Jamella Richmond ’26: Student Council Prez, Malcolm King Award Winner & Future Lawyer
Major: Law & Society
Minor: English
Programs: Accelerate Complete Engage (ACE), Pre-Law Institute (PLI), and Student Council
Internships/Fellowships: Kings County Civil Supreme Court, Judicial Intern for the Hon. Ingrid Joseph; Office for Justice Initiatives, United Court System, Summer Aide Intern for the Hon. Edwina G. Richardson; Moelis Social Entrepreneurship, Fellow
Mentors: Elton Beckett, Faculty Fellow and Pre-Law Advisor, PLI; Eva Nolen, Senior Academic Advisor, ACE
Hometown: Queens and Long Island, NY
Career Aspiration: Attorney
What was life like before John Jay?
I’m the first in my family to be born in the U.S. and the first to go to college. My parents moved here from Guyana. Even as a kid, I was drawn to leadership and advocacy opportunities. My mom likes to tell the story of how I ran for school president when I was in the third grade and only got one vote—my own. That story always makes me smile because it shows how much I believed in myself and saw myself as a leader from a young age. I eventually became class president in high school, and now I’m president of the John Jay College Student Council.
My mom, Sandy, says watching my academic journey and success inspired her to pursue her own educational dreams. She’s currently a student at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, where she’s earning her bachelor’s degree. I’m so incredibly proud of her.
Why John Jay?
I was initially accepted into Cornell University, but when I saw the financial burden it would place on my family—we would struggle to pay the mortgage, groceries, bills, and tuition—I knew I had to pivot. I remember my mom suggested I look at John Jay. So, I got on social media and looked up the best colleges for people who want to become lawyers, and John Jay College came up right away. I did my research and saw that, as a graduate of John Jay College, I could have a real impact in the legal profession, which got me excited for my future. Then, when I saw the College was affordable, how beautiful the campus was, and that I could be involved in student government in a variety of ways, I knew it was where I belonged.
How have ACE and PLI enhanced your John Jay experience?
Both ACE and PLI propelled me to a whole new level as a student. The programs allowed me to focus on my studies, get involved at the College, and explore the kind of work I wanted to do in law.
ACE relieved so much of the financial burden I was having as a student. It provided me with transportation, tuition, and book costs assistance. So, I was able to cover the costs of my commute, college, and my textbooks without stressing about how I would pay for them. That relief was vital to helping me focus on my academic success and join the Student Council.
At the Pre-Law Institute, I found incredible support and step-by-step guidance for getting into law school and finding internships. Being able to work with peers at John Jay who look like me and are going through the law school application process makes the process less scary, because I know I’m not alone. Getting to intern and see the field I want to be in action was so transformative. Talking to advisors like Mr. Beckett, who has buoyed my confidence, shows me that my law school dream and professional aspirations are attainable.
How did your internships help support your career goals?
Interning at the Unified Court System over a summer gave me a courtside seat to the judicial process in action. Throughout the internship, I met court personnel, lawyers, and New York State Supreme Court justices. Getting to hear about their journeys in the legal profession was so amazing. I was also able to sit in on a triple homicide murder case. Being in the courtroom, hearing arguments, and seeing the victims was life-altering. It was a big honor to be allowed in that space and to see the impact of the justice system. It affirmed for me that I was on the right career path.
Through the Pre-Law Institute, I secured a judicial internship with the Hon. Ingrid Joseph at the Kings County Civil Supreme Court. I worked with her on personal injury, labor law, and medical malpractice cases. What was so amazing about the experience was that I was able to write memorandums and draft decisions for her. Working with her and gaining exposure to judicial reasoning and courtroom proceedings made me want to pursue civil law.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I’m celebrating by watching lots of African American movies this month. For me, that means enjoying films like Love & Basketball, which highlight Black excellence. I also love rewatching Spike Lee classics like Crooklyn, She’s Gotta Have It, and Do the Right Thing. This year, I’m adding Sinners, Selma, Imitation of Life, and Hidden Figures to my list. Watching these films helps me reconnect with the African American experience and appreciate the contributions Black Americans have made to our country and culture.
What African American heroes give you the most inspiration and why?
Kamala Harris, Jasmine Crocket, and Ketanji Brown Jackson inspire me the most. They are all Black women who were lawyers and have broken barriers. They always speak up and make sure their voices are heard. Their strength, resilience, and determination to be changemakers motivate me. I hope to follow their example and be a voice for others in my career and life.
What does winning the Malcolm King Award mean to you, and how will it help you reach your goals?
It means so much to me to say I’m a winner of the Malcolm King Award. I remember when I learned the news, I was in the Student Council Lounge with other members, and we all just started yelling for joy. It was a wonderful moment. The award money is coming at a perfect time, too. It’s going to help me build up my savings for law school and life post John Jay. Law school applications are not cheap, so the award will get me closer to achieving my law school dreams.
How do you hope to contribute to the legacy of Malcolm X and Dr. King?
I hope to add to their legacy by continuing their work, contributing to the community, amplifying voices, and uplifting others. Right now, in Student Council, my administration revived a scholarship that had been dormant for eight years. When we were able to bring it back and help other students pay for their education, it was so exciting. It shows that you can make a difference in someone’s life. It doesn’t matter what your role is; as long as you care, you can make a real difference.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself established in my career as a lawyer, having a big impact on my clients and also on the community. I’d like to give back by investing my time and energy in helping people change their lives for the better.
