From Harambee to HBCU to Harvard

 One student's amazing journey of perseverance and excellence

Harambee | HBCU | Harvard

This year, Harambee is celebrating the tremendous achievement of alumnus Johnny Lee, who was recently accepted into Harvard Law School. Preparing to graduate from Howard University, Johnny graciously shared reflections on his time at Harambee and his dreams for the future.

Principal and mentor Alex Steinman knew from an early age that Johnny was destined to fulfill the Harambee Declaration and “accomplish great things that will make a difference forever.” He reflects:

“It was clear from the day I met Johnny in kindergarten that God had gifted him with a remarkable intellect and an aptitude for learning. What an incredible joy it has been to witness how Johnny has overcome extraordinary challenges and grown into a leader and a man of strong character. I look forward to all the ways God will continue to use Johnny for good in this world as he pursues his law degree at Harvard.”

What inspired you to apply to Harvard Law School, and what are your goals during the program and upon completion?

I was inspired to apply to Harvard Law School because of its rich legacy of producing changemakers and institutional leaders in American society and beyond. From molding Presidents and Supreme Court Justices to corporate C-suite leaders, the school has a clear record of cultivating excellence. In my own journey to achieve all that I can in this life, I saw a path through Harvard Law School as the final step in my academic career—one that would position me for meaningful impact beyond the lecture halls.

My goals at HLS first and foremost revolve around attaining a rich education in the law. I believe this will equip me with an advanced understanding of the legal field, which forms the fabric of society. Developing a deeper understanding of how society works—how it operates and evolves—will allow me to help shape it in meaningful and lasting ways. I also want to build strong connections with my peers, professors, and alumni, which I plan to do by engaging in leadership opportunities and participating in as many extracurricular activities as possible.

Upon completion of the program, I hope to transition into corporate litigation as one of this country’s Black male lawyers, who currently make up only 2% of the field. My background and journey to this point have given me a unique perspective, and I believe that perspective will allow me to help break down barriers that have made this field inaccessible to many from my community. Ultimately, I aspire to become an institutional leader in the legal profession and to advance legal morality, a key pillar of the field. Beyond that, only time will tell where my story leads, but I intend to bring the same diligence, determination, and grit that have brought me this far.

Is there anything about your time at Harambee that inspired or prepared you for this next stage?

My time at Harambee was fundamental in preparing me for this next stage in several ways. First and foremost, Harambee provides a top-quality education—a platform for success that is often locked behind socioeconomic and racial barriers, as evidenced by outcomes in schools just around the corner from Bonham Avenue. Without this above-and-beyond education, I am not sure where I would be today.

Secondly, Harambee has always had a loving and compassionate staff and faculty. Their care for students goes far beyond what is expected, and it is this connection that inspires growth and development—especially for those who need it most. Anyone who knew me during my time at Harambee knows that I struggled behaviorally at multiple points, nearly to the point of expulsion. Had I attended a different school with a lower standard of Christ-like compassion, I might not be on my current path toward success.

Thirdly, Harambee taught me the importance of community and servant leadership. The mentors who invested in me were instrumental in guiding my development. Along my journey, I have not forgotten to pass along that same investment by mentoring young men in a similar way. This has taught me much about myself and about leadership, and it consistently reminds me why I strive to make excellence in my community an expectation rather than an exception.

Is there anything about your time at Harambee that has helped shape your vision and values for your life overall?

Harambee deliberately instills a moral foundation in its students that is not often found in alternative educational paths. For me, that foundation has been instrumental. It has equipped me to navigate barriers and challenges with integrity and resilience. I have come to understand the true value of service and leadership largely because of my time at Harambee.

Harambee continually challenged me to grow, and that commitment to growth has become the basis for my life’s vision. I am who I am today in large part because of the formative instruction I received there.

Knowing what you know now, what advice or encouragement would you give yourself as a younger student?

Harambee, in its mission and purpose, provides students with a direct opportunity to change their circumstances. In my younger years, I was often burdened by my life’s realities—the single-parent, low-income environment in which I was raised. At times, I felt destined to become a product of my environment, a statistic that overlooked the richness of my background.

If I could speak to my younger self, I would say: continue to work hard and thrive despite your present challenges. The power to change the very things that frustrate you now rests with you.

What advice would you share with current Harambee students who are thinking about their future?

To the current students of Harambee:

Your life is yours to direct. Even from a young age, there are choices within your control—choices that allow you to push back against challenges that seek to hold you down. You can choose to move toward success, or you can choose an alternative path. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Choose wisely, with an understanding of both the positive and negative consequences of your decisions.

This realization is vital. It allows you to transform your past, your background, and your challenges into resilience and adaptability that will carry you far in life. Do not allow yourself to become a product of someone else’s choices. Let your own vision and desire for your life be the driving force that takes you wherever you hope to go.

Dream big, because you are capable of achieving more than you can imagine.

As one of the greatest actors to break barriers for Black artists once said:

“Don’t be afraid to fail big, to dream big. But remember, dreams without goals are just dreams.” — Denzel Washington