Afrika Owes ’24 is a native New Yorker who says she is passionate about using her legal education to be a catalyst for change.
At Fordham Law, she has emerged as a campus leader—both as president of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) from 2022-2023 and in her current role as director of diversity for the Student Bar Association. During her tenure as BLSA president, the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary, an event that Owes describes as “deeply moving.” After graduating, she is looking forward to starting her career as a tax attorney at a New York City firm while also continuing her involvement in social justice and community initiatives.
What is your hometown?
Harlem, New York City.
Where did you study before Fordham Law?
Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, where I majored in sociology and Africana studies.
Why did you choose Fordham Law?
I was drawn to Fordham because of the support and leadership exemplified by the Black Law Students Association. Before stepping onto campus, the President of BLSA assisted me with my application and provided advice on the law school process. Shortly after my acceptance, I was introduced to a professor who encouraged me to apply to the REAL Scholars program, and I was accepted as part of the inaugural cohort.
I was impressed by BLSA’s advocacy and Fordham’s commitment to diversity so early in the law school process; I knew I wanted to attend a school that invested in its students every step of the way.
For me, choosing Fordham Law wasn’t just about pursuing a legal education—it was an act of defiance against the odds stacked against me. As a formerly incarcerated individual, I understand firsthand the barriers faced by those like me seeking higher education. Fewer than 2% of system-impacted Black women obtain graduate degrees. Yet, against these odds, I’ve persevered, fueled by the steadfast support of my community, mentorship, and my self-determination.
Fordham Law offers people like me a chance to rewrite our narratives, to reclaim our voices, and to redefine our futures. Here, mentors don’t just offer guidance—they become champions, and allies in our quest for success. I’ve had the privilege of encountering professors who not only recognize the barriers I face but actively encourage me to seize opportunities that might have seemed out of reach. Their belief in my abilities has empowered me to step into leadership roles, including serving as 2022-2023 president of the Black Law Students Association and 2023-2024 director of diversity for the Student Bar Association.
At Fordham Law, I am not just a student; I am a catalyst for change, a testament to the transformative power of education and the need for institutions to invest in people like me. Transitioning from being system-impacted to impacting the system, I am deeply committed to uplifting others facing similar challenges.
As I continue on this journey, I carry with me the spirit of resilience and the heartbeat of my hometown, fortified by the Fordham Law education and support from my Fordham Law “Ramily.”
What do you like about studying law in New York City?
As a native New Yorker, I’ve always taken pride in the unparalleled energy of my city, so it was a no-brainer to choose an institution nestled in the heart of the city. Here, the law isn’t an abstract concept confined to textbooks; it’s a living, breathing force shaping the very fabric of our daily lives. In New York City, we witness the law in action, providing a unique perspective on the law that only New York City schools like Fordham can offer.
From clinics to community outreach programs, Fordham encourages its students to engage and make a tangible impact on the world around us. To me, Fordham isn’t just a law school in New York; our community is an integral part of the identity of New York City.
What are you involved in at the Law School?
This year I am the director of diversity equity inclusion & belonging (DEIB) for the Student Bar Association. This year also marks a significant milestone as the SBA introduced the DEIB fund—a groundbreaking initiative within our law school network. As the inaugural director tasked with utilizing these funds, I’m excited at the prospect of making a tangible impact on campus and fostering a more inclusive environment for all.
What has been your favorite experience at Fordham Law?
Meeting Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and hosting Fordham Law’s 50th BLSA celebration at the 45th Annual Ruth Whitehead Whaley Dinner were both awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
During our meeting, Justice Jackson shared a poignant anecdote about receiving a letter from an incarcerated individual while sitting as a judge. She deemed the experience the essence of justice: giving a voice to those often silenced. As Justice Jackson recounted this story, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey as a system-impacted individual. As I sat face-to-face with a Supreme Court Justice, I realized that this moment epitomized the transformative power of justice in America—the ability to rewrite our narratives and reclaim our stories.
The 50th celebration also held special significance as we honored the trailblazers who paved the way before us. Over the course of 50 years, the Black Law Students Association stands as a beacon of strength and solidarity in the Fordham Law community. Coming together to commemorate our past leaders and acknowledge the profound contributions of BLSA throughout the years was deeply moving. It reaffirmed the enduring legacy of resilience and community that is woven into the very fabric of Fordham Law.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
Upon graduation, I will be starting as a tax attorney at a big law firm, while concurrently engaging in social justice and community empowerment initiatives. Additionally, I aspire to clerk for a judge, drawing inspiration from my meeting with Justice Jackson, with the intention of integrating my unique perspective into various facets of the legal profession.
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