles Turner
Scholarship Recipient 2022
Howard University School of Law, Class of 2022
The Langston scholarship changed my law school experience because it lessened my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my grades. Much of my education has been marked by having to work and attend school, making it more difficult to get outstanding grades. Langston made it possible for me to focus only on school for the first time in my educational experience and that has paid off dividends.
Amethyst Phillips
Scholarship Recipient 2023 & 2024
UCLA School of Law, Class of 2024
Being the first law student to receive this scholarship each year of my law school career reaffirmed my belief that representation matters. It gave me the confidence and support to pursue a career where I can advocate for equity and inclusion in the legal field. I’m deeply grateful for the Langston Bar community for investing in my journey and inspiring me to uplift others along the way.
Michael Stallworth
Scholarship Recipient 2023, 2024 & 2025
UCLA School of Law, Class of 2025
Sponsor Today and Have Your Logo Featured Here!
Look Back at Past Events
Check out highlights from the 2024 Langston Gala and 2025 Langston Gala.
SEE YOU AT THE 2026 AWARDS GALA!
OUR MISSION
To empower leadership, advance the professional development of its membership, and promote the administration of justice in the Black community and the community at large.
2026 OFFICERS
Ludlow B. Creary II
President
John Mathews II
President-Elect
LaKeshia Dorsey
Vice President
Allan Claybon
Treasurer
Almuhtada Smith
Corresponding Secretary
Jennifer Fisher Golden
Recording Secretary
Candice Green
Parliamentarian
Kimberly Toney
Sergeant-at-Arms
© 2026 - John M. Langston Bar Association I ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. I Post Office Box 811985 Los Angeles, CA 90081 I info@langstonbar.org
PRIVACY STATEMENT: CONTENTS MAY NOT BE DUPLICATED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN CONSENT