From Behind Bars to Passing the Bar: 13 Years After Prison, Young Woman Becomes a Lawyer

Thirteen years after serving time in prison, Afrika Owes transformed her life from incarceration to inspiration, graduating from Fordham University School of Law, passing the New York Bar Exam, and making history as the first Black woman to receive the Keefe Award for her exceptional contribution to the legal community.

Thirteen years after leaving prison, Afrika Owes, a young woman from Harlem, New York, has completely rewritten her life story — graduating from Fordham University School of Law and officially becoming a lawyer in the United States.

For Afrika, graduation was more than an academic milestone — it was a full-circle moment of redemption and triumph.

“I’ve always dreamed of going to law school. Growing up, I watched my late mother, Karen Owes, advocate for our Harlem community and teach the importance of knowing the law, whether or not you’re a lawyer,” Afrika shared.

A Journey of Second Chances

At just 17 years old, Afrika was arrested and charged in a gang-related conspiracy case. In 2011, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy and weapons possession under New York’s youthful offender program. She served six months at Rikers Island Prison and spent several years on probation.

Her probation came with strict conditions — one of which required her to complete two years of college. Afrika met that condition, successfully finishing her college program and earning her release.

Reflecting on that time, she credited her family for their unwavering support:

“I strayed from my path, but my family made sure I got right back on track. They didn’t judge me; they never let me go. My story is a testament that everybody makes mistakes, but we can all rise again.”

Rebuilding Through Education

After her release, Afrika enrolled at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, where she majored in Sociology and Africana Studies and graduated in 2016.

Determined to continue her transformation, she applied to Fordham School of Law in 2021 to pursue her Doctor of Law (JD) degree — a decision she described as “defiance against the odds.”

“As a formerly incarcerated individual, I understand the barriers faced by those like me seeking higher education. Fewer than 2% of system-impacted Black women obtain graduate degrees,” she wrote.

Defying the Odds

Through perseverance, mentorship, and community support, Afrika excelled in law school. In May 2024, she graduated from Fordham Law and received the prestigious Keefe Award, which honors the student who has made the most significant contribution to the Fordham Law community.

She made history as the first Black woman to receive the Keefe Award and only the third Black recipient in the award’s history.

Adding to her triumph, Afrika had already passed the New York Bar Exam before her graduation ceremony — a moment she captured in an emotional video that quickly went viral and inspired thousands.

“It doesn’t matter where you start or how many times you fall. What matters is that you rise, keep going, and once you hit your stride — never stop running. From behind bars to passing the bar, then raising the bar,” she said.

Looking Ahead

Afrika Owes now plans to begin a judicial clerkship and later specialize in tax law. Her mission is to continue serving her community through justice, advocacy, and empowerment — proving that no mistake is final and that every setback can be turned into a comeback.

READ ALSO: Lady Breaks Down in Tears During Call to Bar Ceremony, Emotional Video Goes Viral

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION