As an aspiring civil rights attorney, I am deeply committed to advocating for social justice, equality, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Through my high school career, I have actively participated in various leadership roles that have shaped my character and represented my skills. As the captain of the softball, volleyball, and basketball teams, I have learned the importance of teamwork, dedication, and leadership. These experiences taught me how to lead by example and motivate others. Being a team captain means bringing the team together for an empowering and supportive environment. In addition to my athletic pursuits, my involvement in Student Government has allowed me to engage with my peers on a broader scale. Serving as a member of all school leadership has brought me an understanding of the importance of leadership and authority. Participating in Link Crew has enriched my experience by enabling me to mentor incoming freshmen, helping them navigate the challenge of high school and feel welcomed in our community. My commitment and leadership extends beyond sports and school governance; I have also participated in various extracurricular activities and faced many challenges regarding social injustice. Growing up I never questioned what people thought of me or my race, but as I got older I noticed how I would get treated differently around certain groups of people. As a woman coming from black and white backgrounds, I could’ve never dreamed of a life any differently from what I have now. In Elementary school when civil rights were first mentioned to me I was intrigued to learn more. When I first heard names like Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, and Ruby Bridges, I was determined to continue their legacies. These new learnings inspired me to become a Civil Rights Attorney. Becoming a civil rights attorney is one thing that I have a strong interest in and passion for. I was raised as an empowered Black Woman having confidence in who I am and who I aspire to be. Becoming a civil rights attorney will give me the voice and the position to help anybody getting backlash for who they are as a person. Dr Martin Luther King Jr was a great example for me growing up. He portrayed characteristics that left a lasting impression on me. To this day, I try to demonstrate intelligence, self-confidence, and determination. In December 2022 I and many of my peers were called many derogatory terms and slurs during and after a basketball game at Valley Center High School. The boys' game was heated but this is no excuse. I decided that it would be wrong to sit back and allow this to happen. I posted videos and a story of what happened on Twitter and Facebook. I ended up receiving over 3 million views, reaching many worldwide news stations like CNN, CBS, and NBC. I received a few awards for this story, some from the NAACP, I Change Nations, and an award from the school board. Ultimately, using my social media resources and valuing my 1st amendment, Valley Center High School faced many consequences. This put racism into a perspective that I had never thought of and this is when I sealed the deal and decided to become a Civil Rights Attorney. In a career dominated by white Americans where black Americans only make up a total of 5%, I hope to become a voice for those who have been suppressed of their own.

As I reflect on my future goals and objectives, I see a path that involves sports, education, and social justice. My journey after high school begins with my commitment to play softball at Coppin State University. I can’t wait to begin my journey as a Division 1 athlete. Academically, I plan to major in political science with a minor in criminal justice. This decision stems from my passionate interest in our legal systems and the role they play in shaping society. After completing my, undergraduate studies and my collegiate softball career, I plan to attend law school. This next step is crucial in my journey to becoming a Civil Rights Attorney. I am motivated by a desire to advocate for Marginalized communities and overall equality and justice for all. My goal to become a civil rights attorney will allow me to represent clients while also engaging in community outreach and education. Growing up I never questioned what people thought of me or my race, but as I got older I noticed how I would get treated differently around certain groups of people. As a woman coming from black and white backgrounds, I could’ve never dreamed of a life any differently from what I have now. In Elementary school when civil rights were first mentioned to me I was intrigued to learn more. When I first heard names like Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, and Ruby Bridges, I was determined to continue their legacies. These new learnings inspired me to become a Civil Rights Attorney. Becoming a civil rights attorney is one thing that I have a strong interest in and passion for. I was raised as an empowered Black Woman having confidence in who I am and who I aspire to be. Becoming a civil rights attorney will give me the voice and the position to help anybody getting backlash for who they are as a person. Dr Martin Luther King Jr was a great example for me growing up. He portrayed characteristics that left a lasting impression on me. To this day, I try to demonstrate intelligence, self-confidence, and determination. In a career dominated by white Americans where black Americans only make up a total of 5%, I hope to become a voice for those who have been suppressed of their own. MLKs “I Have a Dream” speech is a civil rights and equality cornerstone. For a young woman of mixed race, King's dream of a society where people are judged by what resonates in their hearts and not the color of their skin inspires me deeply. Stories of Civil Rights activists remind me that my unique experiences, perspectives, and voice are vital for the ongoing fight for equality and that I too can leave a lasting impression on the world that we live in.

As a young Black woman dreaming of becoming a civil rights attorney, I often ponder the relationship between law enforcement and my community. The often strained dynamics can be disheartening, especially when I consider the stories I’ve heard and the experiences depicted in books like “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. In the novel, Starr Carter navigates the aftermath of witnessing the police shooting of her friend, Khalil. This heartbreaking event highlights the mistrust and fear that many in my community feel towards law enforcement. To create a safer and more equitable society, law enforcement agencies must take proactive steps to improve their relationships with African American populations. One of the critical steps is fostering representation within law enforcement. Diverse police forces can help build trust and understanding within communities. When young Black individuals see officers who look like them, it can reshape their perceptions of law enforcement. Representation matters. In “The Hate U Give,” Starr grapples with her identity and how it affects her interactions with the police. If more officers were from the communities they serve, they could understand the unique challenges and perspectives of those neighborhoods. This familiarity could lead to more compassionate policing and a reduction in violent encounters. Moreover, law enforcement agencies should prioritize community engagement. This means going beyond traditional methods of outreach and actively participating in community events. Officers could host workshops in schools, engage in discussions about civil rights, and collaborate with local organizations to address issues that matter to the community. By establishing a presence in a positive context, officers can shift their roles from enforcers of the law to community partners. These relationships can foster trust, making individuals feel more comfortable reporting crimes or seeking help. Training also plays a significant role in improving relationships with African American communities. Law enforcement agencies should implement comprehensive training programs that address implicit biases, cultural sensitivity, and de-escalation techniques. By equipping officers with the tools to understand and respect the communities they serve, agencies can help break down the barriers of mistrust. In “The Hate U Give,” the portrayal of police interactions reflects a lack of understanding and empathy. Training can change this narrative, ensuring officers approach every situation with compassion and an awareness of the historical context of racial tensions. Involving the community in policy-making is another essential step. Law enforcement agencies should create advisory boards that include community members, particularly those from marginalized groups. This inclusion can help shape policies that are fair and representative of the community’s needs. As a future civil rights attorney, I believe that the voices of the people should be at the forefront of law enforcement decisions. Engaging with the community in this way will not only improve relationships but will empower individuals to take an active role in their safety and justice. Finally, transparency is key. Law enforcement agencies must be open about their practices, policies, and accountability measures. By being transparent, agencies can rebuild trust with communities that have historically felt marginalized and oppressed. When people see that their concerns are taken seriously and that there are consequences for misconduct, they are more likely to engage positively with law enforcement. In conclusion, improving relationships between law enforcement and the African American community requires a multifaceted approach. By prioritizing representation, community engagement, training, involvement in policy-making, and transparency, law enforcement can begin to bridge the gap of mistrust. As I dream of becoming a civil rights attorney, I hope to witness a future where law enforcement is seen as a partner in justice, not an adversary.