For the first time in the history of the Harvard Law School, all three presidents of the school’s honors societies are Black. The Harvard Law Review, the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, and the Board of Student Advisers all announced the results of their respective elections at the end of January. The Review selected Sophia Hunt, HLS 25′, as Editor-in-Chief; the Legal Aid Bureau selected Femi Akindumila, HLS 25′, as president; the BSAs selected Jheri’ Richards, HLS 25′, as president.
The Harvard Law Review is the oldest of the three honors societies, with its first publication in 1887. It would take the prestigious law journal 101 years to select its first non-white president, with the election of Raj Marphatia in 1988. The journal waited twenty-nine years more before electing its first African-American female president, Imelme Umana. Hunt will be the 138th President of the Harvard Law Review, marking the second time a Black woman has led the journal.
The Harvard Law School Board of Student Advisors emerged in 1910, in response to an influx of small and often elitist “law clubs” that served as social groups and ran moot courts. Over the last century, the Board’s responsibilities have evolved to serve as academic advisors and general mentors. Richards will be serving as the BSA President for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Founded in 1913, the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (HLAB) is the oldest legal services office of its kind. The inaugural publication of The Record explains the organization was founded to “help members of the community who are unable to hire an attorney in cases where legal services are needed.” HLAB handles over 300 cases representing indigent clients each year, in response to the legal needs of the greater Boston area. Akindumila will serve as the President in the upcoming academic year.
We spoke with the heads of the honors societies about making history as the first time three Black presidents are holding office simultaneously, and what that means to them:
Sophia Hunt:
“It is also not lost on me that the Harvard Law Review is not operating in a vacuum, and I am overjoyed to work in conjunction with the leaders of Harvard Law’s other honor societies. Particularly, given a political and social climate that has been sharply critical of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, it is reassuring, hopeful, and inspiring that HLS students have affirmed and selected three Black students to lead its honor societies. I cannot wait to work with and alongside Jheri’ and Femi, and I am beyond excited to see what is to come.”
Jheri’ Richards
“With such devastating events happening in the world surrounding race, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and even closer to HLS, with things happening in the legal world like the SFFA decision this year, now more than ever, representation throughout our higher education system is paramount. At this moment, for all of the Presidents of HLR, HLAB, and BSA to be Black is not something to downplay or overlook. We must recognize and celebrate this. This momentous achievement is a reflection of all of our abilities in the face of adversity. The world we live in time and time again refuses to recognize Black people. But this moment is a testament to what is possible in spite of that. I am so honored to be a part of such an exciting legacy and to represent the BSA this year. “
Harvard Legal Aid Bureau: Femi Akindumila
“I was born in a small town in Ondo State, Nigeria and my family came to America when I was just three years old. So for me to be where I am today is nothing short of a miracle. But my success is not something I share alone. My success is a testament to the abundant love and sacrifice I’ve received from my friends and family. Their outpouring of support is what has helped me throughout my journey. So as I’m grateful and excited to be the President of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau I am also immensely thankful for all those who have helped me to get here.”
The Record looks forward to seeing all that these three outstanding students will achieve in their upcoming presidencies.