Black Lawyers Matter
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 06/12/2020
There is a new lawyer in town! Her name is Fatoumata Waggeh and she is unapologetic about who she is and what she stands for.
Second oldest of 6, Fatou had a happy childhood. Her life was centered around the library. From a tender age, her parents taught her to embrace and take pride in being African.
She always knew that she would be an advocate of something. In high school, she realized the impact laws have on society. At the time, she went to Mali and helped construct a school for a 2-week volunteer and cultural immersion project.
During her undergraduate studies at New York University (NYU), Fatou studied International Relations, and then went on to The University of Pennsylvania Law School.
4 years ago, she and a friend launched “The Smiling Coast Women Empowerment Network.” The mentorship program provides assistance to women through their pursuit of higher education, and keeps them connected to their West African culture and identity. They have since organized workshops and annual events that build and uplift their communities.
Over the years, Fatou brought social justice for marginalized communities here (Africans and immigrants). She worked as a corporate paralegal at a law firm and then went to work at a legal advocacy organization as a civic organizer, where she sparked interest in local occurrences, participated in policy and advocacy work. She also worked on upending the Muslim Ban when it was introduced by President Trump. She also worked on the Refugee Ban and preserving DACA and TPS, as well as organized rallies and protests.
“Being Black and Muslim are two identities that can co-exist,” Fatou said.
This year, she and other law students traveled to Ghana, South Africa, Brazil and The Gambia. During her trip, she learned about African political development, colonial history, transitional justice, and how pro bono legal work affects communities there.
Becoming a lawyer requires 4 years of undergrad, passing the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), going through 3 years of law school, and then acquiring a license in order to practice.
While in law school, Fatou had one exam per class and to make sure that she performed well, she spent 10 to 12 hours a day reading for the next class. She’s had to transition from the analytical to learning to think like a lawyer. She admits that the process was challenging and rigorous but looks forward to impact litigation, local policies. Fatou has also been fortunate to meet and interact with a community of people who she believes will do great as legal advocates.
With an increase of protests throughout the states over the killings of colored people, Fatou says: “America needs a dialogue on racism. That conversation can serve as a reconciliation.”
Black lawyers matter now more than ever. Despite the current happenings in the United States, Fatou still believes in the power of legal justice, and will continue to fight for change.
Madina Toure and Fatou are friends and work together through “The Black & Muslim Series,” a platform that highlights Black and Muslim Excellence. Madina expressed, “When I first met Fatou, the first thing that stood out to me is how unapologetically Black, Muslim and African she is. She proudly identifies as a Black Muslim feminist. She knows who she is and she doesn’t hide or tone it down for anyone. Whether she’s in the community or in school— no matter who she’s around— she always proudly carries her identity with her. She is a young woman with so much poise, brilliance, class and character.”
Madina added, “On a personal level, she’s a very dedicated and loyal friend who is always ready to lend an ear if you have a problem you need advice on, and will always support and uplift you in everything that you do. And she’s modest — she never brags about all the amazing things she does so we do it for her!”
Fatou obtained her law degree last month and will begin working at a corporate law firm. “And I want to run for office and also become an impact litigator, advocating for marginalized communities in inner-city America and long term, developing Africa,” she said.
This unapologetically Black, African and Muslim woman spent the majority of her life advocating for others who may lack the knowledge or support to stand up for themselves. This is only the beginning as she sees the completion of her law degree as a “new privilege” to use her degree to advocate for her community, and ensure that their voices are heard, and better laws are put in place to address their needs.
Welcome to Fatou’s World
Fatou’s family is from The Gambia (Soninke tribe). She likes to read novels, spoken word poetry, and enjoys watching international movies.
in 2017, Fatou was awarded a proclamation by the NYC Comptrollers Office for her activism in the African Community.
“There is beauty in being Black and Muslim.”
“We need to dismantle supremacy.”
In the video below, you can watch Fatou’s TED Talk on African political development and colonial history.
Connect with Fatou:
Facebook: Fatou Gundo
Instagram: @fgundo27
Email: fatoumata.waggeh@gmail.com
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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