Anthony Gomez ’26, Malcolm King Winner, Interns with Associate Justice Bianka Perez
Major: B.A. Political Science
Minor: English
Programs: Pre-Law Institute (PLI), Dominican Students Association (DSA)
Internships/Fellowships: Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem, Vera Fellow; Bronx Supreme Court Civil Term, Judicial Intern with the Hon. Bianka Perez ’95; Law Office of Ronald P. Hart, Paralegal Intern
Mentor: Elton Beckett, Faculty Fellow and PLI Pre-Law Advisor
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Career Aspiration: Attorney/Public Official
What was life like before John Jay?
I grew up in East New York, Brooklyn, but my family moved to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic (DR). I developed a lot of my values from going to the DR every summer. A lot of my core memories revolve around visits with my grandma and cousins on the island.
I was raised by my mom, Diory, a single mother, with three other siblings. Being the second oldest in the family, I felt a responsibility to be a role model to the younger kids. My mom worked hard as a cashier at a pharmacy, but in a family of five, money was always tight. We grew up on public benefits, food stamps, and Section 8 housing. I witnessed her frustration as she tried to figure out which resources she was eligible to receive. It felt like she was always fighting structural racism and begging for scraps. Seeing how hard life was for my mom made me want to become an attorney and an elected official. I wanted to be in a position to change inequities for low-income households. I was determined to make sure that nobody else went through the housing and food insecurity that we went through.
Why John Jay?
After earning my associate degree in Florida, I missed New York City and wanted to move back. While searching for schools, I realized what an affordable option CUNY was. Then I saw how aligned John Jay was with my vision of becoming an attorney. The pipeline PLI created to law school was impressive. So, I immediately applied. I was actually in the DR when I got the acceptance letter from John Jay. It also happened to be on my birthday. My extended family helped me celebrate this critical step toward achieving my dreams.
How did your internships help support your career goals?
Justice Bianka Perez, a John Jay alumna, is a Dominican woman. She’s the first Dominican woman to sit on the Bronx Supreme Court bench. I met her at Law Day at John Jay. After I introduced myself to her, she told me to come to her chambers the next week. That’s when Justice Perez offered me the judicial internship. Seeing her, a Dominican woman, sitting on the bench with the power that she has was an inspiration for me. As a first-generation college student and an Afro-Latino, her representation meant the world to me. I tell her all the time that her success shows me that my dreams are possible. As her judicial intern, Justice Perez pushes me to do my best—be it studying for the LSAT, drafting a case brief, or analyzing a motion.
Being a paralegal intern for Ronald P. Hart made me realize that I wanted to be in the legal field for the rest of my life. Working with him and his paralegals, I got to interview clients and deepen my writing abilities. It made me very proud when he told me I was one of the best writers he ever had intern for him. Without even asking, he offered to write me a letter of recommendation for law school.
How are you celebrating Black History Month?
As the President of the Dominican Students Association, I like to celebrate Black History Month by holding events and discussions that address anti-blackness and colorism. We look back at African American history, like the Civil Rights movement, and we dive into the everyday struggles Black people face. As a group, we talk about what to do when no one in the room looks like you, and we bond while creating a comfortable space where you don’t have to worry about racism.
What does winning the Malcolm King Award mean to you, and how will it help you reach your goals?
When I got the email saying I won, I was so surprised and happy because it’s the first scholarship I’ve ever received. After I found out, one of the first things I did was call my mom to give her the good news. She told me that she believed in me and that I deserved the award because of how hard I worked. She also told me that this was just the beginning of my journey and that I had to keep going. I plan on saving the money from the award to pay for law school application fees.
What hopes do you have for the Black community?
I want young Black kids to know that the color of their skin doesn’t stop them from doing anything. I want them to proudly wear their natural hair texture and take pride in their history and culture.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Eventually, after I finish law school, I want to run for public office—maybe city council. That’s where I can effect change and establish policies that fight against inequality.
