Passing the Bar, Not Just the Mic: Why We Need More Black Lawyers

 The law impacts every part of our lives, yet Black lawyers make up only 5% of all American lawyers. I saw the impact of this when I was growing up, not just in the courtroom, but in how communities of color are treated by the justice system. That absence can shape the trajectory of cases, policies, and lives.

My biggest role model for becoming an attorney is Uncle Phil, of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Watching him balance his stressful job as a judge with being a father and a mentor opened my eyes. He showed me that being involved with law isn't all about winning in court, but about fighting for justice and making your position leave an impact. Seeing him stand up for his people and his family, and do it all with such dignity, inspired me to dream bigger. I aspire to be someone who can do the same. I aspire to become a part of that 5%.

Historically, we've had institutional barriers that made it difficult to become lawyers, and even now, Black students continue to wrestle with a lack of funds, fewer textbooks, and fewer networks. These barriers can make law an unreachable aspiration, but I'm here to re-write the script. Representation matters. As a future attorney, I'm confident that my voice, along with the voices of other Black attorneys, will provide more balanced and fair legal verdicts.

We've already witnessed the power of Black lawyers in action such as Thurgood Marshall, who ended segregation within schools (Brown v. Board of Education), and Ben Crump, who is still fighting for civil rights today. They encourage me to keep pushing towards my dream, even with the setbacks. Groups such as the Blackstone Pre-Law Society at Prairie View A&M University are helping me and other aspiring attorney's connect, receive mentorship, and have access to the resources we need to succeed.

Greater diversity within the law isn't simply about numbers, but about making justice a reality for all. When lawmakers, defenders of clients, and judges resemble society, we are all better off. That's the type of judicial system I'd like to assist in building. Here's a picture of me at PV Day at the Capitol, advocating for more funds for my institution, Prairie View A&M University. I had the opportunity to speak with influential members of the House of Representatives at the Texas State Capitol.