Henry H. Tarrant Award for Black Student Excellence Recipients

The Henry H. Tarrant Award for Black Student Excellence is named in honor of the first known black graduate of Detroit Mercy Law.  Henry H. Tarrant graduated in 1922.

The award, established in partnership with Detroit Mercy Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA), recognizes incoming black law students for their achievements prior to law school and for their potential as future leaders, influencers, and activists, who will advance justice, equality, civil rights, and service.

 

2023 Recipients

Gregory Simmons
Gregory holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Campbell University. His experience includes service in the military and with law enforcement. He hopes to use his law degree to advance the rights of Black people in the criminal justice system and to inspire his children.

Briana Walker
Briana holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice & Sociology from Oakland University. She served as captain of the track team while at Oakland University. She is inspired by her parents' hard work and hopes to use her law degree to make a difference in the Black community.

Andre Williams
Andre holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Flint. He plans to utilize his psychology degree in his future law practice as a defense attorney working with youth. He wants his legal career to be a message to the young Black community that they can achieve great things.

2022 Recipients

Zahara Madahah

Zahara holds a B.A. in English from University of Michigan Dearborn. She has experience working as a police officer in the Detroit Police Department where she received the 2021 Women in Blue Officer of the Year and was awarded the Spirit of Detroit Award from the Detroit City Council. Zahara looks forward to continuing her commitment to the city of Detroit and it's residents. Read Zahara's feature in the Legal News.

Analise Robinson

Analise holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish from Grand Valley State University. She hopes to be able to use her law degree to bring justice to those who have been wronged. Analise has been inspired to pursue the law because of many influential figures and hopes she can be influential to others in the future. Read Analise's feature in the Legal News.

Stephanie A. Thomas

Stephanie holds a B.S. in Psychology from Howard University. Prior to pursuing law school, Stephanie held a position with the U.S. Federal Government. She is a Detroit native and is excited to bring her skills to advocate for others in the city. Read Stephanie's feature in the Legal News.

2021 Recipients

Tarrant Harvey

Tiffany holds a BA in International Studies and Asian Studies from University of Michigan. Tiffany worked with AmeriCorps, volunteered with D-Town Farm, and served as a volunteer Mandarin translator. She is interested in civil rights and environmental law. Read Tiffany's feature in the Legal News.


Tarrant Nelson

Kristen Nelson holds a BS in Management, magna cum laude, from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Kristen played Division I Basketball and is interested in becoming a sports and entertainment attorney. Read Kristen's feature in the Legal News.


Tarrant Retland

Deloris holds a BS in Elementary Education from Wayne State University and an MA in K12 Administration from Michigan State University. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Detroit for a decade before coming to law school and desires to work in the education system.


Tarrant Roberts

Monica holds a BA in Communication Studies from University of Georgia. Monica is interested in criminal law and social justice. As an attorney, she plans to work to exonerate the innocent. Read Monica's feature in the Legal News.