Natassia Janvier: A Trailblazer in Civil Rights and Law
Natassia Janvier’s journey in public service and law is a remarkable testament to her leadership and commitment to advocating for marginalized communities. Currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at Florida State University, Janvier has made significant strides as a student leader, including serving as the president of the student body and the NAACP chapter. Her dynamic involvement extends to her roles as a university trustee and a member of the Board of Governors for Florida’s State University System, encompassing 12 public institutions.
Choosing Howard University School of Law
For someone with Janvier’s impressive credentials, law school options were abundant, yet Howard University School of Law stood out as her top choice. Since joining Howard, she has immersed herself in its rich legacy and educational environment. Janvier’s accomplishments include being named Student of the Year for two consecutive years and receiving the Best Oralist award at the Annual Watson Moot Court Competition. As a Marshall Motley Scholar—named after notable civil rights figures Constance Baker Motley and Thurgood Marshall—she embodies the legacy of significant change within legal spheres.
Learning from a Legacy
Reflecting on her experience at Howard, Janvier stated,
“It feels like an honor to have been taught by the people who led the Civil Rights Movement in this country…”
This sentiment illustrates her recognition of the foundational work of her predecessors, including jurists such as Charles Hamilton Houston and Pauli Murray. Her studies not only connect her to the past but also inspire her commitment to carrying this torch of advocacy forward.
Leading at a National Level
Janvier’s leadership extends to her recent role as the 58th national chair and CEO of the National Black Law Students Association. In this position, she mobilized conventions, engaged notable legal figures, and secured substantial funding for the organization. Her significant impact garnered recognition from Essence magazine, which included her in a list of influential women fighting for voting rights.
Researching Voter Suppression and Technology
Motivated by her background and experiences, Janvier is keenly focused on how technology intersects with civic engagement, particularly in the context of voter suppression. She is investigating how elements like artificial intelligence, deep fakes, and social media can potentially distort electoral processes. Janvier highlights the importance of adapting the Voting Rights Act to contemporary challenges, noting,
“What if facial recognition is used to access polling sites in the next election?”
Her research advocates for a comprehensive approach to address these modern threats to voter engagement.
Personal Impact and Advocacy
Janvier’s motivation is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences navigating the legal system. A momentous encounter with a Black woman attorney during a challenging time instilled in her a profound respect for legal advocates. She recounts,
“…having someone to advocate for the things I felt I couldn’t say at the time…”
This experience shapes her aspiration to provide similar support to those in need.
Future Aspirations
With her soon-to-be acquired law degree from Howard, Janvier plans to join the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Florida. Her commitment to civil rights remains unwavering. She emphasizes the critical need for advocacy in safeguarding the freedoms many have fought hard to secure. “It’s important that now, more than ever, we recognize that the things we fought years for are being stripped away every single day,” she explains, showing her dedication to securing future protections for emerging generations.
As Janvier continues her journey, her impact on civil rights and the legal field is poised to be profound, embodying hope and progress in an evolving landscape.
