My Journey, My Future

From the Motherland to boats, brutality whipped and then thrown, from being three-fifths addressed, to our rights being suppressed; the ongoing race to equality and race to human soul recognition.​ I wrote these words as a woman of color in America. I have not only experienced a generational gross violation of human rights through inequality and discrimination, but I have also observed high disregard to fundamental rights and freedoms on an international level. I began my studies as a political science major to learn about the functions of government and their role in protecting the civil rights of its citizens. I am ready to further my studies and education to explore human rights as a concept; how these rights differ conceptually across diverse cultures and locations, challenges of humanitarianism, and social and political responses to these crises. Next Fall at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights, I plan on learning more about human rights theory, as well as strengthen my ability to be a future advocate for human rights practice in government relations.

There are a certain list of rights that come with being a human being. Typically, these are thought of as natural rights. The Black experience in America has proven time and time again, that natural rights are in no way natural. My decision to major in political science was influenced by my interest in questions of black political thought, democratic theory, and political obligation. As an undergraduate, I conducted research with Dr. James Bowen to understand how African-Americans developed a widespread sense of abiding support for the Democratic Party. Through this research project I discovered that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 significantly influenced African-American support of the Democratic Party and through a concept of “linked-fate” African-Americans have continued to support the Democratic Party without falter. However, it is unclear if the policies of the Democratic Party warrant the undying support of Black people. In the book, “Steadfast Democrats” by Ismail White and Chryl Laird they speak of Black people feeling the need for political unity after years of experiences of racial aparthied. Furthermore, I question exactly what is the nature of the political relationship between alienated groups and a sociopolitical body that inherently views them of less value? As a graduate student, I intend on pursuing professional research on questions of “linked-fate”, urban policy, critical race theory, and transitional justice.

I have ample experience with government officials and government organizations that have assisted in developing my research interests and have prepared me for research on a graduate level. I was a member of the highly selective Half Hollow Hills Legislation Committee where I was able to develop personal relationships with government officials such as Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Legislator Jason Richburg, and Town Supervisor of Huntington Chad​ ​Lupinacci. My passion for civil advocacy through this committee developed further through the mock debates and annual lobbying for the district for educational funding. My passion was amplified through my Town of Babylon Supervisor’s Office Rich Schaffer Internship where I began to work directly under the town supervisor; learning the inner functions of local government, and collaborating with a team of interns to help facilitate the Wounded Warrior Project community service event, which sought to help veterans returning from combat get financial assistance. For the previous three summers, I have worked at the Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs & Youth Bureau to advocate, as a young woman of color, for true governmental support for the rights and enhancement of minority groups. I also developed a leadership network among community groups to coordinate the virtual conference series called “Youth Aspirations” led by the Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs to give future young leaders an opportunity to network with governmental officials and political leaders. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, I created workshops touching the topics of leadership, human rights history, and building economic growth in minority communities. While participating in the Suffolk County Human Rights Law Commission, I became immersed with questions on rights and justice. I worked under Investigator Dawn Lott reviewing and evaluating real-life civil complaints, which had a tremendous impact on my understanding of rights violations, justice, and retribution. In Kitamba’s Diversity in Analytics and Leadership Program, I was able to refine my research practice and data analytic skills. This led to one of my most passionate research projects, which focused on student enrollment in postsecondary institutions through the lens of race and ethnicity. I have received over 15 awards and scholarships for academic success, leadership, and community service including the Citizenship Achievement Award and Outstanding Community Service from the New York State Assembly, a Certificate of Recognition from NYS Senator Phil Boyle, a Proclamation from the Town of Huntington, and the Student Leadership Award from the Excellence in Success Organization.

My experiences through these organizations and my education as an undergraduate student at Pace University and John Jay University have helped develop my passion for investigating the relationship between race and rights. I look forward to exploring the interdisciplinary curriculum at Columbia University and contributing to the academic legacy of the Institute for the Study of Human Rights. Attending Columbia University will allow me to collectively work with like-minded, motivated scholars, and deepen my understanding of these issues while maximizing my ability as a professional academic. My hope is that my experience studying at the Institute for the Study of Human Rights will elevate my understanding enough to work in government relations or other human rights organizations to fulfill my desire to advocate for the voiceless and uphold the natural rights of all humans.