The Harvard Law Review hailed its firs female black president on Monday. ImeIme A. Umana, who belongs to the Class of 2014, will replace outgoing president Michael L. Zuckerman.
A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Umana will be the 131st president of the Harvard Law Review. And although she is touted as the first black female president of the organization, it is not her first time to hold a high position. Five years ago, she served as the president of the Institute of Politics.
According to Zuckerman, there were 12 candidate's that vied for the position this year, eight of whom are women and of different color. The process of choosing the position involved answering questions from a forum of editors, answering questions submitted by the readers, and mock editorial activities.
Zuckerman has nothing but praise for his successor saying that with Umana's brilliance the Harvard Law Review is in good hands. He also mentioned that Umana's election is historical as the participation of women and people of color in the organization was marginalized in the past. He said that with Umana's appointment, there will be a much 'richer and inclusive legal conversation.'
In the past, the organization was subject to criticism that it lacked representation of women and minorities in its staff. They addressed that by electing new editors that came from diverse backgrounds last year. Thus, in a way, Umana's election is like icing on the cake for women and people of color.
In a report on the Harvard Crimson, Umana said during that time that the appointment might not automatically lead to students of color to feel included but it sends a message that everyone is accepted in the Harvard Law Review.
Indeed, no one knows what the future lies ahead but it shows promise as the organization opens its doors wider.
