02 March 2025 2 minute read
Sarah Williams, C'2025, always knew her voice had power. Even as a child, people remarked that she should be a lawyer– a natural speaker, and a champion for those in need. However, it wasn't until she co-founded the Pearland Youth Movement that she truly illuminated the impact of her voice in action.
"That experience gave me firsthand insight into advocacy and organizing. It cemented my passion for pursuing law," she reflects. During her time with the movement, she played a key role in drafting and presenting a BLM resolution, organizing the city’s first youth-led Pride event, and spearheading the first youth-led town hall meeting to encourage informed voting. She and her peers also learned how to lobby against climate change, amplifying their voices in policy discussions. Beyond these milestones, they launched the Dear Pearland series to shed light on issues within local schools — just one of many initiatives that fueled their mission for change.
Now as a senior at Spelman College, majoring in political science with a pre-law focus, Williams' journey has been defined by purpose and passion.
"My disdain for divisive and oppressive politics has fueled my desire to analyze the structure and theory behind political science," she explains. Spelman’s rich legacy coupled with its partnership with law schools provided the ideal environment for her growth.
Her leadership has been shaped by many experiences but none more than her involvement in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. "Being surrounded by true sisterhood rooted in leadership and community service has truly been a blessing," Williams shares. "We push each other to be better servant leaders. It’s hard work, but it’s also a space where I can be authentically myself."
Sarah’s commitment to justice extends beyond campus. As a Library of Congress-published Associate Fellow of Justice for Black Girls. She has dedicated years advancing the field of Black Girlhood Studies. "This fellowship has been life-changing. I’ve presented my research at a national conference, but more importantly, I’ve grown intellectually and emotionally in a community of my Spelman sisters," she says.
Her passion for fostering community is clear in her role as a resident advisor. "As a first-year student, I embraced the Spelman sisterhood and wanted to carry that spirit forward. The most rewarding part is the everyday interactions — sometimes, a simple 'good morning' can make a big difference in forming connections," she reflects.
Williams' corporate exposure at Bessemer Trust honed her networking and communication skills, crucial for her future in corporate and criminal law. "I learned about 'little networking' — reaching out to everyone, even outside my field, to understand different career paths. In law, grades and networking are key, so these experiences are invaluable," she says.
At Spelman, she discovered a space that amplifies her Black Girl Magic, and equips her for the challenges of a legal career. "The legal world has implicit biases. I will work tirelessly to grow the small percentage of Black women in law," she asserts. Her passion for social media marketing which began during the BLM movement further strengthens her advocacy by educating communities on civic engagement and legal rights.
Sarah Williams is not just preparing for a career in law; she is shaping a future where marginalized communities have a voice, where justice is accessible, and where Black women are powerful forces to be reckoned with and no longer a rarity.