Afrika Owes, a resident of New York City with a history of incarceration, has achieved a remarkable feat by passing the New York Bar Exam on her initial try.
Her journey, marred by personal struggles and brushes with the law, culminated in a moment of triumph captured in a viral TikTok video.
Surrounded by her brother and best friend, Owes anxiously awaited her exam results online, her heart pounding with anticipation.
When the news finally broke, revealing her success, she erupted into tears of joy, exclaiming, “I passed! I passed!”
Now 30 years old, Owes shared her story with pride, underscoring her path from incarceration to law school.
Raised in Harlem, she drew inspiration from her late mother’s community advocacy work, nurturing a lifelong aspiration to become a lawyer.
Despite facing challenges early in life, including involvement in a gang and subsequent legal troubles, Owes remained resolute in her pursuit of higher education.
Supported by her family and community, she completed college under probation and embarked on the journey to law school at Fordham University.
“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,” Owes reflected, acknowledging the unwavering support she received. “I want my story to be a testament to that, for communities as well, that everybody makes mistakes.”
As she looks ahead to graduation and a future specializing in tax law, Owes hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges.
