Afrika Owes, a single mother, was astonished when she discovered that she had not only passed the bar exam but had also accomplished this feat on her very first attempt. Owes had harbored dreams of this moment her entire life, and her reaction to the news was priceless. In a heartwarming video, the aspiring lawyer recorded herself as she read the test results. Her excitement knew no bounds as she leapt out of her chair upon learning of her success.
“I always had faith in myself,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
Please note that the clip contains some explicit language.
Afrika’s video has touched the hearts of over 2 million viewers, and her inspiring story continues to resonate with many more. According to Good Morning America, this determined law student faced numerous obstacles on her path to fulfilling her dream of passing the bar exam. Among these challenges, one of the most significant was her arrest at the age of 17. After pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy and weapons possession, she spent six months behind bars.
Afrika’s family helped her every step of the way.
During that challenging time and beyond, Afrika acknowledges the invaluable support of her family and community in helping her navigate through the difficulties.
“I veered off course, but they ensured I found my way back,” she remarked. “They never passed judgment on me, and they never abandoned me. I hope my experience serves as a testament for communities everywhere, demonstrating that everyone is prone to making mistakes.”
In her video, Afrika expressed her gratitude to her family members for their unwavering support. She specifically acknowledged her mother, grandmother, brother, and son, recognizing the significant role they played in her journey. In a heartfelt gesture, she proudly showcased photos of her cherished loved ones who stood by her side when she received the exhilarating news of passing the bar exam.
Afrika expressed her immense joy in becoming part of the small percentage of Black women Attorneys in the U.S. in her caption.
According to a report by Forbes, the representation of Black women in the legal profession was disappointingly low in 2023, with only 2.28% of attorneys identifying as Black women.
According to the report, the representation of Black women in U.S. law firms is quite low, with only 2.28% of all attorneys being Black women. This percentage is even lower compared to other minority groups, such as Asian and Latino attorneys.
Afrika Owes is embarking on a new chapter in her life as she follows her dreams. With the successful completion of the bar exam, we eagerly anticipate the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in her career.
