Hello

I was born and raised in San Bernardino, California—one of the most dangerous cities in the country. Growing up in a single-parent household, I witnessed firsthand how easy it is for young Black boys like myself to fall through the cracks. My father struggled with drug addiction, and his experiences with the criminal justice system shaped my early understanding of how unforgiving and inequitable it can be. Seeing him incarcerated left a lasting impact on me, sparking a desire to understand how the system works and why it so often fails the people it’s meant to protect.

 

At school, I faced many challenges. I was constantly doubted and suspended multiple times. One of my teachers even told me to give up on my dream of becoming a lawyer and consider a different path. But my mother, who raised me with resilience and strength, instilled in me the belief that I could break the cycle and achieve more than what was expected of me.

 

In 2010, my mother took me to Ghana, Africa, and that trip changed everything. Seeing firsthand the deep impacts of colonization and slavery, and understanding how those legacies still affect Black people in America today, awakened a new consciousness in me. I realized the struggles I saw in my community weren’t isolated—they were part of a much larger history of systemic oppression.

 

In 2015, I moved to Washington, D.C., to attend Howard University, where I majored in Pre-Law. While studying, I felt a calling to do more for my community. I interned for now Vice President Kamala Harris and worked on Capitol Hill with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. But the defining moment that pushed me toward law school came in 2020, after the murder of George Floyd. Like so many others, I felt an urgent need to fight for justice. That’s when I decided to go to Howard University School of Law.

 

During my time in law school, I became a passionate advocate for Black people whose voices are being silenced by the justice system. I dedicated myself to supporting at-risk youth in Washington, D.C., serving as a mentor and representing them at suspension and disciplinary hearings. My work extended to the Prince George’s County Public Defender’s Office, where I saw firsthand how deeply the justice system oppresses Black people.

 

In addition to my legal work, I led a nationwide advocacy campaign for the clemency of Marcellus Williams, a Black man on death row despite evidence pointing to his innocence. This campaign was part of my broader mission to bring attention to the countless Black men on death row, whose voices remain unheard despite significant evidence that could exonerate them. These experiences have only deepened my commitment to fighting for justice and equity, both in the courtroom and in the community.

 

In 2024, I founded The People’s Justice Collective, driven by the hope that no one should have their life destroyed by a system that’s supposed to protect them. Our nonprofit advocates for criminal justice reform, mentors at-risk youth, and fights for the release of incarcerated individuals. I also led a nationwide campaign advocating for the clemency of Marcellus Williams, a Black man on death row despite evidence pointing to his innocence. This fight for justice is what drives me every day.

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Sincerely, 

 

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