Third-year law student Henry Tanner was selected as the first-place winner of the 15th Annual Judge Kit Carson Roque Jr. Scholarship by the Jackson County Bar Association.

Tanner is the third consecutive MU law student to win the award, worth $1,000. The
scholarship is awarded in honor of late Judge Kit Carson Roque Jr., an African-American graduate of the UM-Kansas City School of Law and a former member of the Jackson County Bar Association.

Roque was known for being a dedicated community activist, child advocate and civil rights leader, according to the School of Law’s [website](http://law.missouri.edu/news/). Law students from MU, UMKC, the University of Kansas and Washburn University compete for the annual scholarship.

“From my understanding, Judge Roque was a selfless individual and used his accomplishments and influence to advocate for admirable and noble causes,” Tanner said in an email. “Judge Roque’s legacy is parallel to my aspirations. I have every intention to return home and be a successful attorney, but more importantly, I intend to effectuate admirable and necessary changes within the African-American community.”

Tanner received the scholarship in recognition of his contributions to the MU School of Law, specifically for his efforts and role as academic chair for the Black Law Students Association, according to the website. Through his role as academic chair, Tanner said he pioneered a writing workshop for first-year law students with associate professor David Mitchell.

“This scholarship is an immeasurable honor,” Tanner said. “To stand before and be recognized by the legal community in Kansas City was a terrific reward for my efforts. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the judges and attorneys who were involved in the interviewing process and present at the luncheon.”

The writing workshop was designed to give students several opportunities to have their exam-writing strategies and legal analyses evaluated, Tanner said.

“We are truly grateful that Professor Mitchell not only agreed to participate, but put forth a tremendous amount of effort to make the program a success,” Tanner said. “I undoubtedly believe that this program contributed to my selection as first-place winner of the Roque Scholarship.”

Though his work in the BLSA program was a major contributor to his winning the scholarship, Tanner’s academic success and sheer compassion for others were also contributions, Mitchell said.

“If you look at Henry’s resume, you can see that he is an impressive young man,” Mitchell said. “For Henry, I think (helping others) is something that he views as a large responsibility. That is rewarding to see because lawyers always get a knock for not being caring toward other people, but this young man is someone with a very big heart and people notice.”

Tanner was also recognized for Project Manhood, a program he founded in 2008 at MU that aims to provide guidance and encouragement to undergraduate men.

The program is primarily based on academics and classroom performance, but due to its informality, a number of issues are generally discussed, Tanner said.

“I was inspired to found Project Manhood by former MU students Chris Wilson, Rickey Lee, Branden Gregory and Alpachino Hoque,” Tanner said. ““When I met the aforementioned individuals, each one took me under his wings and provided me with guidance, support and encouragement. They also warned me of common mistakes and pitfalls of undergraduate men so that I would not trip up. For that I am thankful, and Project Manhood is my way of giving back what those men gave to me.”

With Project Manhood, Tanner said he has given back to both undergraduate and graduate students. Columbia College student Kaelan Cox has been Tanner’s tutee for two years.

“When I first got involved in Project Manhood, I was having a lot of trouble in school and needed help,” Cox said. “We met twice a week, but if I ever needed anything, Henry would take time out of his day to help. Henry is driven — in a sense he is like everyone’s big brother. He is that person you can ask anything anytime, and he will be there for you day or night.”

Tanner said he plans to use his scholarship money for books and schooling. After graduation, he said he will join the law firm Lathrop & Gage, LLP, in Kansas City, Mo.