Empower Tenise Newton's Journey to Justice

Tenise Newton's journey to law school is nothing short of extraordinary. As she begins her first year at Widener University’s Delaware Law School, Tenise is not only pursuing a lifelong dream but also demonstrating a profound commitment to justice and community. Her story is a powerful reminder of what it means to overcome adversity and strive for something greater.

From a young age, Tenise dreamed of a future where she could be “totally liberated, indemnified, unapologetically free to be myself, whoever that was at the time.” This vision, however, was shaped by the realities of being Black in America, where societal pressures and expectations can weigh heavily. “Unfortunately, being Black in America places a target on your back,” she explains. “Every individual misstep can potentially be a step backwards for your entire community, and with each accolade gained, the narrative of your people abruptly shifts.”

Tenise’s journey began at Swenson Arts and Technology High School in Northeast Philadelphia, where she first encountered the legal world through dual enrollment classes. It was here that her aspirations started to crystallize. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has always navigated her life with an acute awareness of her responsibilities. “I would seriously hate for my legacy to be reduced to the people I leave behind in my wake,” she reflects. Her dedication to her community and her personal integrity have always driven her actions.

Balancing a full-time job, managing Type 1 Diabetes, and embracing the role of a single mother, Tenise earned her Pre-law Bachelor’s Degree from Manor College in Fall 2023. Her days were filled with early mornings, demanding work hours, and late-night study sessions. “A typical day for me begins early—getting my son dressed, walking the dog, and then heading to work,” Tenise describes. “After work, I put my son to bed and try to fit in some homework or just decompress.”

Now, as Tenise embarks on her law school journey, she faces the financial burdens of tuition and living expenses. Her dream extends beyond personal success; she aspires to be a “courageous woman, leader, trailblazer, revolutionary.” Tenise is committed to being a force for change, advocating for marginalized communities, and bridging educational gaps.

“To me, societal labels can never fully define any of us,” Tenise states. “No matter how many boxes I check off, I refuse to allow my identity to get lost upon the restrictive borders of one. I am certain that I am on the precipice of self-discovery and I will allow my grit and tenacity to prevail in all future endeavors, including law school.”

Your support can help alleviate the financial pressures Tenise faces and enable her to focus on her studies and advocacy. Every contribution brings her closer to achieving her dream of making a lasting difference in the world.

Join us in supporting Tenise Newton’s journey. Your generosity will help her continue to strive towards her goals and make a meaningful impact. Thank you for being part of her story and helping her pave the way for a brighter, more just future.

To learn more about Tenise’s inspiring journey and her dedication to making a difference, read the article by Anthony J. Machcinski, Assistant Director of Marketing Communications at Manor College here: https://manor.edu/manor-college-grad-i-want-to-be-part-of-the-change/