Tyler Blackmon '24 and Patience McHenry '26 Named Next Generation Leaders by the American Constitution Society

Tyler Blackmon '24 and Patience McHenry '26 were named Next Generation Leaders by the American Constitution Society (ACS). ACS has selected 34 up-and-coming legal professionals as 2024 Next Generation Leaders (NGL). Launched in 2007, the Next Generation Leaders (NGL) program recognizes and supports law school students who have shown exceptional leadership in their work with their ACS student chapters. The program offers various opportunities that empower the students to develop their leadership skills and make a long-lasting impact in their communities.

ACS President Russ Feingold noted, “I’m excited to introduce this year’s class of Next Generation Leaders, whose achievements represent the future of the progressive legal movement and the promise of a multiracial democracy. The Next Generation Leaders program was created to develop and support future progressive lawyers, judges, and policymakers, and this impressive class will contribute to the growing number of Next Generation Leaders alumni, already over 400 strong, across the country.”

“ACS's mission to bend the law toward justice has never been more critical," says Tyler Blackmon. "After leading Minnesota Law’s ACS chapter as a student, I’m thrilled to continue contributing to the legal community by joining this network of future progressive lawyers, judges, and policymakers.”

"Being chosen as a Next Generation Leader (NGL) by the American Constitution Society (ACS) is a profound honor that resonates with my personal journey," says Patience McHenry. "As a first-generation, African-American woman from southeast Texas and a former teacher in culturally diverse, indigent communities, I also champion access, inclusion, and equality as essential keystones for justice and democracy.  As an NGL, I have a unique, supportive platform to enhance my leadership skills, form transformative partnerships, and turn my aspirations into actions.  From the classrooms to the courtrooms and the boardrooms, I am here to do Great Work."

Congratulations, Tyler and Patience!