Harvard Law Review Elects First Black Woman President

Imelme Umana (24) has become the first Black woman to be elected as president of the Harvard Law Review.

The 130-year-old revered law journal had appointed its first Black president 27 years ago and that was President Barack Obama. The first woman who was elected to the position was Susan Estrich, 41 years ago.

Umana is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants and grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She was chosen by 92 student editors, after a 12-hour discussion on her portfolio.

The presidency is the highest ranking student position at the law school.

Umana did an internship at a public defender’s office in the Bronx, and dreams of becoming a public defender after graduation. She graduated from Harvard College in 2014, after majoring in governed and African-American studies.

Congrats to Imelme Umana, HLS '18, on her selection as President of the Harvard Law Review. 1st black woman to serve as President. #Herstory pic.twitter.com/liqu40K4Va

— Harvard BLSA (@HarvardBLSA) January 30, 2017

Her appointment has raised questions as to why it took so long for the publication to elect a female Black president.,

The previous president of the journal, Michael L. Zuckerman, told the Harvard Crimson that “for a field in which women and people of colour have for too much of our past been marginalized or underrepresented, her election is an important and encouraging step toward a richer and more inclusive legal conversation”.

The Law Review is aiming to become more diverse. Last year, it elected the most diverse class of editors in its history.

Cheers to Umana for winning this coveted position and making history!

Also Read: Meet the first deaf-blind graduate from Harvard Law School: She is a star