The Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. (BWLA) recently raised thousands of dollars for its scholarship foundation at its annual spring luncheon held April 13 entitled, "State of the Union: The Role of Race & Gender at the Intersection of Law, Business and Human Rights." The annual spring luncheon included a panel discussion at the Hyatt Regency Chicago before 300 BWLA members and supporters. Discussion topics included how the panelists’ organizations address civil rights (nationally and internationally), the contemporary significance and impact of race/ethnicity in the United States, and the societal effect of how TV networks & other forms of media portray women and women of color. Cheryl Mayberry McKissack (President and CEO, Nia Enterprises LLC) moderated the lively discussion between the panelists, which included Chey Blake (Vice President & Enterprises Counsel, A&E Television Networks), Honorable Wiley Branton, Jr. (Pulaski County, Arkansas), Karen Ripley (Chief Legal Officer, MillerCoors LLC), and Adrien K.