Making Black History: Verna Williams inspires as first Black dean of UC College of Law
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Black History Month is a time for many to reflect on past Black figures who have made a difference, but modern people like Verna Williams are already making history.
Williams is the first Black dean of the University of Cincinnati's College of Law, an institution that's been around for nearly 200 years.
“I don’t focus on it much, because to be the first today is different than being the first 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 50 years ago,” said Williams.
Students and staff agree that though it's different, her achievement is no less significant.
Janelle Thompson is in her final semester of law school at UC.
She says, growing up, she didn't see anyone in the legal community who looked like her. Then, she met Dean Williams on a campus visit.
“So, when I came here and saw all the representation I had, it made me feel more comfortable — made me feel like I had a voice without having to do too much, and it made me push for whatever I wanted to push for, so I feel like I challenge myself a little bit more,” said Thompson.
“In an ideal world, you shouldn’t have to see the person to think it’s a possibility for you, but I think the reality is it does matter,” said Williams.
It turns out, representation even matters for someone as accomplished as Dean Williams.
She says she nearly talked herself out of applying for what wound up being a historic promotion.
“Looking back, was that a confidence thing, too? Like, 'Oh, I don’t see myself reflected in that role.' Certainly, there were very few Black women deans at that time when I was on the faculty,” she said.
Williams wants to remind young Black men and women that even if you can't "see" it, you can achieve it.
“I hope to inspire them not just to be deans of law schools," she said. "I hope to inspire them to strive, and not count themselves out."
