Aryssa Harris [extra Quality] Jun 2026
who made history as the second Black woman elected Editor-in-Chief of the Boston University Law Review . Enrolled in a highly selective JD/PhD dual degree program at Boston University , Harris merges empirical political science research with legal advocacy to address racial disparities in the American criminal legal system. Her work focuses on systemic racism, mass incarceration, the War on Drugs, and municipal policing accountability. Academic Foundation and Early Research
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Following her graduation from Beloit College, Harris was named an and entered Boston University's Graduate School of Arts & Sciences alongside the School of Law. Her doctoral research centers on American politics and public policy. She evaluates how institutional legal frameworks intersect with administrative police biases to perpetuate racial inequities. aryssa harris
Arlyssa's journey as a leader began in her teenage years, when she started organizing and participating in local protests and rallies. She was particularly drawn to the Black Lives Matter movement, which sought to bring attention to the systemic racism and police brutality faced by African Americans. As she became more involved in the movement, Arlyssa realized the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and pushing for policy changes that would benefit those who needed it most.
Recognized by the American Political Science Association (APSA), she participated in this graduate-level program to master advanced quantitative methodologies for studying racial and ethnic politics. The JD/PhD Dual Track at Boston University who made history as the second Black woman
Served within the Youth Advocacy Division in Roxbury, providing essential litigation support for indigent juvenile defendants.
She conducted foundational empirical research examining the direct correlation between federal mandatory minimum sentencing, presidential rhetoric, and the disproportionate mass incarceration of Black men. Academic Foundation and Early Research To help you,
Alongside her academic responsibilities, Harris maintains an active role in civic and indigent legal defense frameworks throughout Massachusetts: Organization / Fellowship Key Responsibilities & Impact
Some of Arlyssa's notable achievements include:
Arlyssa Harris is a young activist and leader who has been involved in various social justice movements, including the fight for racial equality, education, and women's rights. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Arlyssa grew up in a community that faced numerous challenges, including poverty, violence, and systemic inequality. Despite these obstacles, she developed a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to create positive change.