Overcoming Adversity: A Triumphant Journey
Afrika Owes, a single mom from New York, has gone viral for passing the bar exam on her first try, defying all odds. Despite her former incarceration, Owes accomplished her goals in a heartwarming moment that has inspired viewers worldwide.
Celebrating a Remarkable Achievement
On April 25, Owes posted a video on TikTok of her finding out she passed the bar exam. Wearing her Fordham School of Law sweatshirt, Owes had her brother behind her as she realized she achieved her dreams.
“POV: You’re a formerly incarcerated single mom who passed the bar early on the first try,” Owes titled the video. She began screaming, “I passed!” as tears of joy flowed. She then referred to her deceased mother and grandmother, who inspired her to pursue a law degree.
“Thank you to my angels, my momma, my grandma,” she wrote in the caption. “Thank you for my son, my brother, my family, and my tribe. I’m beyond happy to join the ranks of the 2% of Black women Attorneys in the U.S.”
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
Owes’ untraditional journey to law school is a testament to her resilience and determination. The Harlem native served six months on Rikers Island in 2011 for gang-related conspiracy and weapons possession, followed by a year-long probation. She was 17 years old at the time of her incarceration.
“From that, I only served six months on Rikers Island and then I had a few years of probation,” she shared with Good Morning America. “And then after, successfully completing two years of college, which was a condition of my release, I was taken off of probation. I was adjudicated as a youthful offender.”
A Profound Impact on the Legal Profession
Owes is now among the only 59% of test-takers who pass on the first try, a statistic confirmed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The American Bar Association reported that only 57% of Black participants passed the bar exam, making her feat even more remarkable.
“I strayed from my path, but they made sure that I got right back on track. They didn’t judge me, and they never let me go,” stated Owes. “I want my story to be a testament to that, for communities as well, that everybody makes mistakes.”
Owes expects to graduate from Fordham this May. With her passing the bar exam, she will pursue a career in tax law with other aspirations of a judicial clerkship. The school’s Dean, Matthew Diller, also shared how Owes’ journey is a triumph.
“I have gotten to know Afrika during her time as a student, and she has been a tremendously positive force at our school — bringing students together as both a leader of the Black Law Students Association and our Student Bar Association,” he shared. “Her story is inspiring, and I am excited to see the contributions that she will make to our profession and our society in the years to come.”
